The Siberian is Russia's native forest cat, shaped over centuries in a harsh climate and brought to the United States in 1990. It's a large, powerfully built cat, usually 8 to 18 pounds, with rounded features, tufted paws and a dense, water-resistant triple coat that thickens for winter and thins in summer. Siberians mature slowly, often taking three to five years to reach full size.
Many are confident, affectionate and playful, with a dog-like habit of greeting people and following them from room to room. They're usually quiet, preferring chirps and purrs, and they're agile climbers. That coat was built for cold, so in mild Long Beach expect regular brushing, with daily sessions during heavy shedding. Claims that Siberians are hypoallergenic are overstated, so spend time with a cat before adopting if allergies are a concern.