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 9 Siberians as pets, we on average have about 26 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. 

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 test with fur from an adult cat.  Please contact us if you

would like to discuss this further. We will not place kittens in an allergy home without a successful "fur test" . adult cat fur

sent via mail to the perspective buyer (three hundred kittens placed so far and the fur test has been proven accurate)  

Even most severe feline allergy sufferers can tolerate a Siberian cat after the symptoms diminish within 1-2 weeks,

sometimes, even sooner. 

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 $200 deposit will place you on the wait list and once on the list, you will be offered a kitten.

An additional $350 deposit will reserve your kitten. Please get on the wait list early! Go to Kitten Page to check availability

and make reservations.   We usually have kittens being born every few months throughout the 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 by going to the contact

us form.  [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 at 6 months of age. A vet invoice must be sent to me before I

release the legal rights to your cat. See contract for details.

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 and silver tarnished kittens and color points. 

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.   

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.    

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

A.  Usually, kittens can go to their new homes at 9-12 weeks of age. By this age, the kittens are fully weaned, litter box trained and are very

well socialized. This helps to facilitate quicker acclimation into their new environments.  

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, to almost every

major airport.  The shipping &  the health certificate cost varies , as well as the Pet Crate for shipping, delivery charge to the airport

( 90 miles away). 

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 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. Microchips cause

CANCER in pets & humans. DO NOT MICROCHIP your pets.  http://www.chipmenot.org/  

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. 

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 breeding cats have undergone blood tests to confirm they

are free of these diseases. Therefore, their offspring will also be negative for these diseases.  

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.  

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! We have the TICA Outstanding cattery award for three years running!  

Research several breeders if possible. The cattery should look clean. The breeder should show you the photos

of the litter and the parents, if they are old enough.  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 or white vinager & water mix. 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. Your kitten gets the first of three combination vaccines at 14 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 1 subsequent shot should be given at 3 to 4 week intervals (then once bi-annually) and are the responsibility

of the Purchaser. Rabies shots should be administered between  6- months of age, at one year, and then repeated every 

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. We have

found that Siberians tend to develop cancer at vaccination sites for the Aids and Leukemia shots, so these are NOT ALLOWED

to be given to our kittens. Rabies vaccinations after the 2nd shot should be given only if absolutely necessary. Blood tests are

recommended to see if the cat has developed an immunity to the rabies virus prior to the 3rd year shot. The Siberian immune

system is highly developed after 200 years without human intervention. They usually don't need much vet care if you feed

them the right food, barring any accidents. [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]

http://www.cfainc.org/Breeders/CatColorsGenetics/

BasicFelineGenetics.aspx

Cat Colors FAQ: Common Colors

This FAQ covers common cat colors, basic color terminology, and color genetics.

Contents

• A. Common Cat Colors (this file) 
  If you want to read about which colors are commonly seen in cats, or if you want to know what your cat's color is called,
• read section A.< >TabbiesSolids and SmokesCats with white markingsTorties, Patched Tabbies and Calicos
• Pointed ("Siamese") patternFrequently Asked QuestionsB. Cat Color Genetics (separate file) 
  If you are interested in the genetics of different colors and in what colors are theoretically possible, read section B.
• Section B is more technical. You may want to read section A first to become familiar with cat color terminology.

This section is primarily intended to answer the question, "What color is my cat?" It also explains basic color terminology and

gives some information about how the colors and patterns work together. There are many colors and patterns that are genetically

possible in the cat, so this section only covers the colors that you are most likely to see. There are additional color mutations that

are seen only in certain breeds; these colors are covered in the color genetics section.

Note: Cat fanciers use the term "red" for the color that is commonly called "orange," "marmalade," or "ginger". We also use the

term "blue" for the color that is commonly called "gray" or "maltese."

If your cat has stripes, it is a "tabby." (Some people call these "tiger cats.") All tabbies have thin pencil lines on the face,

expressive markings around the eyes, and a tabby "M" on the forehead. If you look up close at the light parts of a tabby's coat,

you will see that the individual hairs are striped with alternating light and dark bands, like the fur of a rabbit or a squirrel.

This banding is called "agouti." Tabby is thought to be the "wild type" (the original color) of domesticated cats.

There are four different tabby patterns:

• A "mackerel tabby" has narrow stripes that run in parallel down its sides. This is what some people refer to as a "tiger."
• A "classic tabby" cat has bold, swirling patterns on its sides like marble cake. This color is called "blotched tabby"
• in the UK.
• A "spotted tabby" has spots all over its sides. Sometimes these are large spots, sometimes small spots, and sometimes
• they appear to be broken mackerel stripes.
• A "ticked tabby" (sometimes called "Abyssinian tabby" or "agouti tabby") does not have stripes or spots on its body.
• However, like all tabbies, it has tabby markings on the face and agouti hairs on the body. This is the color of the
• Abyssinian cat, but it also appears in non-purebreds and does not mean the cat is Abyssinian.

Tabbies come in many different colors. You can tell what color a tabby is by looking at the color of its stripes and its tail tip.

The color of the agouti hairs (the "ground color") may vary tremendously from cat to cat, some cats may have a washed out

gray ground color and others will have rich orange tones.

• A "brown tabby" has black stripes on a brownish or grayish ground color. The black stripes may be coal black, or
• a little bit brownish.
• A "blue tabby" has gray stripes on a grayish or buff ground color. The gray stripes may be a dark slate gray, or a
• lighter blue-gray.
• A "red tabby" has orange stripes on a cream ground color. The orange stripes may be dark reddish orange, or
• light "marmalade" orange.
• A "cream tabby" has cream stripes on a pale cream ground color. These stripes look sand-colored or peach-colored
• rather than orange.
• A "silver tabby" has black stripes on a white ground color. The roots of the hairs are white. You can also have a blue silver,
• cream silver, or red silver tabby (red silver is also known as "cameo tabby") depending on the color of the stripes.
• In all cases, silver tabbies have a pale ground color and white roots. To make sure, part the hairs and look at the roots.

If your cat is pretty much the same color all over, it is a "solid." Some people, especially in the UK, use the word "self"

instead of "solid."

• A "solid black" is just that: black all over. It may be coal black, grayish black, or brownish black.
• Black cats can "rust" in the sunlight, the coat turning a lighter brownish shade.
• A "solid blue" is blue-gray all over. It may be a dark slate gray, a medium gray, or a pale ash gray.
• This color is also sometimes called "maltese." This is the color of the Russian Blue, Chartreux, and Korat,
• but it can appear in almost any other breed as well, and is also seen in non-purebreds. Solid blue does not
• indicate that a cat is related to any of these breeds.
• A "solid white" is white all over. Sometimes white cats have blue eyes, sometimes they have green or gold eyes,
• and sometimes one eye is blue and one eye is green or gold! This last color is called "odd-eyed white."

Most solid colored cats are the result of a recessive gene that suppresses the tabby pattern. Sometimes the tabby pattern

is not totally suppressed, so you might see indistinct "shadow" tabby markings in certain lights even on a solid black cat.

If you look at a black leopard in a zoo, you might also see these shadow markings, because the black leopard has a similar

spot-suppressing gene!

The tabby-suppressing gene is not effective on red or cream cats, so you won't see red or cream cats without tabby markings.

Solid white cats are the result of a different gene that suppresses color completely. Young white cats often have vague smudges

of color on the top of the head where the color is not completely suppressed. Sometimes this persists even in an older white cat.

If your cat is pretty much solid black or gray, but the roots of the hairs are distinctly white, it is a "smoke." (It's normal for the

roots on a solid cat to be grayish; true smokes, on the other hand, have definite white roots.) Smokes are the solid version of

silver tabbies. These cats are very dramatic because when they move, the hair parts and the white undercoat can be seen.

• A "black smoke" is a solid black cat with white roots.
• A "blue smoke" is a solid blue (gray) cat with white roots.

Clearly delineated white markings (as opposed to shaded points, like the Siamese) can appear on any color. Just add

"and white" to the cat's basic color to describe the cat. So for example your cat might be a "black and white" or a

"cream tabby and white."

Cats with white markings might have larger or smaller areas of white. If you want to describe your cat's color

more precisely, there are different names for the different amounts of white:

• A "mitted" cat just has white paws.
• A cat with a white spot on its chest has a "locket."
• A cat with one or more little white belly spots has "buttons."
• A "bi-color" is about half white.
• A "harlequin" is mostly white with several large patches of color.
• A "van" is almost all white with color patches only on the head and tail.

• A "tuxedo cat" is a black and white cat with white paws, chest, and belly. It might have some white on the face as well.
• Some people call black and white cats "jellicle cats" (after T.S.Eliot)

For cats without white markings:

• A "tortoiseshell" or "tortie" is randomly patched all over with red, black, and cream. The patches may be very mingled,
• or they may be more distinct.
• A "blue-cream" (also called "blue tortie" or or "dilute tortie") is randomly patched all over with blue and cream.
• This is a soft, pastel color.
• A "brown patched tabby" looks almost like autumn leaves, with patches of brown tabby and patches of red tabby.
• This color is also known as "torbie" because it is a tabby tortie.
• A "blue patched tabby" is a soft color with patches of blue tabby and patches of cream tabby.

• A "tortoiseshell and white" or "blue-cream and white" has only small white areas. The body has mingled colors.
• A "calico" has more white. As a rule, the more white there is on the cat, the larger and more distinct the red and
• black patches will be. You'll notice that the large black patches are solid black, and the large red patches are actually
• red tabby.
• A "dilute calico" has the same amount of white as a calico, but instead of red and black patches, it has blue and
• cream patches. The blue patches are solid blue, and the cream patches are cream tabby.
• A "patched tabby and white" or "torbie and white" may have any amount of white. A patched tabby with a lot of white,
• like a calico, has large distinct patches of color, and is sometimes called a "patterned calico," "calico tabby," or "caliby."

If your cat has dark "points" (face, paws, and tail) shading to a much lighter color on the body, it is a "pointed" cat.

This is the pattern of the Siamese cat, but many other breeds as well as non-purebreds also come in this pattern,

so it does not mean that the cat is a Siamese. This pattern is also sometimes called the "colorpoint" pattern

(not to be confused with the Colorpoint Shorthair breed) or the "himalayan" pattern (not to be confused with

the Himalayan breed).

Pointed cats are born white and gradually darken with age. A young pointed cat will have a much lighter body

color than an older pointed cat.

Pointed cats can come in many different colors:

• A "seal point" has dark brown points and a body color anywhere between light brown and ivory.
• A "blue point" has gray points and a light gray or beige body.
• A "lynx point" has tabby points! It might have any of the colors described in the tabby section.
• For example, you could have a "blue lynx point" or "red lynx point." The body color may show some
• shadow tabby markings, especially as the cat gets older.
• A "tortie point" has tortoiseshell points, and a "blue-cream point" has blue-cream points.
• Patched tabby points are also possible.

You can even have a pointed cat with white markings! If the cat has a lot of white, however,

it can be hard to see the pointed pattern (especially on the feet). White markings will cover up any other

color where they appear.

Are tortoiseshell cats always female?

• Tortoiseshell and related colors (blue-cream, patched tabby, calico etc.) are the result of a sex-linked
• gene and require two X chromosomes to appear. Generally speaking, these colors will only appear in females.
• Very rarely, these colors may appear in male cats, but these males are genetically abnormal (they have XXY
• instead of the normal XY) and are almost always infertile.

• Eye color is genetically related to coat color.
  • Pointed cats always have blue eyes.
  • White cats, and cats with a lot of white markings, can have:
    • blue eyes
    • green, gold, or copper eyes
    • or "odd-eyes" (one blue eye and one green or gold eye)!
  • Other cats can only have green, gold, or copper eyes, not blue eyes. The most common eye colors are in
  • the middle of the eye color spectrum (greenish-yellow to gold). The colors at the ends of the eye color spectrum
  • (deep green or brilliant copper) are usually seen only in purebreds who have been selectively bred for extreme eye
  • color, but they may sometimes appear in non-purebreds.

• No. Some white cats are deaf, and some are not. If a white cat has blue eyes, it is more likely to be deaf than a white cat
• with gold or green eyes. Deaf cats make perfectly good house pets, although they should not be allowed outside because
• they can't hear cars coming.