Felis catus
Caucasian Cat
The Caucasian Cat is a semi-longhaired natural breed originating from the Caucasus Mountain region spanning Russia, Georgia, and Armenia. The World Cat Federation and the Russian/Soviet felinological bodies recognize the breed. The standard describes a medium to large, well-muscled cat with a semi-long, dense, water-resistant coat adapted to the harsh mountain climate.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- Russia / Georgia / Armenia (Caucasus Mountains)
- Origin period
- Natural landrace from the Caucasus region; WCF/SFF recognition from 1990s
- Coat type
- Medium
- Coat colors
- All colours and patterns except colourpoint, chocolate, and lilac
- Size category
- Large
- Average lifespan
- 12–16 years
- Recognition
- —
Origin
The Caucasian Cat evolved as a natural landrace in the Caucasus Mountains, a region spanning parts of modern Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The harsh climate of the Caucasus selected for a robust body type and a dense, semi-long, water-resistant coat. Soviet felinologists began formal documentation and standardization in the 1980s. The WCF and Russian felinological bodies recognize the breed today.
Standard
The WCF standard describes a large, sturdy, well-muscled cat with a broad, rounded head, medium-sized ears with lynx tips, and large round eyes. The coat is semi-long, dense, with a thick undercoat, a pronounced ruff, and a plumed tail. All traditional colours and patterns are accepted except colourpoint, chocolate, and lilac series.
Regional Landrace Diversity
The Caucasus Mountain region has produced several distinct landrace cat types due to geographic isolation of mountain communities. The Caucasian Cat represents the broader regional type. Related but distinct populations from the same geographic zone include the Georgian mountain cat and Armenian domestic cats. The WCF and Russian registries have standardized the Caucasian as a formal breed separate from these related regional types, focusing on the specific conformation and coat characteristics found in the North Caucasus.
Sources & further reading (2)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-27
- registry-breed-profile — accessed 2026-05-27
Frequently asked questions
How does the Caucasian Cat differ from the Siberian?
Both are Russian/CIS natural landrace semi-longhaired breeds, but they originate from different geographic regions. The Siberian derives from Central Siberia and is recognized by all major international registries including CFA, TICA, FIFe, and GCCF. The Caucasian Cat originates from the Caucasus Mountains and is currently recognized by the WCF and Russian registries only.
Which registries recognize the Caucasian Cat?
The WCF and Russian felinological bodies (RFF/SFF) recognize the Caucasian Cat. CFA, TICA, GCCF, and FIFe do not currently carry the breed.
Is the Caucasian Cat the same as the Georgian or Armenian mountain cat?
No. The Caucasian Cat as standardized by the WCF and RFF/SFF represents a specific landrace type from the North Caucasus region. Georgian and Armenian regional cat types are related but not formally standardized as separate breeds. The Caucasian Cat standard applies to the broader North Caucasian domestic cat type recognized by the WCF.
