TICA BREED STANDARD http://www.tica.org
RECOGNIZED CATEGORY / DIVISIONS/COLORS: Traditional Category, all Divisions, all colors.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Siberian is a large, strong cat which takes 5 years to mature. The females weigh less than the males. They are extremely agile and great leapers. Their muscles are mighty, outstanding and powerful. The back is long and very slightly curved or arched, but appears horizontal when in motion. Convex muscular waist and round, compact belly develop with age. The hind legs, when straightened, are slightly longer than the forelegs. The paws are round, big and quite powerful. The overall appearance should be one of great strength, force and size with an excellent physical condition and alertness; the facial expression is quite sweet. The general impression is one of roundness and circles, rather than the rectangles and triangles of similar breeds.
HEAD: The head is a modified wedge of medium size with rounded contours, broader at the skull and narrowing slightly to a full rounded muzzle with well-rounded chin. There may be a slight muzzle curvature, but the transition between the side of the head and the muzzle is gentle and inconspicuous. The cheek bones are neither high set nor prominent. There should be a good distance between the ears and eyes. The top of the head is flat, with a slight nose curvature before the tip. The neck is medium-long, rounded, substantial, and well muscled.
TAIL: The tail is medium in length, wide at the base, blunt at the tip without ticking or kinks, evenly and thickly furnished.
EARS: The ears are medium-large, wide and set as much on the sides of the head as on the top; ideal position is 1 to 1-1/2 ear width apart. The tips are rounded and the ear tilts forward. Lynx tipping is desirable. Hair over the back of the ears is short and thin; from the middle of the ear, the furnishings become longer and cover the base completely.
EYES: The large, almost round eyes are set wide with the outer corner slightly angled toward the lower base of the ear. There is no relationship between eye color and coat color/pattern, however, the typical adult color is yellow-green.
COAT: This is a moderately long to longhaired cat, with hair on the shoulder blades and lower part of the chest being thick and slightly shorter. There should be an abundant ruff setting off the large, impressive head. There is a tight undercoat, thicker in cold weather. Allow for warm weather coats. The coat gives the impression of lacquer and oil when ungroomed. The hair may thicken to curls on the belly and britches, but a wavy coat is not characteristic. The skin may have a bluish cast. Clear strong colors and patterns desirable, but are secondary to type.
ALLOWANCES: buttons, spots or lockets.
PENALIZE: Adult cats not having substantial weight. Straight profile. Narrow or fox-like muzzle. Almond shaped eyes. Very long legs.
VARIETIES: The Siberian Cats come in a variety of colors and markings. Taken from CFA (Cat Fanciers Breed Standard) All colors are genetically possible. In the traditional class all colors and combinations are accepted with or without white. In the tabby group white or off white is allowable on the chin, breast, and stomach area. Buttons, spots or lockets are allowable in all colors. The pattern/color descriptions are the same as the Persian. In the colorpoint class, mitted, bicolor, lynx and tortie patterns are allowed. The pattern/color descriptions for the colorpoint, mitted and bicolor are the same as the Ragdoll. The pattern description for lynx points and tortie points are the same as a Birman. In the traditional colors, description for the blue golden is the same as the golden except tips are blue rather than black. No outcrosses are allowed for this breed.
PERSONALITY: The Siberians have a wonderful dog like purrrrrrrsonality and they are very affectionate!!! A Siberian never runs off and hides under a chair or bed when seeing a stranger. Unlike many breeds this breed will come over and greet the stranger. They are very intelligent and learn quickly and even "problem solve" to get what they want. They love to be spoken to and will come running if called by name. Siberians also have a triple purr and unlike other breeds have a chirping sound when coming up to greet you. They also have a large bushy tail that stands at attention and does a shimmering effect when happy, that may look like they are spraying to some which is not what they are doing. Siberians have a fascination with water, often dropping toys into their water dishes or investigating bathtubs before they dry. This is the ideal lap cat that is calm and yet very active at playtime.