Felis catus
Moscow Longhair
Featured photomoscow-longhair.jpgThe Moscow Longhair is a semi-longhaired cat breed developed in Moscow, Russia and registered with the World Cat Federation (WCF). Developed by Russian breeders using local longhaired stock, the breed is distinct from the Siberian (which originates from Siberia and central Russia) and from the Neva Masquerade (the colorpoint Siberian). The Moscow Longhair has its own WCF standard and breed history developed within Moscow-based breeding programs.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- Russia
- Origin period
- Developed Moscow late 20th century; WCF registration
- Coat type
- Long
- Coat colors
- All colors and patterns accepted, Tabby, Solid, Bicolor, Smoke
- Size category
- Medium
- Average lifespan
- 12-15 years
- Recognition
- —
Origin
The Moscow Longhair was developed in Moscow by Russian cat breeders who worked with longhaired domestic cats indigenous to the Moscow region. The program was established independently from the Siberian breeding programs centered in Saint Petersburg and Siberia. WCF (World Cat Federation) registered the Moscow Longhair as a separate breed with its own standard, distinguishing it from other Russian longhaired breeds. The breed's development parallels the broader movement in Russia during the 1980s and 1990s to document and register native and locally developed cat breeds.
Recognition
The Moscow Longhair is registered with the World Cat Federation (WCF) under its own breed standard. CFA, TICA, GCCF, and FIFe do not maintain separate Moscow Longhair registrations. The breed remains primarily known in Russia and among WCF-affiliated breeders. Its international profile is limited compared to the Siberian, which has full CFA, TICA, and FIFe recognition.
Appearance
The Moscow Longhair is a medium-sized, moderately foreign-type cat with a semi-long coat. The head is a moderate wedge with good width; ears are medium-large; eyes are large and expressive. The coat is semi-long, dense, and silky with a developed undercoat suited to the Russian climate. The breed accepts all colors and patterns. The overall impression is of a moderate, well-balanced cat of average conformation without extreme features in any direction.
Sources & further reading (2)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-07
- registry-breed-profile — accessed 2026-05-07
Frequently asked questions
How is the Moscow Longhair different from the Siberian?
The Moscow Longhair and Siberian are both Russian semi-longhaired breeds but were developed independently in different cities. The Siberian originates from Siberia and Saint Petersburg and has full recognition from CFA, TICA, FIFe, and GCCF. The Moscow Longhair was developed in Moscow and is registered with WCF. The two breeds have separate standards and breeding populations.
Is the Moscow Longhair the same as the Neva Masquerade?
No. The Neva Masquerade is the colorpoint variety of the Siberian, named after the Neva River in Saint Petersburg. The Moscow Longhair is a separate breed registered by WCF. They are both Russian semi-longhaired breeds but have different origins, breeding programs, and registry histories.
Where is the Moscow Longhair recognized?
The Moscow Longhair is recognized by the World Cat Federation (WCF) and WCF-affiliated Russian registries. CFA, TICA, GCCF, and FIFe do not maintain separate registrations for this breed. The breed's primary keeping and breeding community is in Russia.
