HISTORY
Development of the Siberian Cat in the UK
The original Siberian Cat arrived in the UK in 2002.
A small group of dedicated breeders including Koolblue, Inspiration, (joined later by Fluffytykes and Nellstars to create The Siberian Circle),
Tiggytykes and Silkiestar imported cats from the US, Germany, Finland and of course Russia!
Between 2003 and 2006 other significant Russian cats were brought in by the Mia Kira, Kiska, Musrafy and Alexandrite catteries and imports from other parts of Europe (Lyndongraey),
Poland (Sapphirensteel) and France (Witchfyre) created more diversity
Here at Witchfyre we endevour to combine the best of the foundation imported lines with cats from successful catteries from the UK and Europe and are passionate about the original Siberian Cat. Our lines have contributed to the Siberian Circle's breed program, Sapphinensteel, Sibbycats and the newly formed Druzhina Cattery.
Origins
Siberians have their origins in the domestic and feral semi-longhair cats which lived on the vast territory of the old Russian Empire. Historically the first cats were brought to the area of the Volga around the 6th century BC.
Planned selection and breeding of Siberians began in 1987 in Leningrad (St Petersburg). Feral cats from around Moscow and St Petersburg were presented and those who had the desired characteristics were accepted as Foundation. Two famous foundation cats who feature in many of the early pedigrees include Roman and World Champion Max. Both were colourpoints.
There was much debate surrounding the inclusion of colourpoint cats, or Neva Masquerade as they were affectionately called, as they were found around the Neva river. A small minority of breeders did not want to include these colours as two other aboriginal or natural cat breeds, the Maine Coon from the US and the Norwegian Forest from Scandinavia did not have the colourpoint gene. However, all colours except Chocolate, Cinnamon, Caramel and the according dilute colours (Lilac, Fawn, and Apricot) were finally accepted by the first Russian cat federation, SFF, in 1989 to create a truly unique breed named the Siberian Cat.
It was recognized by the first international federation, WCF, in 1991.This addictive cat spread across Europe and the USA, being fully recognized by TICA and FIFE, until finally reaching the UK in 2002 where it has preliminary status with the GCCF.
The Siberian cat is still being developed across the globe with foundation cats still being accepted for registration in Russia.
It is important to preserve the original breed and name Siberian Cat, after all, we are only custodians of this breed, and we must strive to uphold the vision of those Russian breeders and judges who created the first breed standard in 1987, and not to create 'alternatives' like the 'Traditional Siberian' as these do not reflect the true diversity of the Siberian Cat of Russia.
The following main registries accept the breed as the original standard including colourpoint:
WCF
TICA standard
SFF
CFA (USA) standard
GCCF (UK) standard
LOOF (France)
additions...
FIFe has seperated the colourpoint as a sister breed named the Neva Masquerade
This was instigated in 2008 and became effective from Jan 2009.
This change was proposed by only one FIFe member and carried by just one vote.
Two proposals to include the colourpoint under the Siberian Cat registry were proposed at the same time, including one from the UK, but were not allowed to be voted on due to tecnicalities.
All other colours are now catergorised under The Siberian Cat. Breeding between the two 'breeds' is permitted
I am a member of the following clubs
Preston and Blackpool CC ~ GCCF (Lifetime members)
Siberian Cat Club ~ GCCF
Viking Cat Club ~ FIFe