The first Siberians were imported into the USA in 1990 coming from what was then called Leningrad, Russia. Three kittens arrived and a breeding program began - Kaliostro the male and his friends Naina and Ofelia were the front runners for this breed. Other cats were imported and breeders in the USA began receiving breeding kittens in the Fall of 1991.

A lot has happened since 1990 and now - the Siberian breed is accepted for Championship in all of our American associations with the exception of ACFA where they are still being shown as NBC's and CFA which has yet to recognize the breed.

The colorpoint Siberian made its debut into the USA in late 1996. The colorpoint Siberian is being shown in the NBC class at this time. This magnificent, natural, survival breed is a large cat with rounded head, ears and eyes, long fur which is very difficult to wet which explains how they were able to survive in their native Russia during those very long cold winters.

They are muscular with a docile and affectionate disposition which makes them enjoyable to any household. They are very loyal cats, seeming to be almost "dog-like", they know their names and come running to greet you at the end of a hard day. They are very devoted to their caregivers and have a wonderful trait which is visible when they appear to be excited - they shimmy their tails like a squirrel, they can be vocal with many sounds from chirping to a twill sound or make no sounds at all. They are very agile with the grace of the most famous Russian ballerina but they are also great leapers and land with no sound at all.

They come in a variety of colors and patterns although the brown tabby seems to be everyone's favorite. They do tend to shed and proper grooming will keep their coat in good condition. Although a minority breed their popularity is "catching", for some reason which we can not explain folks who seem to have allergies to cats can have Siberians. But you should visit with a Siberian if you have allergies before you take one home.

The Siberian breed has come a long way since their tiny paws hit the soil of the USA just like our immigrant forefathers and they are here to stay!!!!!!

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Profile submitted by Linda Gray of Comrade Cattery.