The Siberian Cat | Breed Standard

Not all breeders show their cats. Why does that matter? For two main reasons: 

1. A breeder that shows their cats at cat shows demonstrate an intimately familiar understanding of the breed standard (more on "breed standard" below) & these breeders are working to insure the breed retains its unique characteristics; 

2. Breeders that show their cats at cat shows are confident in the health (no disease, no fleas, parasites, wounds, etc) of their cats and these breeders are proud to show dozens of well-educated judges their beautiful breed. Judges handle and examine the cats in detail. Allowing judges to examine the cat indicates that the breeder has nothing to hide (imagine having six veterinarians inspect and approve an animal - it builds confidence & reassurance in the health and quality of the cattery); show breeders are also willing to spend thousands of dollars a year in cat show fees.

Garrita's Siberians are show-quality Siberians (that does not mean you are required to show them! - but please feel free to!); it means that you are working with a breeder that is directly involved with improving and maintaining the Siberian breed to its most authentic form. This entails not just breeding healthy cats but also using selective breeding techniques that seek to breed the Siberians that most closely meet the breed standard and breed out genetic illnesses.

Ok so what is all this talk about "breed standard"? What do Siberian cats look like? 

In cat shows, for example, the CFA (Cat Fancier's Association) judge the Siberian in three areas: head - worth 45 points; body - worth 40 points; color/pattern - worth 15 points. 

 Within "head", the head shape & muzzle are considered most important (worth 25 of the 45 points); within "body", the boning & torso take 20 of the 40 points; and within "color/pattern", length and texture of the fur hold 10 of the 15 points in this category. 

The general impression is one of roundness and circles, rather than rectangles and triangles. We are looking for round features - a round muzzle, softly round eyes, slightly rounded ears and a plump body and frame.

When showing the Siberian, breeders are breeding Siberians that have a moderately short-in-length muzzle that is full and round; a barrel-shaped, firm belly giving the sensation of solid weight (for the Siberian it is very acceptable to have a stomach pad or famine pouch on lower abdomen); once fully grown the Siberian should also have a triple coat and abundant collar fur. This generally defines the "breed standard".