ForestWind Siberian Cats

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!