The head is a modified wedge of medium to medium-large size, but in proportion to the body, with rounded contours, broader at the skull and narrowing slightly to a full slightly rounded but moderately short muzzle, with noticeable whisker pads. Female muzzles tend to be more delicate than that of the males. The cheekbones are neither high set or prominent but apparent. There should be a good distance between the ears and eyes.

The muzzle is short in length, full and rounded. There is a slight muzzle curvature, but transition between the side of the head and the muzzle is gentle and inconspicuous.

In profile the top of the head is almost flat, with a slight nose curvature of a gentle slope from the forehead to the nose and a slight convex curvature before the tip when viewed in profile. There should be a slight doming between the ears and an almost flat area on the forehead.

The ears are medium, wide at the base and set as much on the sides of the head as on the top; minimum position is 1 to 1 ½ ear widths apart. In the larger more mature cats, there may be a wider distance between the ears. The tips are rounded and the ear tilts forward. Lynx tipping is preferred. 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 inner ear has an abundance of ear tufts. In juveniles and young kittens only, the ears may appear to be medium-large and closer together with usually no more than one ear width apart.

Moderately large, rounded, wide set. If not held fully open the eye will appear to have the outer corner slightly angled toward the lower base of the ear. Acceptable eye colour may cover the entire green, blue-green, gold, hazel or copper spectrum. Blue or odd-eyed allowed in white or ‘& white’ cats. In the colour point class the eyes are blue.

The body is medium in length and well muscled, with the back appearing to be arched slightly higher than the shoulders, with a barrel-shaped body, and a firm belly giving the sensation of solid weight.

Fur on the front legs thick, short to medium in length. Fur on hind legs medium to long, thick and feather like. Legs are thick and dense and medium in length. The feet are big and round and toe tufts are desirable.

The tail is medium, somewhat shorter than the length of the body, wide at the base, tapering slightly to a blunt tip without thickening or kinks, evenly and thickly furnished.

Moderately long to longhaired with a triple coat which is plush. The hair on the shoulder blades and lower part of the chest being thick and slightly shorter. There should be a ruff setting off the head, though allowances should be made for juvenile cats. There is a tight undercoat (in mature cats), thicker in cold weather. Allow for warm climate coats. 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 desirable, but are secondary to type.

All traditional and pointed colours and combinations are accepted with or without white. White or off-white allowed on chin, breast and stomach of tabbies. Strong colours are desirable, but secondary to type.

• Because the Siberian is a slow maturing breed, coat and physical structure should be taken into consideration when judging young kittens and young adults.
• Buttons, spots or lockets.

• Straight profile
• Narrow muzzle
• Long tail
• Delicate boning
• Non-muscular
• Long body
• Almond-shaped eyes
• Very long legs