The Siberian is northern Russia's native semi-longhair cat and derives  from ancient origins. It is likely, that initially cats spread to Middle Asia with merchants during the flourishing settlement of early regional states.  Over time these cats developed the physical traits necessary for survival in their mobile climates. As settlement expanded so did the territory inhabited by this developing breed. From those regions, domestic semi-longhair cats entered Russia several centuries ago.  The breed name itself, Siberian, implies a strong, intelligent cat with semi-longhair and dense triple undercoat and underscores their ability to survive during cold winters in such areas as Northern Russia.  Protecting grain supplies during the long winter was of vital importance. Naturally, cats capable of hunting rodents and outdoor survival during inhospitable winters drew attention and earned them a place in the lives, homes and hearts of  their owners.   Even so, food and housing shortages discouraged pet ownership.  A change in this attitude came with the demise of communism in the USSR, and it became acceptable to own pets as well as organize and join pet clubs.  Until that time, Siberian-type cats roamed the streets of large cities like Moscow and St Petersburg. Systematic breeding of Siberian cats began and these cities gave rise to the foundation population of the breed. Though for many decades and likely for centuries, these cats populated Russia, these large, powerful cats are still rare in the U.S., and not widely recognized. Elizabeth Terrell imported the first Siberians to the U.S. in June of 1990, in exchange for four award-winning Himalayans.  The Siberian is now accepted into all U.S. Registries.