This magnificent breed originates from Russia. Its origin is still a mystery, though for thousands of years, it has been inhabiting the Siberian Taiga with its subarctic climate which it has perfectly adapted to. Ancient legends and educational fairy tales circulate about Bajun the cat (Кот Баюн ) . The legends tell of wild forest cats from the snow-covered regions of Russia which were supposed to guard monasteries and served as guides into the underworld in the Middle Ages. Later on, they traditionally symbolized the house guardian.  According to Russian tradition, the Siberian cat was the first to enter into the house when the house was built or bought, and the bed was placed in the spot where the cat first decided to lay down.

Originally, this breed was named Siberian forest cat, but due to the naming similarity with the Norwegian forest cat, they renamed it the Siberian cat. The Siberian cat is a Russian national breed; its planned breeding started in 1986-1987. In 1987, the Russian feline breeders club “Koefei” issued the first pedigree for this breed.  The first Russian official standard for the Siberian cat was written by Mrs. Olga Mironova in 1989 and was finalized in 1991. In 1997, the cat was recognized by the FIFe (Fédération Internationale Féline) and is today a recognized breed of all feline breeders’ organizations.