Felis catus
Altai
The Altai (Алтайская кошка) is a natural landrace breed originating from the Altai region of Siberia, Russia. The breed developed without human selection pressure in the harsh climate of the Altai Mountains and surrounding steppe, producing a cat with a dense semi-long coat, robust constitution, and moderate bone structure. The Russian Felinological Federation (SFF) recognized the Altai as a distinct natural breed. The Altai is distinct from the Siberian in body type — smaller and lighter — and from the Russian domestic cat in geographic origin and coat characteristics.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- Russia (Altai region, Siberia)
- Origin period
- Natural landrace; formal recognition by SFF (Russian Felinological Federation)
- Coat type
- Medium
- Coat colors
- Tabby (spotted, mackerel, classic), Solid, Bicolour, All natural coat colours
- Size category
- Medium
- Average lifespan
- 12-16 years
- Recognition
- —
Origin
The Altai is a naturally occurring landrace from the Altai Mountains and surrounding steppe region of south-central Siberia. Cats in this region developed a consistent semi-long, dense coat suited to the cold continental climate, distinguishing them from both the heavier-coated Siberian (forest cat of north Russia) and the shorter-coated cats of more temperate Russian regions. The Russian Felinological Federation documented the breed type from naturally occurring populations.
Standard
The Altai is a medium-sized cat with a moderately rounded head, medium-set ears, and a semi-long, dense coat with a distinct undercoat suited for cold weather. The tail is well-plumed. Body type is moderately cobby but not extreme. Tabby patterns (spotted, mackerel, and classic) are most common in natural populations; all coat colours accepted under the breed standard.
Coat and Climate Adaptation
The Altai Cat's semi-long coat is adapted to the Altai Mountains' harsh continental climate, with temperature swings from -50°C in winter to +35°C in summer. The coat has a dense, water-resistant undercoat and semi-long guard hairs that provide insulation in extreme cold. The WCF and SFF standards describe the coat as medium-long, silky, with a substantial undercoat that sheds heavily in spring.
Sources & further reading (1)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-27
Frequently asked questions
How does the Altai differ from the Siberian?
The Siberian is a large, heavily-coated forest cat from the boreal regions of northern Russia, with a substantial bone structure and a traditionally longer history in the cat fancy. The Altai is smaller, lighter-boned, and originates from the Altai mountain and steppe region of south-central Siberia, with a semi-long rather than full-long coat. The two breeds developed in distinct geographic and ecological contexts.
Is the Altai related to the Siberian?
Both the Altai and the Siberian are Russian natural landrace breeds with dense semi-long coats adapted to severe continental climates. The Siberian is recognized by all major international registries and is centered in Central Siberia. The Altai is centered in the Altai Mountain region and is recognized by the WCF and Russian registries only. The two share some genetic ancestry through the broader Russian domestic cat population.
Which registries recognize the Altai Cat?
The World Cat Federation (WCF) and Russian felinological bodies (SFF/RFF) recognize the Altai Cat. CFA, TICA, GCCF, and FIFe do not currently carry the breed internationally.
