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Siberian Cat Colors (2022) Complete Guide

The first known reference to Siberian cats and siberian cat colors is from 1000 AD. These beautiful cats originated in the cold weather climate of Russia and there have always been several siberian cat colors.

Traditionally they roamed in the wild forests of Siberia. That is why they are now referred to as forest cats.

The Siberian is one of the 3 breeds of forest cats. They are also one of the oldest cat breeds that are “natural” or were not human developed by crossing with other breeds.

This lack of cross-breeding plus their past in Russia means that they are generally robust and healthy cats who tend to experience minimal health problems.

Those harsh Siberian winters also result in this breed developing a long, waterproof fur coat. Indeed, unlike many other cat breeds Siberians tend to quite like water.

Siberians are powerful cats whose hindquarters tend to be longer than their front paws, allowing them to jump very high. They tend to take around five years to reach full maturity, at which point most will be medium to large sized cats – particularly the males. However, their eventual large size is offset by their gentle nature.

This adventurous and affectionate cat breed also comes in a wide range of colors – up to 200. Personally, I have a black Siberian cat called Alexei who is absolutely stunning. Here is my guide to Siberian cat colors to help you find the perfect Siberian cat pet for you.  

black siberian cat side angle on the move
The stunning black Siberian cat Alexei, CCO of the Discerning Cat

Siberian Cat Colors: What are the Choices?

Siberian cats come in all types of color combinations. Their colors and patterns can be deep and dramatic. The most common colors include orange, gray, black, blue and white.

Siberians are allowed to have any amount of white to add flash to their base colors. Tabby Siberian cats have white chins, which can appear to extend to their throats and chests in the lighter colors, but these are not technically white markings.

black siberian cat portrait with red background

There are three major types of Siberian cat colors. The first, and most common, is tabby. The second is full color or Selfs . The third is the Neva Masquarade Siberian cats or Color pointed. This is both a pattern type and a color type.

And remember, the color of Siberian cats can change over time. This tends to take the form of fading or of markings becoming less distinct.

Cute young tabby Siberian cat on white background
Tabby Siberian Cat

1. Tabby Siberian Cat

Brown or Black Siberian Cat Tabbies

These are possibly the most classic tabby colors for Siberian cats. These tabby Siberian cats are mostly various shades of brown rather than having much black but they can be referred to as black Siberian cat tabbies.

tabby siberian cat in green leaves
Tabby Siberian Cat in the leaves

Siberian tabby cats can come in virtually any shade of brown from pale gold to dark chocolate brown. These cats also tend to have more of a wild/forest natural look.

Silver Tabby Siberian Cats

There is a large range of options when it comes to silver tabby Siberian cats. Most silver Siberian cats are black or black-silver or brown. These cats have black tips on mostly white fur which gives a shimmery effect. These silver Siberian cats can vary from a very dark chocolate brown to a very pale shade of brown.

silver siberian cats grooming each other
Silver Siberian Cats

All silver tabby Siberian cats have a white fur undercoat. The “color” only occurs further down their fur which gives the silvery effect. There are also red silvers, blue silvers and cream silvers.

Golden Siberian Cats

As there is tabby silver Siberian cat there are also tabby golden Siberian cats. These Siberian cats tend to be less common. They tend to be a brighter shade of gold and black paws. Some tabby brown Siberian cats can appear quite golden in color.

golden brown siberian cat in the snow
Golden Siberian Cat

2. Solids or “Selfs” Siberian Cats

A solid or “self” Siberian cat has no pattern showing – just a solid color. All Siberian cats have a tabby pattern genetically but sometimes it is overlaid by a solid color so it will appear to be just one flat color.

When the silver gene is added to solids the color becomes a smoke. The most common solid colors for Siberian cats are black, blue, red and white.

3. Bicolor or White Siberian Cats

These Siberian cats will have some areas of white on their coat. Those white areas could be anywhere but are often on their chests or paws. Bicolor means your Siberian cat’s coat is mostly white.

white siberian cat with blue eyes
White Siberian Cat

Siberian Cat Patterns

Siberian cats come in multiple patterns. These vary from the classic blotched style pattern to striped mackerel to a mix of stripes and spots to shaded tabby patterns. Siberian cats also come in solid colors – like our own black Siberian cat Alexei.

Another pattern option is the “Neva Masquerade” as mentioned above. Neva Masquerade Siberian cats only have color on their faces, legs and tails. Their body will be pale and they also have blue eyes.

Neva masquerade Siberian cat
Siberian Neva masquerade cat

If the silver gene is present your Siberian may be shaded or its color may become smoky.

Siberian Cat Eyes

Siberian cat eye colors range from green to copper. All Siberian kittens have blue eyes but only the Neva Masquerade style will have blue eyes upon maturity. Siberian cat eyes tend to be slightly oval and set quite widely apart. Some Siberian cats even have different colored eyes.

black siberian cat close up with organge collar and green background
My green eyed black Siberian Cat

In Summary: Siberian Cat Colors

As you can see, Siberian cats come in a wide range of colors and patterns. I have a solid black Siberian cat, Alexei. However, his underbelly is more smoke and apparently his coat may change over time to become more chocolate brown. Now that I have him I don’t care what color he is as I love him so much!

siberian blue kitten
Siberian blue kitten

No matter what color your Siberian cat is they will most likely be an affectionate and loving pet.

Please Note: This Siberian cat colors post contains affiliate links. That means if you click through on most of the links and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. This will not effect the price that you pay. I wanted to make sure that you were aware of this.

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legrand siberian

Saturday 7th of May 2022

good post

Amanda OBrien

Saturday 7th of May 2022

thanks!

Martha

Tuesday 26th of January 2021

We have two Siberians, getting them was the best decision ever. Both are Torbie, which you did not mention. They were fairly light colored (especially the female) but have darkened with age.

Patti

Saturday 6th of February 2021

@thediscerningcat, a Torbie is a tabby pattern cat with tortoise shell colors. My cat's littermate was one, she looked just like him (he's a classic black/brown tabby), only with orange highlights:) Like torties, vast majority are females.

thediscerningcat

Tuesday 26th of January 2021

Hi Martha - thanks for commenting - I haven't heard of Torbie before - I will have to investigate. And getting my Siberian was the best decision ever as well!

Moutzouris and Felicity

Friday 2nd of October 2020

Do t be fooled by his cuteness...beneath lies a plotting mind and toughness that has been borne out of the fact they originally hail from harsh conditions. We love them all the same

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