The Siberian is Russia’s native cat. The overall appearance should be one of strength and force with an excellent physical condition and alertness, with a sweet facial expression. The breed is extremely slow to mature taking as long as 5 years.

Adult males are usually larger than the females and allowances should be made for a size differential between males, females and young juveniles. Type takes preference over size.

The general impression is one of roundness and circles, rather than the rectangles and triangles of similar breeds.