ForestWind Siberian Cats

Unfortunately, we are no longer able to recommend Orijin foods. We have received notice from another breeder as well as a kitten family that their cats experienced signficant diarreah after feeding Orijin.

Here at ForestWind we have also experienced this with our last round of Orijin brand with both our dogs and cats. We thought "it is just us" but when we received the same information -- without mentioning Orjin or our experience with another breeder and one of our close pet moms, we knew it was more than coincidence. Pet Food companies have up to three months to notify the public of a recipe change. Also, the sources of their ingredients may be to fault without the company realizing it. Whichever it is, the diareah is too significant a symptom in our Siberians to take any chances with their health.

There doesn't appear to have been a receipe change, but this severe symtpom in three different geograhic areas in response to the same food tells us "Better Safe Than Sorry" and we are no longer using Orijin food for our Siberians or our dogs.

Your Siberian cat is a healthy weight if...

• Ribs are easily felt (Siberians are solid, well muscled cats and should NOT have visible ribs. Ribs can be felt under a healthy and flexible coat, and beneath a strong layer of muscle).

• Tucked abdomen — no sagging stomach. Many Siberians have a "pouched" belly. This is NOT a sign of being over weight. An overweight Siberian's stomach will be "full" and extended. A "pouch" droops slightly, allowing for gorging if food is plentiful.

• Waist thinner than chest when viewed from above (Siberians tend to be evenly weighted throughout their tosos. This pet weight measurement is more relevant to canines. Be sure to be aware of this so that your Vet doesn't inadvertently tell you your healthy Siberian is "fat."

On the other hand... you know your Siberian is overweight when...

• It’s *very* difficult to feel ribs under fat

• Protruding stomach: Stomach feels "Stuffed" all the time.

• Wide back side to side.

• No waist (remember - waist is much more minimal in the Siberian cat than in the Maine Coon or Siamese).

Why Would a Siberian Cat become overweight?

> Lack of exercise

> Overeating due to boredom

> Poor quality foods

> Too many commercial treats.

When talking about food related weight issues in felines,  Dr Louise Murry, DMV shares that "Cats are different, they become overweight not from treats, but because their diet is too high in carbohydrates. Cats are nature’s pure carnivores,” she says. “They were never meant to eat carbohydrates. Their bodies are not designed to handle them at all. Unfortunately, a lot of the cat foods on the market are high in carbs, especially dry foods. It’s easy for us to leave a bowl out all day, but then they’re snacking on carbohydrates all day.”

We started to raw feed six years ago when our first cat mommy refused all commercial food two days after kittening.

In a panic, we contacted the feline health lists we subscribe to, and were encouraged to feed raw. On top of rehydrating our Mommy Cat, and giving her an emergency supplement to provide immediate calories, we joined the Yahoo Group RawPaws.  They were immediately supportive and pointed us to the below meat grinder, which we ordered. It arrived almost immediately.

Click on the photo below to be taken to Northern's site to order our  meat grinder. Currently it is on sale for just under 100 USD. This is a bargain compared to many other grinders! It's been in use for six years now, and we've only had to replace the grinder blade once - we snapped two blades trying to grind a turkey neck (hint: DON'T!!).

Be sure to check our site for our raw food information and recipes.

We encourage you to consider feeding your cat and kitten real food. On top of the health benefits for your Siberian, an additional human benefit is a less smelly litterbox!

We encourage you to help your Siberian enjoy fresh, cool water at all times. Providing a clean and enticing source of water helps facilitate hydration in your kitten or cat.  But... most cat fountains are ugly, plastic, and hard to keep sterile. Initially we tried these plastic fountains, but they clogged, broke, and were generally ignored by our Siberians. Happily, we discovered CatFountains.

 These beautiful ceramic fountains are works of art and take several weeks to complete and are individually hand made - no two are exactly alike!! Not only is each fountain an individual work of art, but Keith of Cat Fountains uses only top quality materials and standards in the creation of each piece.

As an example, if you order the option extra filter, you are getting a filter that *works." In fact it works 66x better! Why do I say that? Well,  Keith includes 66 TIMES the amount of carbon pellets that Drinkwell brand of plastic cat fountains uses in their carbon filters.  We we urge you to buy the additional filter like we do, especially if you live anywhere your water might have a "funny" taste to your cat. Remember, while *you* may no longer realize the water tastes "off,"  your cat may and will respond by restricting water intake).

ForestWind Kitten Families receive a special bonus! Please email us at SweetSiberians@aol.com for Keith's generous offer of a 10% coupon to be used on your fountain purchase  

Happy Hydration!!

ForestWind Siberians

It's Spring in Buffalo, and ForestWind families are getting ready to welcome their baby kittens home! Below we share our EZ shop "getting ready for kitten" list to help you prepare for your kitten's homecoming. 

Purchase: 

(3) extra large litter boxes and (4) sturdy litter scoops. You will want to have one litter box in her bedroom, and one elsewhere in the house; especially as long as your Siberian is a kitten, but ideally always. You need the third box to have clean and ready, so that you can pull one of the other boxes to wash it. If you have the storage space, you will appreciate having four boxes to reduce the "get it clean now" pressure. 

Tidy cats Instant Action CLUMPING litter.  Even if you plan to use another type of litter, please use the Tidy Cats Instant Action for at least the first 4 weeks your new kitten is at home with you. Too many changes at once can lead to litter box avoidance issues. DO NOT buy the Tidy Cats "small spaces" variety. It has a terrible, overpowering smell and cats avoid it. 

Litter Locker: If you live in an apartment, this tool can be essential to keep your home smelling fresh!

Kitten food: Wellness Kitten, Orijen, Blue Wilderness , Taste of the Wild .

If you’d like to try commercially prepared raw, several ForestWind families have recommended Hare Today

If you plan to make your own raw, here is a site that provides the Tasin grinder we’ve used with no problems for 6 years (well, no problems except that time we tried to grind a turkey neck!!).

If you would like a grinder with a wide neck, and that can grind any bone, be prepared for a luxury price. A chart explaining types of grinders and what they grind can be found at NorthCoast Pets.

(2) water bowls: use small ceramic mixing bowls for water. The deepness keeps water cool and fresher. Ceramic mixing bowls are also easier to sterilize in the dishwasher. 

Plates: we use paper for the raw, and throw them out after each meal. If you use permanent, use a study china plate like a Corel or a heavy pottery that won't break easily. Sterilize by running through the dishwasher after EVERY meal. 

Scratchers and Climbers:

Ultimate cat scratcher

We have these all over the house. They are wonderful. Only now after 6 years of "hard" use by Sultan and his buddies is the one in the boys' bedroom showing wear and tear,

Alpine Cardboard Scratcher Replacement: These are sturdy, affordable and can be placed right on the floor. Flip over when first side is worn.

Kitty Condo - buy the tallest wooden legged climber you have space for. Look for at least one least wrapped in sisalroping. Do not buy climbers with carpeting on the posts. It encourages yourSiberian to tear up your carpets and upholstered furniture.We use many of Climber # 5 around and about our house - the cats *love* them!

Or how about building a cat ladder for your Siberian?

Grooming tools:

Look for dog tools, they are less expensive, sturdier, and more comfortable to use. Buy a double tined rake a greyhound style comb and Dawn (Blue) Dishwashing detergent for shampooing (yes, really - remember it is used in oil spill rescues of sea birds and other fragile animals). 

We haven't had tons of luck with commercial cat beds - kittens prefer to choose their own - but our Sibreians adore cozy blankets of polar plus or wool. Check second hand stores, then wash the blankets on hot and dry on hot. Cut into 2x 3 rectagles and you'll have a happy cat indeed - especially if you use one in the carrier when you go to the Vet's.

Remember to prepare the kitten's transition room to include all necessities, as your kitten should spend at least the first five to seven days at home with you inside his room. Visitors are welcome, but kitty needs to be in a secure spot so she can assess it is safe at home with you, and then focus all attention to bonding with her new family!

12 Steps to Build an Indoor Water Fountain for Your Cat.

Shopping List:

·        Terra-Cotta or cement pot, large enough to hold at least two orthree gallons of water

·        Submersible pump

·        Bubbling fountain nozzle or ½ inch pipe

·        Pea gravel

·        Clear silicone sealant

·        Waterproof sealer

·        Drill

·        Duck tape

Instructions:

1.  Place the pot in the area you want the fountain. Check to be sure you can lift it when it is filled with water. You will need to empty every few days and refill. There should be an electrical outlet nearby, to plug in the pump.
 
2.  Coat the inside of the container with waterproof sealer. Allow to dry.
 
3.  Drill a hole at the bottom of the pot, if there isn't a drainagehole. This will be used to run the pump cord through. The hole should be justlarge enough for the cord plug. Use a bit designed for the material of the pot,to avoid cracking.
 
4.  Set the pump inside the container, and run the cord through thedrain hole, or the hole you drilled.

5.  Secure cord outside the pot with duck tape, to hold in place. Youwill be leaving just enough cord inside the container to allow you to raise thepump several inches. The rest of the cord should be outside the pot.
 
6.  Place the pot on bricks or pot feet, to raise enough so that thecord can exit the pot easily.
 
7.  Fill the hole around the cord with silicone sealant to seal. Youwant to be able to fill the container with water later, and you don't want thepot to leak. After you have filled the hole with sealant, allow to dry for 24hours.
 
8.  Test for leaks by adding several inches of water to the container. If there are leaks, remove water, dry, reseal, and allow to dry for another 24hours.
 
9.  Add three to five inches of pea gravel to the bottom of the pot.Level, and situate pump on the gravel. The pump should be in the center.
 
10. Attach the bubbling fountain nozzle or ½ inch pipe to the pump.The top of the pipe or nozzle should be several inches below the lip of thecontainer.
 
11. Add water to the container. Plug the cord into the outlet to turnon. The electrical outlet should be a ground fault circuit interrupter.

12. You can add / change items that are sterile such as bleached shell, stones, etc to entice your cats to use the fountain. Now, sit back and enjoy your Siberians exploring water

Happy, Healthy Drinking!

Kate, Carolyn & Devin

Water + Cats = incompatible? Not as much as you might think! Cats are safety conscious creatures and prefer running water to standing water. There are several reasons for this. One, running water is more likely to be fresh. Two, standing or sluggish water tends to have more dangers hidden in it - and you will often notice your Siberian "tapping" the top of any water bowl - we think this is to verify there is no snapping turtle, snake, alligator, or other menace below the surface (seriously!). 

Ensuring your Siberian has enough water is important part of health. For males, drinking enough water helps to reduce urinary blockages caused by crystals, and for all cats staying hydrated reduces any kind of urinary tract infection. Hydration also helps maintain health skin, coat and over all bodily processes.

Here at ForestWind Siberians, we provide multiple water sources to our cats and kittens. We use deep, human grade ceramic mixing bowls for drinking. They are easy to sterilize, don't tend to harbor bacteria like plastic can, and the thickness keeps water cooler and better tasting. We replace the bowls every other day, and empty and refill them at least twice a day - more for kittens! 

This month we are ordering a custom (!!!!) cat fountain or two similar to this ceramic fountain, from Cat Fountains of Cambridge, MA. One of Keith's stunning creations is pictured below. in the past we've tried a variety of cat foundations, finding they shared problems - difficultly in filling, hard to clean, and broke frequently. Finally, they were made of plastic (YUCK!). We always went back to our ceramic mixing bowls. We'll share our review of this ceramic fountain after it's been in use here for awhile  

How do you successfully provide water to your Siberians? Have you tried and liked any particular water fountains? Please email us at SweetSiberians@aol.com with links or photos, and we'll post your suggestions and reviews

Download your free CATegorical Care guide.

This free guide to cat health and welfare for all cat owners is written by Steve Dale and Amy Shojai, and approved by WINN Feline Foundation and several feline welfare organizations.

The Guide is written in a clear easy to undertand style. With the exception of the information on diet/feeding, this guide provides a useful overview to caring for your Siberian kitten or cat!

DIETARY NOTES:

We strongly recommend avoiding Vet "pushed" diets by manufacturers such as Hill's or Science Diet.

For the health of your cat, take the time to learn the background about "feeding trials" and other myths promulgated by profit oriented, commerical dry food companies.

Here is a link to a document pointing out inconsistencies about commerical diets:

http://www.rawpetdiet.com/images/stories/PDF/The%20Truth%20About%20Raw%20Foods.pdf

Here is a link describing what is actually in that Purina/Hills/Iams type commercial pet food: http://www.bornfreeusa.org/facts.php?more=1&p=359

We suggest feeding your ForestWind Siberian kitten a variety of top brand kibbles, such as Orien, Wellness, and Blue Buffalo, balanced with a carefully prepared - or purchased - raw diet.

Here is the link to the raw recipe we often use:

http://www.sweetsiberians.com/rawfeeding.htm

We find that our Siberians do best the more raw they eat. We do feel it is important that they eat kibble as it does not spoil at room temp over a day, and if we travel bringing raw with us is too hard, and we also do not want to worry that a caregiver at home has to worry about raw feeding while we are gone.

Pet food companies are allowed to include road kill, dead farm animals, expired human grade meats, and even euthanized companion animals as the ingredient "meat and bone meal."

Here’s a just released video of AAFCO’s (Association of American Feed Control Officials), President finally admitting, on camera, that it’s allowable (and, in fact, a fairly common practice), for rendered pets to end up in pet food.

The AAFCO is the regulatory body that sets guidelines for pet food and pet food ingredients in the USA.

The following quote is from the Truth About Pet Food Site, and their discussion of the recent EPA report. "One more confirmation to the horror many of us have suspected for years; an EPA document clearly states Rendering Facilities "obtain animal by-product materials" from "animal shelters."  Along with another EPA report, the evidence is mounting; current pet food regulations must be changed."

From the EPA document itself comes the below horrifying quote,

"Meat rendering plants process animal by-product materials for the production of tallow, grease, and high-protein meat and bone meal.  Plants that operate in conjunction with animal slaughterhouses or poultry processing plants are called integrated rendering plants.  Plants that collect their raw materials from a variety of offsite sources are called independent rendering plants.  Independent plants obtain animal by-product materials, including grease, blood, feathers, offal, and entire animal carcasses, from the following sources:  butcher shops, supermarkets, restaurants, fast-food chains, poultry processors, slaughterhouses, farms, ranches, feedlots, and animal shelters."  

http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/ap42/ch09/final/c9s05-3.pdf

Rendered pets are allowed in pet food because many commercial pet food companies value the cheap protein that comes from including "meat and bone meal."

Short brief from AAFCO on "how pet food is regulated."

After reading the above, you may want to reconsider making your own pet food at home. We grind our own raw food from the same fish, fowl, and red meats that we use at our own table. HERE is our recipe.

As ForestWind Siberians summer kittens are going home, we are sharing a lot of information with our families. Below are some of the most common questions we get and our answers.For this post we are using "he" as the universal pronoun. We often use "she" and thought it only fair to give boys an equal airing

Remember - when you adopt with us, no question is "silly,""too small, " or "a bother!"   We want you to feel 110% comfortable with your new ForestWind Siberian kitten and his transition into your loving home!

1)  Does he need a collar if he's an indoor cat? 

Collars for cats are dangerous. Have him microchipped when he is neutered. Take photos at least every week as a kitten and once a month as an adult. If he is ever lost or stolen, these photos are INVALUABLE on reward posters! (Seriously).

2)  How often should we change the brand of kibbles we are feeding?

Rotate one brand each time you buy. Keep Wellness Core as the baseline kibble, and rotate in and out two other kibbles. We buy  top brands "all life stages" kibbles (such as Natural Instinct or Natural Balance Ultra Premium Original), on sale.  Mix the kibbles together in a large bowl (we use cleaned and sterilized Tidy Cat containers kept for this purpose), and then store in freezer-safe, extra-large size ziplock bags, then put into your freezer to keep kibbles fresh and mold/toxins free.

3)  How often should I change his water and bowl?

We refill water bowls often during the day. We replace with clean, dishwasher dried bowls each night before bedrtime.  Siberians ADORE ice cubes in their water - both to make them bob about, and also to keep their water chilled like a stream or fresh spring

4)  If we clean out the litter box every couple of days, is that enough?

Litterboxes should be scooped at least once daily. Litter issues (pee or pooping in inappropriate areas), arise without warning and rapidly if your Siberian feels the litterbox is "dirty." [GROSSNESS WARNING!!] Think about it - what if you had to poop on the bathroom floor, were unable to pick it up, and had to keep walking in there to poop for days? Would you look for some place that you did not have to worry about the smell or stepping in the older poop? I bet you would    So, buy a diaper or litter "genie" and set it right next to the litter box and the chore is less onerous. Unfortunately for the non allergic, this is a non allergy person's chore. The dust from the litter box contains dander and also the anal gland express feld-1 when your cat poops (it's a form of scent marking - gives information to other cats about "who lives here").

There is also this uber-expensive option that some of our families use and love: http://www.catgenie.com/

Diaper genies (there are similar items sold expressly for cats, but before that many breeders used the diaper ones), can be found at:

http://www.playtexbaby.com/DiaperGenie/Diaper-Genie-II-Elite-Pail.aspx

5)  What kind of feeding schedule (time of day, amount/type of food) was he on at your home?

Three times a day - divide your waking hours by three, feed when you get up, in the middle, and right before you go to bed. When he is older you can eliminate the middle of the day feeding. We feed raw and kibble at the same time. We use either paper or heavy pottery plates. Paper is of course thrown out after each meal, and pottery plates are washed EVERY meal.

We group feed so our portions won't work for one or two kittens/cats. Try 1/8 to 1/4 cup of dry and about 1/8 to 1/4 cup raw at the same time. Adjust from there. If he is not eating all the food within two hours, then reduce amounts for next feeding. Do NOT over feed.  Humans think we are being generous when we serve "a lot,"  but cats avoid anything they perceive as "too much." Their survival instinct tells them that there is something wrong with the food supply when there is a bounty, since other cats and animals "must be" avoiding it for some reason (spoiled, poisoned, etc).

6)  What time did he normally nap and go to bed?

Whenever he wants to Cats nap a lot. They love to nap from about lunch time until late afternoon. Our cats also sleep at night. We do not interact with them except with mothers and new babies in the middle of the night - they should not learn to get attention by behavior then. This is another reason to be SURE to have a "cat bedroom" that he is safe and comfortable for his whole life -- not just during his transition period. 

7)  What books do you recommend on Siberians and/or cat care?

Anitra Frazier's The New Natural Cat.

Enjoy this special time with your new baby kitten, and remember:

TRANSITION, TRANSITION, TRANSITION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Warmly,

Kate and Carolyn