10 Items You Need For Your Siberian Kitten
1 - Litter
Litter is one of the first things you should get for your kitten. We raise our Siberian kittens using cedar wood pellets. This litter is non-scented and turns to powder when exposed to liquid. Scented might seem like a better option, but the chemicals that make the scents are harmful to cats. The chemicals can irritate their paws, and the scent can deter the cat from entering the litter box. That means they will look elsewhere to use the bathroom. We recommend that, whatever type of litter you choose to use, you clean it regularly (at least twice a day) to prevent accidents.
2 - Litter Trays
We raise our kittens using litter trays instead of boxes, but you can choose whichever one works for you. When buying a litter tray, keep these guidelines in mind:
As kittens grow, their litter tray should grow too. If the litter tray is too small for the cat, there is a chance the cat will find somewhere else to use the bathroom.
You should have one more litter box than you do cats. For example, if you have 2 cats you will need 3 litter trays.
Place the boxes in different areas of the house. Putting them in separate areas of the house can help with marking and territory issues between multiple cats. Do keep the litter tray away from where your cat eats and drinks.
Make sure to clean out any solids at least twice a day. Cats need a clean litter box, and making sure it is clean will prevent the cat from looking for somewhere else to use the bathroom.
3 - Food and Food Plates
In general, a Siberian kitten should be eating three meals a day, with clean water always available. As the kitten grows, the meals can be cut to two per day. However, the exact amounts can vary depending on your Siberian kitten.
We highly recommend feeding a wet or raw diet to your Siberian cat. You can mix dry food with wet food but do not feed only dry food, as this is not a species-appropriate diet. For the reasons why, read ‘What Should I Feed My Siberian?'
We prefer using food plates to bowls because food bowls can cause whisker fatigue. Whisker fatigue is a term used to describe the sensory overload cats feel when their sensitive whiskers repeatedly touch a surface. This can be caused by food bowls rubbing against a cat’s face. We use paper plates, elevated ceramic plates or feeding mats at meal time. If your cat has the tendency to inhale their food, using a textured feeding mat (slow feeder) can help them slow down. If you choose a reusable feeder, make sure to clean it regularly.
4 - Water Fountain
Water fountains are a must-have item, especially if you have more than one cat. We love them and all the kittens at Inara Siberian Cats are raised drinking from water fountains. Cats prefer water that is moving and may not drink stagnant water. Water fountains provide a continuous supply of moving water and prevent stagnation. They also have filters, which help clean the water for your cat. We highly recommend that you buy a water fountain for your Siberian cat. Just make sure to clean the fountain and filter every few days.
5 - Grooming Supplies
Siberian cats are long-haired cats with a triple coat. Their triple coat is water-resistant and insulating, which helps keep them warm in the winters of Siberia. Because they are long-haired cats, their coat needs regular maintenance. Here are the grooming supplies you will need:
Slicker Brush: A slicker brush has very thin, closely set wire bristles. It penetrates the undercoat and removes dead fur, knots, and mats. Just make sure to use gentle pressure so you don’t hurt the cat when brushing it. The bristles could be painful if pushed into the skin too hard.
Comb: A dual-length comb with metal teeth (referred to as a Grey Hound Comb) is great for grooming a long-haired cat. The comb can reach the top and undercoat and remove old fur. It is great for grooming around the face and chest because it is smaller than a brush. It can also be used for grooming the long hair on your Siberian’s tail. Like the slicker brush, make sure to use it with gentle pressure to avoid hurting your cat.
Nail Clippers: Cats’ claws are always growing and need to be maintained. Declawing is strictly forbidden, so trimming the claws and providing scratching posts should be done instead. When clipping the claws, make sure to only get rid of the tip; any further, and you can hurt your cat.
Cat Shampoo: Cats get smelly and their coats get dirty, so they will need to be bathed occasionally. Try and get a gentle pet-safe shampoo to avoid irritating your Siberian’s skin. Keep in mind that cats groom themselves after you bathe them, so be careful that the shampoo is made with as few chemical additives as possible.
Remember, grooming time = bonding time. Any grooming experience should be a positive interaction between you and your cat. There is no need to add unnecessary stress, so take things slowly and calmly.
6 - Scratching Posts / Boxes
Scratching posts are a necessary item to have with Siberian cats. These will redirect them from clawing your furniture, and they will keep cats’ claws at a healthy length. You should have multiple scratching posts or boxes for your Siberian. Place them in different parts of the house, so your cat will always have somewhere to scratch. Some cats like vertical scratchers, and some like horizontal ones. Each cat is different so we like having a few of each for our cats to choose from.
*Please note that if you do not provide a scratching post, your Siberian cat will turn to scratching your furniture and curtains instead.
7 - Climbing Trees and Lounges
Our cats chilling on one of their cat trees.
Climbing trees and cat lounges should be one of the first things on your kitten shopping list. Siberians are built for climbing and jumping, and having a tall cat tree will help them fulfill that desire. Sitting up high also helps cats feel safe, so providing a cat tree gives them a safe zone. They can retreat to that zone whenever they feel overwhelmed.
Cat lounges connect to a window and give the cat a window perch. Siberian cats love sitting and looking out the window. Windows in the room your cat hangs out in the most or windows in your bedroom should have a cat lounge in them.
*Just note that if you don’t have cat trees and/or lounges, your Siberian will climb over everything else in your house.
8 - Toys!
Siberian Forest cats are energetic creatures, and they need to play. Please play with your Siberian cat!
Some cats are fine being left alone in a house for most of the day… Siberians are not those cats. They need interaction with a person or another cat. So having plenty of toys on hand is a must. Feathers on a string are a favorite toy. These allow for mock hunting behavior and are perfect for showing off their high jumps. Toy mice are also fun. Our Siberians will carry them around and chase them through the house. Having a variety of interactive cat toys will be in your kitten's best interest, especially if they are going to be alone for a little while. Like the climbing trees, if your cat doesn't have access to toys, it might strike out at your house.
9 - Air Filter
Anyone who owns a pet should consider buying an air filter. It will help clean the air, eliminate litter box odor, and reduce the amount of pet dander in the air. We keep our filter in an open area where the cats spend much of their time, it keeps the air fresh and dander-free.
10 - Lint Rollers
Yes, lint rollers. These will come in handy for removing fur from clothing and furniture. Siberians shed twice a year, but their fur can still fall out just like hair. So having lint rollers on hand will help you get fur off your clothes before you rush out the door or off your couch before company arrives. Grooming and vacuuming on a regular basis should significantly reduce the amount of fur in your home.
