The Siberian Forest cat is an ancient breed believed to hold the ancestor beginnings to all long-haired cats. Also referred to as just the Siberian cat or Siberia, this breed has a thick coat of fur that protects it from harsh winters making it one of the most popular breeds in Russia. "Sibirische Katze" as it is known in Germany, the Siberian Forest cat received the "Siberian" title to its name after they made their way to Berlin.
Known as the Russian Longhair Cat, a male and female were transported to Berlin where a breeding program was started. During the early 1990s, descendents from these original Russian Longhairs were registered throughout Europe, including Germany, as the breed Siberian Cat or Siberian Forest Cat. The first of the breed also arrived into the United States in 1990 with the first American born Siberian Forest litter arriving in October of 1990.
The Siberian Forest cat is a well-built cat that displays a long body and a broad, rounded head. The legs are quite powerful and the overall appearance is similar to the Norwegian Forest cat breed. The fur is dense and the undercoat will be thick and heavy which its ancestors needed to survive during severely cold temperatures. This heavy coat has a triple layer that is water resistant and this breed will also drop their coat twice a year. The most commonly seen coat color is the tabby coloring with white paws.
Over the last 25 years, the breed has begun to flourish among enthusiasts in Russia. A birth registry for Siberian Forest cats has been established in St. Petersburg at the Kotofej Cat Club. New colors have emerged with "Neva-Masquerade" being the colorpoint Siberian Forest.
The original Russian Longhairs are hardy cats that enjoy being outside even in the cold weather. They are also referred to as being less affectionate to their owners which is quite different from its descendents, the Siberian Forest cats. The Siberian Forest cat is described as being rugged but a devoted and quiet companion, many times being compared to that of the Persian which is known for having a calm disposition.
Although the true origins of the Siberian Forest cat are not fully known, it has been in existence for centuries in Russia where it has been declared "The National Cat of Russia". Those wishing to obtain a Siberian Forest cat sometimes find it difficult to find one with full lineage of the original Russian breed as some have been crossbred with American Persians and even Siamese. This intelligent breed is still somewhat rare in the United States but is gaining popularity among breeders and cat enthusiasts.
References:
CAT BREEDS OF THE WORLD, by Desmond Morris, copyright 1999.