Siberian
Siberian: dog-like, intelligent and devoted. Russian native breed; rare outside of Europe.
Updated October 15, 2026 · 8 sources · see sources
| Weight | 12–15 lb or more [1] |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | About 10–18+ years [1] |
| Coat | Longhair [2] |
| Look | Russian native breed; rare outside of Europe [2] |
| Personality | Dog-like, intelligent and devoted [2] |
| CFA popularity (2025) | No. 8 pedigreed breed [3] |
Activity and exercise
Curious and easygoing; CFA quotes owners calling them “90% placid and 10% mischief.” [2]
Grooming
CFA says coats vary a lot; check the underside, tail and britches for mats several times a week. PetMD says weekly combing usually works, with extra effort in spring and fall shedding seasons. [2] [1]
Health issues to budget for
PetMD's vet-reviewed breed guide lists these conditions to know about: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Injuries, Obesity, Dental disease. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Routine vet visit, any cat (owner bills) | $190–$525 | [4] |
| Yearly cost of a cat, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,149 | [5] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, cat (US 2025) | $435/year | [6] |
| Cat dental cleaning (owner bills) | $350–$1,450 | [7] |
| Cat heart disease treatment (owner bills) | $525–$1,250 | [8] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for cats in general or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- CFA calls the Siberian the national cat of Russia, with recorded history there going back to about the year 1000. [2]
- The first breeding Siberians arrived in the US only in 1990, imported by Elizabeth Terrell. [2]
- CFA accepted Siberians for registration in 2000 and gave them championship status in 2007. [2]
- PetMD says Siberians are slow to mature and may not reach full size until about age five. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families wanting a sociable, curious cat that wants to be near people (CFA)
- ✅ Owners who can handle seasonal shedding
Common questions
How long do Siberian cats live?
PetMD's vet-reviewed guide gives a lifespan of about 10–18 years.
How big does a Siberian get?
PetMD lists a weight of 12–15 lb or more.
More cat breeds
Sources
- PetMD – Siberian cat breed health and care (vet-reviewed)
- CFA – Siberian breed profile
- CFA – Most Popular Breeds for 2025
- VetReceipt – Cat Routine Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
- NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
- VetReceipt – Cat Dental Cleaning Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Cat Heart Disease Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)