The Siberians are similar and even compared to other Forest Cat breeds. The Siberian is a large, strong cat which takes 3 - 4 years to mature. The females may 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.
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 of a gentle slope from the forehead to the nose and a slight concave curvature before the tip. The neck is medium-long, rounded, substantial, and well-muscled.
The tail is medium length, wide at the base, blunt at the tip without thickening or kinks, evenly and thickly furnished.
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 widths 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.
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.
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 are desirable, but are secondary to type.
The Siberian Cats come in a variety of colors and markings. 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.
