Select kittens for health and personality The most important qualities to keep in mind while looking at kittens are health and social interaction. Genetic diseases can lead to early deaths and expensive vet bills. Poorly socialized kittens make poor pets and, as adults, are difficult to manage in a cattery.

Social interaction is critical for young kittens. Cats imprint with people between two and eight weeks of age. During this period they need gentle physical contact with multiple people to become affectionate pets and lose their natural fears.

Catteries vary in how they raise kittens. Some breeders allow kittens to roam the house, while others raise kittens and queens in cages. It is the strong opinion of this author, that kittens raised in cages with minimal human contact lack required social interaction, and tend towards unpredictable behaviors.

Siberians are often purchased for allergy reasons. Many allergic individuals find they can snuggle with a Siberian without any problem. Many Siberians cause less allergic response than other cat breeds, but they are not fully hypoallergenic. If you are purchasing a kitten for allergy reasons, we would recommend you review our Feline Allergens materials.

Spend time with Siberians prior to purchasing a kitten. This may help prevent disappointment later. Because allergy levels vary within the breed, it is best to spend time at the cattery where you are purchasing the kitten. When that is not an option, consider looking for a cattery that tests and is willing to discuss the allergen levels of their breeding cats. Some Member Catteries have tested their Siberians for allergen levels.

Siberians, like all cats are subject to genetic and contagious diseases. A cattery should provide a veterinary exam prior to releasing a kitten for placement. The veterinarian should examine the kitten for health and certify it is free of disease and parasites. Many catteries will provide specific guarantees against FIP, FelV, Ringworm and other contagious diseases. It is appropriate to have your veterinarian examine your kitten within three days of purchase and promptly notify the cattery if there is a problem. Your kitten warranty should cover any health problems present at the time of purchase.

Select kittens sold with a warranty against genetic or congenital disorders. Most warranties will replace the kitten should it die within a certain period of time, usually one or two years. Some catteries may extend refunds for kittens diagnosed with a disease in the first six months to year. Ask to see a sample contract before you agree to purchase the kitten.

The stud and dam should have registration papers. There are many associations that register cats, including TICA, CFA, ACFA and FIFe. The formal registration papers of the sire and dam assure that you are purchasing a purebred kitten. It is reasonable to request copies of these documents and a sample pedigree prior to making payment for your kitten. Pet kittens are usually sold with a contract certifying the authenticity of the kitten. The actual registration documents for the kitten are often held until neutering requirements are met.

The International Cat Association has a webpage “Adopting or Acquiring a Cat or Kitten” that you may also find useful. http://www.tica.org/html/english/cats/adoption.php

Disclaimer:

Information provided by SRI is intended to be a general summary on the topic provided.

It is not intended to take the place of your own research.

Siberian Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved (c) Copyright 2008