The Siberian Forest Cat expresses a broad FIFe-recognized color spectrum across all B-locus alleles, the full tabby pattern range, and both silver (Inhibitor I locus) and golden series, making it genetically one of the most versatile Northern breeds. Non-pointed Siberians (SIB) and their colourpoint variant the Neva Masquerade (NEM) are registered separately by FIFe, with NEM carrying mandatory cs/cs genotype; standard SIB are C/- at the colourpoint locus. Feline genetics programs for Siberian breeders require EMS codes and a reliable color calculator to manage the interactions of B-locus recessives, dilution, and the Inhibitor locus simultaneously.
Common recessive carriers
Chocolate (b) and cinnamon (bl) are accepted and their heterozygous carriers are phenotypically black. Dilution (d) carriers are phenotypically non-dilute. Because pointed Siberians (NEM) are registered separately, SIBs that carry cs from NEM × SIB matings must be registered as NEM if cs/cs. The Inhibitor (I) locus producing silver and golden series is common in SIB.
Breed-specific restrictions
Standard SIB must not express colourpoint pattern (cs/cs) — such animals must be registered as NEM. Dominant White (W) is permitted in SIB. Amber (e/e) is not recognized in FIFe SIB/NEM standard. Ticked tabby (25) is accepted in SIB (unlike some other semi-longhaired breeds).
Pattern quirks
All four tabby pattern variants (22, 23, 24, 25) are recognized. The ticked tabby (25) is notable as accepted in Siberian, distinguishing it from the NFO and MCO. Silver tabby and golden tabby are highly popular in SIB show lines. White-spotting (S locus) bicolors are accepted across the full grade spectrum.
SIB n 22Black Classic TabbySIB ny 22Black Golden Classic TabbySIB ns 22Black Silver Classic TabbySIB a 23Blue Mackerel TabbySIB f 22Black Tortie Classic TabbySIB n 03Black BicolourFree online tool to predict kitten coat colors based on Mendelian genetics. Select the breed and appearance of sire and dam to see color probabilities.
Enter the appearance of both parents to calculate color predictions.