You’ve probably seen them. Those massive, fluff-heavy felines that look like they just stepped out of a snowy fairytale or a medieval painting. People often just call them a long haired russian cat, but if you want to get technical—and cat people always do—you’re usually looking at the Siberian Forest Cat. This isn't just some random house cat with a thick coat. It’s Russia’s national treasure. Honestly, these cats have been around for centuries, surviving sub-zero temperatures in the taiga long before anyone thought to give them a formal breed standard.
They're big. They're heavy. They’re surprisingly sweet.
But there is a lot of misinformation floating around the internet about them, especially regarding their "hypoallergenic" status and how much work they actually take to keep alive and happy. If you’re thinking about bringing one of these majestic beasts into your home, you need the ground truth, not the marketing fluff.
What Actually Is a Long Haired Russian Cat?
When someone mentions a long haired russian cat, they are almost 100% talking about the Siberian. While Russia has other native breeds, like the sleek Russian Blue (which is short-haired) or the Peterbald (which is often hairless), the Siberian is the undisputed king of the long-hair category.
They are what we call a "natural breed." That basically means humans didn't mess with them in a lab or a controlled breeding program to get that look. Evolution did the heavy lifting. To survive a Siberian winter, you need a triple coat. Yes, three layers. They have a tight undercoat, a middle coat, and long, water-repellent guard hairs on top. It’s basically a high-tech parka made of fur.
Interestingly, while they were mentioned in Russian folklore for hundreds of years, they didn't really hit the international scene until the 1990s. After the Cold War ended, the doors opened, and these cats started making their way to the US and Europe. Elizabeth Terrell of Starpoint Cattery is often credited with bringing some of the first Siberians to America in 1990, trading them for Himalayan cats with Russian breeders.
The Neva Masquerade Controversy
You might also see a long haired russian cat that looks exactly like a Siberian but has the "pointed" markings of a Siamese—dark ears, face, and paws with blue eyes. These are called Neva Masquerade cats.
Some registries, like the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe), consider them a separate breed. Others, like TICA (The International Cat Association), just see them as a color variation of the Siberian. If you talk to a "purist" breeder, they might get kinda grumpy about the Neva Masquerade because those markings likely came from crossbreeding with Persians or Siamese way back in the day, which technically dilutes the "forest cat" gene pool.
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The Hypoallergenic Myth: Let’s Be Real
This is the big one. This is why people pay thousands of dollars for a Siberian.
"They're hypoallergenic!"
Well, sorta. But also, not really. No cat is 100% hypoallergenic. That’s a myth that needs to die. Most people aren't actually allergic to cat hair; they're allergic to a protein called Fel d 1 found in cat saliva. When a cat licks itself, the protein dries on the fur, becomes dander, and then your nose explodes.
Siberians are famous because many of them produce significantly lower levels of Fel d 1 than other breeds. Some studies, including those often cited by the lab Siberian Research Inc., suggest that a small percentage of Siberians have exceptionally low levels of this protein.
But here is the catch: it varies from cat to cat. You might be fine with one Siberian and have a massive asthma attack with another. If a breeder tells you their cats are "guaranteed" not to cause allergies, they’re lying to you. Always go spend an hour in a room with the specific cat you want before you commit. Put your face in its fur. See what happens.
Living With a Mountain of Fur
Owning a long haired russian cat is a lifestyle choice. You will find hair in your butter. You will find hair in your coffee. It will become a part of your wardrobe.
Despite the "forest" name, they aren't wild animals, but they are incredibly athletic. They have powerful hindquarters. They can jump to the top of a refrigerator from a standing start without even trying. If you have expensive vases on high shelves, move them. Now.
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They are often described as "dog-like." They’ll follow you from room to room. They’ll wait at the door when you come home. They actually like water, which is weird for a cat, but many Siberian owners report their cats trying to join them in the shower or batting at the stream of water from a kitchen faucet.
Grooming: The Reality Check
You’d think a cat with that much hair needs daily brushing. Surprisingly, their fur doesn’t mat as easily as a Persian’s because of those oily guard hairs. However, twice a year, they "molt."
In the spring, they drop their heavy winter coat. It is a literal explosion of fluff. During this time, you aren't just a cat owner; you are a full-time janitor. Brushing them every day during the molt is mandatory, or you’ll end up with a felted cat that needs to be shaved by a vet, which is traumatic for everyone involved.
Health Concerns You Can't Ignore
Siberians are generally robust. They had to be to survive Russia, right? But being a purebred animal comes with baggage.
The biggest worry is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). This is a condition where the heart muscle thickens, and it’s the most common heart disease in cats. It’s hereditary. Responsible breeders will screen their "kings" and "queens" (the breeding cats) with annual ultrasounds performed by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist.
If a breeder says "my cats are healthy" but can’t show you an ultrasound report from the last 12 months, walk away. DNA tests exist for some HCM markers, but in Siberians, the DNA test isn't definitive. You need the ultrasound.
They also take a long time to grow. A long haired russian cat won't reach its full size until it's about five years old. They stay in a "kitten phase" for a long time, both physically and mentally.
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The Cost of the Russian Legend
These aren't "budget" pets. Because of the cost of importing lines from Russia and the expensive health screening required, a well-bred Siberian kitten will usually run you between $1,500 and $4,000.
If you find one for $500 on a random classifieds site, it’s probably not a Siberian. It’s likely a long-haired domestic cat that looks vaguely similar. There's nothing wrong with a shelter cat—in fact, they're great—but don't pay "breed prices" for a cat without a certified pedigree from an organization like TICA or CFA.
Why the Siberian Stands Out
Compared to the Maine Coon or the Norwegian Forest Cat, the Siberian is more rounded. Think "circles." They have rounded ears, rounded eyes, and a rounded muzzle. The Maine Coon is much more "boxy" and angular.
The Siberian’s coat is also denser. It feels different. It’s plush. When you pet a long haired russian cat, your hand almost sinks into the fur. It’s an incredibly tactile experience.
They are also incredibly smart. You can teach them to fetch. You can teach them to walk on a leash. But unlike some high-energy breeds (looking at you, Abyssinians), the Siberian has a "mute" button. They are happy to just sit on your lap and purr with the force of a small tractor.
Actionable Steps for Potential Owners
If you’ve decided that you need a mini-lion from the Russian wilderness in your living room, don't just jump at the first cute photo you see.
- Verify the Breeder: Look for TICA or CFA registration. Check if they show their cats. People who "show" their cats are held to a higher standard of health and temperament.
- Ask for HCM Reports: Demand to see the most recent echocardiogram results for the parents. "Vet checked" means nothing in the context of genetic heart disease.
- The Allergy Test: If you have allergies, ask the breeder if they offer "fur samples" by mail or if you can visit their home. Spending 15 minutes with a kitten isn't enough; you need to be around the adult cats to see if your immune system can handle the Fel d 1 levels.
- Prepare the House: Buy a high-quality vacuum. A Dyson or a Miele with a HEPA filter is basically a requirement. Get a heavy-duty metal comb (often called a "Greyhound comb") and a slicker brush.
- Space Matters: Since they are vertical jumpers, invest in a floor-to-ceiling cat tree. They need to feel like they are in the canopy of the forest, even if that forest is just your apartment in the suburbs.
Owning a long haired russian cat is a 15-to-20-year commitment. They are loyal, they are loud when they want food, and they will absolutely take over your bed. But for many, the trade-off of a bit of fur in the house for the companionship of a literal living legend is more than worth it.