Frequently Asked Questions
Kristails Siberian Cats
Silver mackerel tabby Siberian kitten
Purebred Siberian Kittens In Virginia
Below you'll find answers to our most commonly asked questions about adopting a Siberian kitten, preparing your home, allergies, vaccinations, and what to expect when bringing your new companion home.
If your question isn't listed here, please don't hesitate to contact us. No questions is too small. It can make a big difference in your kitten's health, safety, and happiness.
How do I prepare my home for a new Siberian kitten?
Kittens have no "street smarts" and should be treated just like babies. Think of exactly what you would do, or prepare for a baby, or toddler crawling around. The only thing different, is that kittens can climb better, and also jump! Before your Siberian kitten arrives:
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Remove loose strings, cords, and small objects
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Secure electrical wires
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Keep toilet lids closed
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Pick up toys, and clutter from the floor
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Prepare a quiet, safe room for the first few days
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Line up a trusted veterinarian in advance
Your kitten will spend most of its early time in one room, hopefully a bedroom with a family member. Make sure that area is calm, warm, and hazard free. Be sure the litter box, food and water are easily accessible
What supplies do I need right away?
Keep things simple when starting off with a new kitten. What you'll need right away:
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A simple litter box, with "unscented" litter
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Litter scoop, garbage pail
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Metal food and water bowls (about 6" diameter - NOT plastic or glass)
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High-quality dry cat food (Purina ONE)
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Selection of canned kitten food (limit fish varieties)
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Secure cat carrier, unless one is being provided
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A few basic toys, like soft balls (no feathers or loos strings)
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Scratching post
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Metal combs, wide toothed and narrow flea types
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Wire brush for grooming
Be careful in your choice of litter. People as well as some cats are highly allergic to the fragrance in the scented litters. Cats Pride litter (sold at WalMart) has one litter that says "scented", but really has no noticeable scent, which I have found to be fine. Interactive toys such as wands or teasers should always be used with supervision and stored away after use.
Are your cats registered?
Yes, our adult cats are registered with T.I.C.A. (The International Cat Association), the world's largest cat registry.
Kittens born in our cattery are eligible for registration once proof of spay or neutering is provided by the owner, which is recommended at 10 to 12 months of age.
Why is my kitten hiding and not eating?
This is a very common situation and question, and it is completely normal during the first few days. Everything is new, and different to your kitten. New smells, sounds, people, and surroundings. Some kittens won't eat much for 2 or 3 days while adjusting to the new environment. We recommend:
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Spending short, 20 minute cuddle sessions several times a day
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Holding your kitten on your lap or beside you numerous times a day
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Speaking softly and reassuringly
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Allowing rest between bonding sessions
Most kittens settle in within a few days to a week or so once they feel safe.
Traditional Siberian cat in Virginia
Do Siberian kittens need anything special?
No special care is required. Siberians are a hardy, natural breed. Your kitten simply needs:
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Quality food and water
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Clean litter box
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Warm, draft-free indoor environment
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Toys and scratching post
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occasional grooming
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daily interaction and lots of affection
When and how much should I feed my kitten?
Dry food (kibble) and fresh water should be available at all times - 24/7/365. Kittens should receive small portions of canned food in the morning and evening. We recommend about one 3-3.5 oz. can per meal for a young kitten. At around 5 to 6 months of age, you can reduce the canned food to once daily. Always keep dry food available for grazing along with fresh, clean water.
Are kittens vaccinated?
Yes. Kittens receive their first age-appropriate vaccines before leaving our care. They will not have completed all their vaccines yet. Typically, two additional booster rounds are needed with your veterinarian, followed by annual boosters. All vaccines are noted in your kittens' health booklet, as well as when their next vaccine should be scheduled.
Are kittens spayed or neutered before going home?
No. We recommend spaying or neutering between 10 to 12 months of age, once your kitten is fully developed. This supports healthier physical growth.
When should I take my kitten to the vet?
Your kitten's health booklet will note the recommended return date for the next vaccine or checkup. We advise scheduling your first vet visit shortly after bringing your kitten home.
Are Siberians hypoallergenic?
Siberian cats typically produce lower levels of the Fel d 1 protein, which is the primary allergen affecting humans. While no cat is 100% hypoallergenic, many allergy sufferers tolerate a Siberian very well. We offer at-home allergy testing kits so you can see how well you would tolerate a Siberian cat in your home.
Hypoallergenic Siberian kitten
Do you offer allergy testing kits?
Yes. We provide in-home Siberian cat allergy testing kits. Our kits contain fur from several Siberian cats so families can test reactions safely in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace. The fee for the kit is $50.00.
Are your kittens purebred?
Yes. All kittens are purebred traditional Siberian cats. Our adults are registered with T.I.C.A. Papers for kittens can be provided after proof of spay/neutering is submitted by the new owner, per T.I.C.A. guidelines. Once we receive this proof, we will then submit the litter for registration with T.I.C.A., who will then issue individual registrations, which will be forwarded to you. This helps prevent backyard breeding and protects the integrity of the breed.
I have other pets. Will my new kitten be okay?
Siberians generally do well with other pets, but supervision is critical with a new kitten. Young kittens are vulnerable, and larger pets may accidentally injure them. Other pets with outdoor access can carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites into your home and infect your kitten. Slow introductions and close monitoring are essential. You may need to isolate your kitten from other pets for a few weeks, until fully vaccinated. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any changes in behavior or appetite with your kitten.
Can friends and visitors handle my new kitten?
We recommend limiting visitors for the first few days to a few weeks. People can unknowingly transfer germs through clothing, shoes, and hands. Anyone interacting with your kitten should wash their hands thoroughly first, especially if they own pets. Keeping the environment calm helps your kitten adjust more quickly.
Siberian kitten litter for adoption
Where are you located?
We are located in Martinsville, Virginia, near the North Carolina border. Kristails Siberian Cats serves families throughout Virginia, North Carolina, up to New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and beyond.
Do you ship Siberian kittens?
Yes. We work with trusted pet couriers and transport services. Visit our Shipping Page for full details.
What is your adoption process?
We keep our adoption process simple. We do not do long inquiry forms. Just a little information from you, and you're on your way to a new Siberian kitten.
Choose an available kitten, or join the waiting list
Submit deposit, or pay and pickup your kitten at the same time
Final payment is due before pickup or transport
Kitten goes home with health records and care instructions
For more information regarding the adoption process, visit our Adoption Page.
What is included with my kitten?
Each kitten goes home with a health booklet, vaccination records, contract, and written health guarantee. Care instructions can be found on our Info Page, and printed out for your convenience. If traveling long distance, we can accommodate you with a portable litter box, plus food and water cups, good for travel, fleece bedding, plus additional fee if you need a carrier.