Q.  Why do Siberians have a hypoallergenic tendency?

A.  The most notable theory is that Siberians have a lower Fel d1 level than ordinary cats. (Fel-D-1 is the protein produced in the sebaceous glands that trigger allergic reactions.) A new study has just been commissioned by the University of California (at Davis) to study this mystery. The results will be a few years away, but this will be the first sanctioned, controlled study of its kind. Go to Allergies.  I can tell you, from experience, my husband cannot be around normal cats for 5 minutes without an incredible amount of allergic reactions.  We not only have 5 Siberians as pets, we on average have about 10 Siberian kittens in the house with us.  We have no reaction, at all.  There are also other breeders, like us, who started out without ever being able to own a cat, and than not only owning, but breeding Siberian cats.  There are hundreds of testimonials out there, of people who cannot be near normal cats, who own Siberians (usually 2 or more!)  [top]

Q.  What's the difference between hypoallergenic and non-allergenic? 

A.  "Hypo" means "under", so the term "hypoallergenic" means that allergic reactions will be under what is normally experienced. It is this decreased tendency to provoke allergic reactions that allows the Siberian to be considered hypoallergenic. There is no such thing as a non-allergenic cat; even hairless cats produce allergens.  [top]

Q.  I'm allergic to cats. How do I know if I can tolerate a Siberian? 

A.  Generally, those with mild to moderate allergies to cats tend to do well with this Breed. However, if allergies are severe, there still could be a reaction. The best way to know for sure is to spend some time with the adult cats. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this further. We will not place kittens in an allergy home without a successful "road test" at our cattery, or adult cat fur sent via mail to the perspective buyer (worst case scenario)  Even most severe feline allergy sufferers can tolerate a Siberian cat after the symptoms diminish within 1-2 weeks sometimes, even sooner. [top]

Q.  How do I reserve a kitten? 

A.  Contact us right away.   Siberians are still a relatively new breed to the U.S. and demand is on the rise, but the availability of these kittens is limited. A $20 deposit will reserve your kitten. Please reserve early! Go to Kitten Page to check availability and make reservations.   We usually have kittens being born at least 6 times per year.  If you are interested in owning one of our kittens, which we feel are the world's best Siberian kittens, please contact us now.  [top]

Q.  Is it better for the kitten to have another kitten to play/live with (should I buy 2 kittens?) ? 

A.  Absolutely.  If you are planning on getting 2 cats, from our experience, the BEST time, so that they bond and become very good friends, is when they are kittens.  Placing an adult cat, or kitten, with a cat who has already had free reign of the house for over a year, can be an interesting situation, which will require close supervision for at least 2-3 weeks, minimum.  When you purchase 2 kittens from us, Not only do you save 250.00 on another airline ticket/crate, they come to you together, and can keep each other company on the plane ride.  This is a great way to cut down on the animal's stress, and keep him or her occupied while you are at work, or not able to give them your attention from time to time.  Since our kittens are all raised together after 5-6 weeks of age, they all are already basically very friendly with each other!  Also, we offer you $100.00 off your 2nd kitten, if you purchase 2 kittens together.   [top]

Q.  What's the difference between breeder quality and pet quality? 

A.  A breeder quality kitten must meet strict physical breed standards set forth by the various cat associations (such as TICA - The International Cat Association). These kittens may be used in breeding programs to maintain or improve the breed. Kittens are assessed for type and color at 6 weeks of age, and are priced at that time. Kittens sold as pets (regardless of quality) are sold without breeding rights and must be spayed or neutered.

Please read the information on this link before contacting us.

www.fabcats.org/kittencare.html    [top]

Q.  What colors and patterns are available? 

A.  Siberians come in many colors and patterns, the most common being the brown tabby (often with white accents). Other colors include silver, blue (dark gray), cream, red, golden, black, and white. As for patterns, there are many. A bi-color is a solid color with white; a Tortie is tri-colored; and a Torbie is a tri-colored tabby. There are also shaded and smoke patterns. Tabbies usually display the mackerel pattern (like a fishbone skeleton); or less commonly, a classic or marbled pattern (resembling circular swirls or bulls eyes). Pointed's (dark coloring on the points of the body - ears, tail, paws, muzzle) are becoming more popular as U.S. breeders add pointed's to their breeding programs.   We specialize in breeding traditional Siberians, black, brown & silver tabby's, but we also have rare black smoke kittens and color points.  [top]

See link- what color is my cat http://www.seregiontica.org/Colors/intro.htm

Q.  Is there a personality difference between a male and female cat as a pet?

A.  An individual cat's personality is the result of genetics and the atmosphere in which the kitten is raised. We socialize our kittens from Day 1 and provide human contact on a daily basis. Both males and females, especially after being altered, make excellent pets. There is no price difference between males and females.  We have both, as pets, and they both have their great qualities.    [top]

Q.  How are the kittens socialized?  

A.  The first few weeks the kittens live in a birthing enclosure with their mother. We handle them daily to get them used to human contact right away so we become their second parents. Once they are walking, they are free to wonder within the nursery. By 5-6 weeks of age, they have gained more independence and an intense curiosity about the world around them. At that time, their space expands to a full level with climbing apparatus, sisal rope-wrapped scratching posts, and toys.  At this point they are interacting with adult cats, other family members, and most likely kittens from another litter. They are also handled more frequently by their humans as they get used to the noise and activity of an active household.  When our kittens go home, they have been exposed to children and adults.   By 8 weeks of age, they have the run of the house.  Everywhere we turn, there are kittens playing.  It is a great environment for our family members.  My husband and I spend a minimum of 5 hours a day, handling and playing with our kittens, this is 7 days a week!  [top]

Q.  When will the kittens be old enough to leave the cattery? 

A.  Usually, kittens can go to their new homes at 10-12 weeks of age. By this age, the kittens are fully weaned and are very well socialized. This helps to facilitate quicker acclimation into their new environments.  [top]

Q.  Do you ship kittens? 

A.  Yes.  We would prefer you pick up your kitten, but if this is not an option, and we are not within driving distance, we certainly can ship your kitten, and feel safe doing so, besides during extreme heat or cold.  We are in southern MN.  We ship via delta pet air, and continental pet, to almost every major airport.  The shipping cost is apx. 250.00 including the health certificate, and the Pet Crate for shipping.  [top]

Q.  Does Crystal Siberian Cats offer a Health Guarantee?

A.  Yes. We guarantee that every kitten sold is in excellent health and temperament at time of purchase, is free of parasites and congenital defects, and is from an FeLV and FIV negative cattery. The kittens are sold having had a vet wellness check, the first set of shots, and all worming treatments. The Purchaser is strongly advised to take the kitten to a vet of his/her choosing within 72 hours of the kitten's arrival for a physical examination.  [top]

Q.  Will I be required to sign a contract or purchase agreement? 

A.  Yes. In addition to our health guarantee, below are some other conditions of the purchase agreement. If you would like to review the full agreement, please contact us.  All kittens sold as pets are to be altered by the time they are 6 months of age. Upon Breeder's receipt of vet's alteration certificate, Purchaser will be provided with registration papers.  Kittens/cats are to be kept INDOORS unless being closely supervised.  Kittens/cats are not to be de-clawed unless all other remedies are exhausted.  Kittens/cats are to be raised in a safe, clean, loving environment, free of stress and/or unnecessary confinement.  Purchaser agrees to contact the Breeder immediately if unable to keep the kitten/cat. Breeder will assist Purchaser in placing the kitten/cat in another home.  Breeder reserves the right to choose (or refuse) placement of any kitten/cat. [top]

Q.  What is an FeLV & FIV negative cattery? 

A.  FeLV is Feline Leukemia, a disease which is fatal to cats. FIV is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. Outdoor cats and feral cats are at much higher risk of contracting these diseases than indoor cats. All of our cats have undergone blood tests to confirm they are free of these diseases. Therefore, their offspring will also be negative for these diseases.  [top]

Q.  How big do Siberian cats get? 

A.  Siberian cats can get very large, although their size is a bit overrated.  They are the 2nd largest cat, second to the Maine Coone.  The average male cat weighs 14 - 15 pounds; females weigh 8 - 10 pounds. Most of their size is reached by the time they are 18 months old, but they can take up to 5 years to reach full maturity.  [top]

Q.  What are the major physical differences between Siberians and other Forest cats? 

A.  Siberian features are associated with circles: rounded head, large rounded eyes, rounded ears, round barrel-shaped torsos, and a rounded blunt tail. Maine Coons are associated with squares and rectangular features. Norwegian Forest cats have triangular shaped features. Maine Coons are the largest; then Siberians; then Norwegian Forest cats.  [top]

Q.  Does the Siberian shed much? How do I groom him/her? 

A.  Siberian cats do shed, but not as much as most other long haired cats. They shed very little in the fall and winter. Their thick undercoats are generally non-matting; however, they occasionally do get mats under their armpits and on their rear britches. Cats should be groomed every two weeks using a wide-toothed comb and a natural bristle brush. Use talcum powder and a mat-splitting comb to work out the mats. Remember to trim the nails, too. By getting the kitten used to grooming on a regular basis, it will become easier with each session. Many cats love the one-on-one attention from their humans as it becomes a bonding session, and is a great thing to start doing around 5-6 months of age, before the heavy triple coat is fully developed.  [top]

Q.  How do I select a good breeder?   

A.  You have found one!  Research and visit several breeders if possible. The cattery should look and smell clean. The breeder should show you the litter and the parents, if possible. You should observe the kittens playing and take the time to interact with them, giving you a good opportunity to assess the kitten's personality. If the breeder offers you a tour of the facility, even better! You'll be able to see for yourself how the kittens and cats are housed, and insure they have adequate space, clean facilities, clean water, clean litter boxes, etc. Stay away from kitten mills! You want to insure your breeder gives adequate time, love and attention to each litter to insure excellent personality and socialization skills. The breeder should also show you pedigree papers, and health & vaccination records. A good breeder will provide a written contract with a health guarantee, and will stand behind the animals being produced. A spay/neuter clause shows you are dealing with a concerned, reputable breeder. Be prepared to answer questions from the breeder about your lifestyle and ability to care for the kitten/cat. Remember, the breeder is also checking you out to insure their beloved kitten go to a good home.  [top]

Q.  How do I deal with the clawing issue?

A.  Cats absolutely LOVE to sharpen and work their claws! But they can be trained to do their scratching on the appropriate surfaces instead of your drapes or upholstery. We train our kittens at an early age to use appropriate scratching surfaces such as a scratching post with sisal rope. Cats love it! While encouraging them to use their scratching posts, discourage their use of your furniture, carpeting and drapes by using one of the many deterrent spray products on the market. I recommend that you trim your cat's claws every 2 weeks.  A little patience and reinforcement on your part, and your kitten will quickly learn the ropes (sisal, that is!).  [top]

Q.  What shots are necessary? At what age?   

A.  We provide your kitten  the first of three combination vaccines at 8 weeks of age. This includes the following: Feline Panleukemia (FPV) also known as Distemper or Enteritis, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR), and Feline Calicivirus (FCV). The two subsequent shots should be given at 3 to 4 week intervals (then once annually) and are the responsibility of the Purchaser. Rabies shots should be administered between 3 to 6 months of age, at one year, and then repeated every 1 to 3 years depending on the vaccine used. However, new protocols for vaccinations are currently undergoing significant changes, so please discuss these protocols with your vet. Since Siberians are INDOOR cats, they carry a lower risk than outdoor, feral, and multi-household cats for contracting certain diseases (such as Feline Leukemia, respiratory infections, etc.). Therefore, a risk assessment and vaccination protocol should be discussed and agreed upon with your vet.  [top]

Q.  How do I prepare for my kitten's arrival? What food should I use? What supplies do I need? Where should I buy the scratching post? 

A.  Once you have confirmed your kitten selection with the second payment, we will send you a kitten care package containing everything you need to know to get ready for your new family member. It includes a supply list (including recommended food, litter, etc.), great websites for ordering supplies, and more. It also offers tip on behavior, grooming, traveling with your pet, clawing issues, kitten-proofing your home. etc.  You can We do our best to keep all of our new parents up to date with email pictures of their kittens as they progress and get closer to the day they go to their forever home.  [top]