Siberian Cats FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Siberian Cats

Are Siberian Cats hypoallergenic?

Generally speaking, yes. “Hypo” means “low”. Every cat, regardless of breed, produces allergens, but Siberians present a low risk of allergic reactions. The reason for this is not known with any certainty, but many people testify to the fact. One Californian university is testing the theory that Siberians have lower Fel d1 levels than most cats. Fel d1 is responsible for triggering allergic reactions and is produced by the sebaceous glands. The studies aren’t yet complete.

Will I be allergic to a Siberian Cat?

Spending time with grown cats will give you a good idea of whether or not you’re likely to be allergic – visit a cattery or request some fur be sent to you to test exposure. Moderate sufferers are usually alright, but severe allergy sufferers could be affected. However, even severe sufferers often do well with Siberians once the initial reaction passes.

I’m thinking of just getting one Siberian cat/kitten. Will it feel lonely?

When you buy two kittens they bond much more easily as they grow up together than getting used to a stranger later on. They will be good company for each other when you’re not around. Two kittens keep each other company on the initial trip from the cattery to their new home and this reduces stress on them and transport expenses for you, if you’re considering owning more than one.

What’s the difference between Breeding and Pet Quality?

Exacting physical standards for type and colour are set by cat associations and kittens used in breeding programs to maintain and improve the breed are assessed at 6 weeks of age. Pet quality kittens have no breeding rights must be spayed or neutered.

In what colors and patterns do Siberian cats have?

There is a range to choose from. There are: brown tabby (with white highlights); silver, white, black, blue/gray, gold, red and cream. Bi-coloured kittens have single colour with white highlights,  the Torties have three colours,  Torbies are tabbies with three colours. Patterns range from smoky, shaded patterns through mackerel to marbelled.

Is personality determined by a Siberian cat’s gender?

Personality depends on genetic makeup and how the cat is raised. Differences in the personality are individual, not determined by sex. Our kittens get used to human contact daily from the time they are born and either sex makes a charming pet. The price is the same for either males or females.

My Siberian kitten is shy. What can I do?

Kittens live with their mothers and with people from the time they are born until they are sold. Daily handling gets them used to human contact from the beginning. Once they are walking they are allowed to wander around the nursery. As they grow in independence (around 5-6 weeks old), they become intensely curios so they enjoy being around adult cats, other kittens and people, toys, climbing apparatus and scratching posts. When they are finally sold they are well-used to the hustle and bustle and noise of a busy household, including children and other pets.

When is the earliest I can bring my new kitten home?

When the kittens are weaned and socialised, usually by three months of age, they are quite able to adjust to new surroundings.

What transport should I use to get my new Siberian Cat to me?

This depends on where you live. If you live close to the breeder, it’s best to pick up your kitten/cat in person. Otherwise use a reputable pet transport company such as dogtainers. Some breeders may also offer to transport your new cat/kitten to you.

What About Feline Leukemia & Feline Immunodeficiency Virus?

FeLV (Feline Leukemia) is fatal and feral cats as well as cats that spend a lot of time outdoors are high risk to catch it, along with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Reputable breeders will ensure that each kitten comes with a guarantee as to its health and temperament at the time of purchase. All kittens should be free from FeLV and FIV, have been examined by a vet, given their first round of shots and required worming treatments and are free of parasites and physical defects. It’s a good idea to arrange your own follow-up vet check as soon as possible after receiving your kitten. Check with your chosen breeder to find out more.

How big do Siberian Cats get?

Siberians are the second-largest breed, next to the Maine Coon, and can be big when fully grown. Most of their growing is done by about 18 months, though it can be up to five years before growth is complete. The males can weigh up to 14-15 pounds, while the females are usually around 8-10 pounds when fully grown.

What are the main differences between Siberians and other similar cats?

Maine Coons, Siberians, Norwegian Forest cats are the three largest breeds, in that order. Siberians are more curvaceous and round in their features and torsos. Maine Coons tend more to being squarish and angular, while Norwegians have more triangular features.

How should I grown my Siberian Cat?

Start grooming the kitten before the heavy coat fully develops, usually at about 5-6 months of age. Groom every two weeks and your cat will get to love the regular one-on-one attention. Siberians only mat occasionally under their armpits and on their rear britches, in spite of their thick undercoats. A wide tooth comb and natural bristle brush are best for grooming, while talcum powder and mat-splitting brush help with the matted fur. When grooming remember to trim the claws. You’ll find that Siberians don’t shed as much as other long-haired breeds.

What signs indicate a good Siberian Cat breeder?

We suggest that you visit several breeders and take note of the following things: the cattery should be spacious, look and smell clean and be supplied with clean water, facilities and litter boxes; watch the kittens in their litters with their parents and spend time with them to get a sense of their personalities and how well they get on with people; examine the records – pedigree, health and vaccination, have a look at contracts and health guarantees, especially spay/neuter clauses (these indicate a reliable breeder); be willing to answer personal questions intended to assess your ability to care for a Siberian (this shows that the breeder is concerned for the kitten/cat beyond a basic business transaction). A good breeder will make allowance for all of these factors.

My family have just given a home to a 12 week old Siberian Kitten. The only issue of concern so far is that she has poo’d outside of her litter tray a couple of times.

I always suggest to new kitten owners to have the kitten in a small room, such as the laundry or bathroom (make sure that the room is cat proof – keep the toilet closed!!!), so that she gets used to her small place first before you introduce the rest of the home slowly. You need to keep the litter tray always very clean, make sure that you use the same type of tray and the same litter as the breeder.

My new Siberian kitten is with us since 3 days and crying and calling for us all the time, what can we do?

After all she has just left her mother, brothers and sisters and travelled to another house which all must be strange to her, I expect this to be stressful and she needs lots of love and attention. I believe you will quickly stop this problem within a week. Try to give her new interactive toys and make sure that she has her own bed and scratching post.

What about claws?

Cats love to sharpen their claws and our kittens are trained to do this properly and enjoyably from the beginning to use posts – sisal rope scratching posts are good.  Spray deterrents are helpful in discouraging them from using furniture, carpet or curtains to scratch. Trimming their claws while grooming every two weeks helps greatly and, above all, remember to be patient in training your kitten.

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