ForestWind Siberian Cats

Even if you have had kittens and cats before, folks often wonder, "Is there something special I should be doing to get ready for my new Siberian?"  That's a great question!  Because although Siberians are cats, their large size, playful attitude, and longer than average period for physical development (Siberians grow and develop for up to five years), requires some special planning. So, we are glad you asked. We've put together a short primer to help you set up so that all is in readiness for your new family member!

Short shopping list:

2 extra large litter boxes

Tidy Cats clumping litter, low scent; 2 sturdy litter scoops.

1 tall climber with large perches

1 standing scratch post

1 floor scratch pad

1 deep ceramic bowl for water

1 raised bed or platform for napping

3 bags of kibble to mix

Supplements if making raw

Harness and airline approved in cabin soft sided carrier, if you are flying in for your kitten

Catnip and toys.

Below we explain our shopping list, and provide purchasing  links:

About Litter Boxes

First, buy the largest plain litter box you can. We do not use covered boxes for the kittens.  If you can afford it, explore the "Litter Robot" (about 329 new, 269 used). Friends report it is top notch and trouble free. This is a key consideration if you are allergic and live alone - you should not be scooping the litter box! While saving up for a robot, be sure to wear a mask to screen out the dander and dust.

An inexpensive trick is to buy one a regular plastic storage box. Use a carpet knife to cut a square hole in the top and voila! A litter box the dogs can't "snack" in, and one that keeps out stray mittens, and contains litter scatter. Siberians are large cats so they definitely do not fit in  "small or medium" litter boxes. Plan on having at least two litter boxes. You will want to locate these in different parts of the house. I like to have double the number so that some can be in process of cleaning/disinfecting/drying while the others are in use.

Our kittens use Tidy Cat multiple cats clumping litter (yellow box with blue writing). Use unscented or low scented litters. Cats do not care for the scented ones, and can develop litter box avoidance issues. (UGH). Be sure to never use Tidy cats small spaces forumaltion! It smells  truly terrible, and cats avoid it like crazy. Fresh step is another litter we recommend against. While many families like using pine, newspaper or corn, we find that these litters smell oddly,.must be dumped daily and have a horrible habit of gluying themselves to the bottom of the litter pan. Kittens also do not like teh cobbly deeling and can avoid litter boxes with this type of litter. If you insist on using this, be sure to wait to transition you kitten until after they are out of the transition room. Start by sprinkling a handfull of the new litter on the old in one of the two boxes of litter you have out. Contonue until one box is only the new litter. Then slowly start on the second box. Be patient - a litter box avoidance problem is hard to fix and easy to avoid!

Feeding your Kitten
 
1. RAW. We recommend Raw feeding.  Even if you don't want to raw feed, it is good to supplement with chopped gizzards, hearts and pureed liver several times a week. We sprinkle dulse over it for trace minerals, as well as you can add acidopholous for digestion and salmon oil for the omegas. These provide important support for coat and skin health. If you don't want to make your own raw, you can purchase premade raw and have it delivered to you. Be sure to keep it frozen. Check our website for some raw food recipes to get you started. We encourage families new to raw feeding to join Raw Paws, a Yahoo group dedicated to raw feeding pets. There is no judgment in this group, just support. Feed 100% raw, or use commercial diets as supplements, the members of the group are supportive and can help with timely tips, encouragement and resources.  Here is our raw food recipe.
2. Kibble/Dry. We use a mixture of at least three kibbles. This ensures that our cats are not dependent on any one company for their nutritional needs. It is also important to keep them eating different kinds of foods (ie help them avoid "Picky eater" syndrome). Our top favorites are Chicken Soup for Kitten's Souls, Natural Balance chicken/duck, Wellness Core, or Orijen.  Mix kibbles together at equal ratios.

3. Wet/Canned. (which tends to promote loose stool - ick):  Wellness, Chicken Soup, or Natural Balance.

4. Treats: Bonito tuna flakes. 100% dried human grade tuna. Healthy and a useful treat now and then. Cats who are fed healthy diets do not need or crave treats.
Supplements:
a. Grizzly Salmon Oil for the Omega three and sixes.
b. Dulse: a dried seaweed adds fishy taste and odor and offers trace minerals in healthy proportion.
c. Feline multivitamin: we use a variety of brands. Be sure taurine is included. It is often left out of the less expensive brands.
d. Acidopholous: adds bacteria useful for healthy intestines and digestion.

Where can you buy these foods?

If your local pet store doesn't carry them, ask them to order for you. Most stores will - and will not charge a fee, as long as you pick up at the store. If you can't find it locally or have it ordered by your store, check the following links for locations:

Here are sites to mail order Wellness Core (or Wellness Complete Health, Salmon):

http://www.epetpals.com

http://www.petfooddirect.com/store/product_detail.asp?pf_id=3012331&dept_id=5&brand_id=913

http://www.petco.com/Shop/petco_ProductList_PC_productlist_Nav_1_N_169+30+23.aspx

Here is the Natural Balance site. They also sell a pre-made raw:

http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/catformulas/home.html

http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/zoological/carnivore10.html

Pet Food Direct also carries Natural Balance:
http://www.petfooddirect.com/store/PetProducts.asp?

Chicken Soup for Kittens Soul (even when your kitten is an adult do not feed the Adult kibble, the Kitten is better quality):

Find a Dealer link:

http://www.chickensoupforthepetloverssoul.com/dealer_locator/

Raw food can be purchased online, from some pet and health food stores, as well as made at home. We make our food at home so that we control the ingredients and preparation process. The ingredients we use are the same meats you feed your family.  To learn how we make our raw food, check out our Diet page on our website!


Water: 

Think deep heavy ceramic mixing bowls. This keeps water cool and fresh and they are used to them and love them. They have the additional advantage of being able to be sterilized by running through your dishwasher every few days...

Climbers:

Currently we can not recommend YUGISOFT. They appear to have gone out of business.

We currently use Kitty Condo brand climbers. We buy the largest climbers this company makes, # 4 in the photo below. The climber legs are made of cedar logs, and one is wrapped in sisal.  We get them at Pet SuppliesPlus, which often has them on sale for 155 to 160 USD.

Scratchers:

We suggest and use three types: two types for the floor and one upright. The floor types we use are 1) corregated cardboard and 2) a sturdy sisal wrapped board. The standing model we use is The Ultimate Scratching Post, shown here:

The same company makes the floor sisal scratcher. They are attractive and very sturdy and well worth the price. The post can be purchased with free shipping for only 65 USD from The Cat and Kitten Store.

Alpine Cardboard Scratcher Replacement Packs cost about 7 to 10 dollars. Click on photo for link to ordering sites. 

One pound of catnip! Fabulous price (currently online for 15.99 USD, click photo for ordering link)!!

Popular Toys:

We send your kitten home with several new versions of toys enjoyed here. This eases transition by continuing the familiar. However, it never hurts to lay in some new treats!

Balls that jingle or rattle
Feathers or mice on "fishing poles"
Mice or soft balls stuffed with catnip
Some kittens like laser lights.
Sturdy cardboard boxes with holes cut so they can go in and hide.

Natural Fur Mice - choose toys with real fur, feathers, or strands, as they evoke the natural hunting response in your kitten.

Sponge balls with feathers - *anything* with feathers is a winner!

Rope mice - they love these, can really get their claws into them to toss them around :)

Sisal balls and spools- they hold the scent of catnip nicely.

Leather toys are great winners

Mylar crinkle balls are always a favorite: hide in a paper bag, crinkle once or twice to get your kitten's attention, sit back and watch the fun!

Click on the catnip tails below to link to a list of online and store suppliers for cats toys, scratchers, carriers, etc:

Beds/Cuddlers:

1. Purr Pads - they are generally grey or white. They feel like fiberglass and you will think "no way a kitten will like this!" But, they love them. The pads come in packages of two for about 13 -15 USD. You can wash them three or four times before they fall apart.  If your kitten flies home to you, she arrives with a cuddler cut to fit her shipping crate. KEEP THE CUDDLER! It smells like home - we have it in the kitten room for a few days before the flight. Kittens like the comforting smell and texture. Some folks find they work well on sofas or chairs to have there for when kitty is there, removed (along with hair ;) for company.

2. Wicker baskets with boiled wool blanket (see how to's below), or purr pad. We suggest looking for beds with feet, or creating one. The floors of our homes are often cold, and cats prefer a higher ambient temperature than people or dogs do.

3. n.b. We no longer recommend the fabric or foam cuddlers or round "donut style" beds. These do not wash up well, and the beds are generally too small for Siberian cats when grown. If you want to have a mattress-like "bed," look at LL Bean for a good idea of pet mattresses. You can find these beds also at pet stores. Don't get pulled in by cute patterns, etc.  You want a sturdy bed that will withstand many washings at high temperatures, and still be comfortable for your kitty!

4. Blankets: go to second hand stores like Amvets or Salvation Army and buy sturdy 100% wool blankets. At home wash on very hottest water several times, followed by drying at hottest dryer temperature setting. After you have created this comfy "boiled wool" blanket, cut it into cat bed-sized pads. These wash easily, are extremely warm and comfortable, and provide excellent cushioning on a hard floor.

Please let us know if there is any other information that would be helpful for you!

Warmly,


Kate & Carolyn