Care for a Siberian Cat

Siberian cats tend to be loyal and energetic. Give them plenty of stimulation, and don't forget to care for that thick, luxurious fur. As with any pet, a visit to the veterinarian is a great chance to ask further questions and make sure your new companion is healthy.

Keeping Your Cat Stimulated

 * 1) Prepare your home for the cat. Buy a scratching post, litter box, food, water bowls and a cat bed before bringing your cat home. Make sure to put the litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area--such as a pantry, a guest bathroom, or any secluded nook--where the cat can do its business in private.[[Image:Care for a Siberian Cat Step 1 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 2) *Buy a large cat carrier, as the Siberian cat can get quite large. It's okay if the carrier seems too large at first; the cat will grow into it.
 * 3) *When you bring the cat home, put the carrier in a room, open the door of the cat carrier, and close the door of the room. Leave the cat to explore the room on its own terms.
 * 4) Give the cat room to explore. Siberian cats have high energy levels, and they enjoy roaming around. Most prefer having access to the outdoors. If kept indoors, they should have at least a large apartment to explore.[[Image:Care for a Siberian Cat Step 2 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 5) *Indoor cats are at risk of obesity due to lower activity levels, so watch their food intake carefully. Outdoor cats are at higher risk of injury and disease--so be careful letting them roam in areas where they may encounter heavy vehicle traffic, wild animals, or pesticides and other chemicals.
 * 6) *Siberians are strong jumpers, and they enjoy exploring high places. They are agile cats, and they don't tend to break things, but you may consider keeping precious or expensive items out of reach.
 * 7) Provide entertainment. Siberian cats are intelligent, and they need stimulation. Bored Siberian cats may overeat, scratch up the furniture, and Here are a few ways to prevent boredom:[[Image:Care for a Siberian Cat Step 3 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 8) *Buy a ceiling-high "tree" where the cat can jump up to survey his territory.
 * 9) *Give the cat toys and feline puzzle games. Experiment with yarn, toy mice, lasers pointers, and catnip. Many Siberian cats enjoy playing fetch. Encourage him with treats or kibble as a reward.
 * 10) *A second cat will usually make the first one less lonely, especially if they are litter mates. Make sure the cats are neutered or spayed, unless you want to deal with kittens; this is especially important if you have a male and a female cat together, but outdoor cats may also encounter opposite-sexed cats around your neighborhood.

Keeping Your Cat Healthy

 * 1) Groom the cat's fur. Even though Siberian cats have thick coats, grooming is easier than with most longer-haired cats. Siberian coats don't tend to mat or tangle too quickly, so grooming once or twice a week is enough to keep it healthy. Brush gently with a slick, soft brush.[[Image:Care for a Siberian Cat Step 4 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 2) *Siberians molt twice a year, shedding fur in large clumps. During these times, daily brushing is the easiest way to keep the coat from matting and tangling.
 * 3) *Brushing reduces the likelihood of hairballs.
 * 4) Protect the cat from heat. Do not keep Siberian cats in temperatures above 33ºC (91ºF). They are adapted to cold climates, and they can overheat easily in their thick coats. Take the following precautions during summer months:[[Image:Care for a Siberian Cat Step 5 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 5) *Put ice in the cat's food or water. At the very least, use cold water instead of warm or room-temperature water.
 * 6) *Take the cat to a professional groomer and have her shave away most of the fur. The fur will grow back by the winter, but it may make your cat much more comfortable through the summer months.
 * 7) *Visit a veterinarian if your cat seems uncomfortable. You may notice it going to great lengths to keep cool, such as rubbing against the refrigerator or spending time in cold spaces. If the cat makes painful yowling noises, and it doesn't seem particularly hungry, it might be uncomfortable.
 * 8) Bathe the cat occasionally. Siberian cats have a water-resistant, triple-layered coat. Many of them enjoy water and may try to jump into the bath or shower. Even if your cat doesn't like water, bathe him whenever the coat gets dirty. Bathing can also reduce allergens, if someone in the house is allergic to cats. If necessary, use a mild, conditioning, oatmeal-based cat shampoo.[[Image:Care for a Siberian Cat Step 6 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 9) *Your Siberian cat has a somewhat oily coat that keeps the skin healthy and manages the cat's temperature. Bathing too frequently can strip away these protective oils.
 * 10) *Because of the thick coat, it can take up to 45 minutes to fully soak the cat's fur.
 * 11) Check the cat's health weekly. If you have a kitten, start these care habits early so your kitten gets use to it. If you have any trouble with these procedures, ask a veterinarian to show you how to do them:[[Image:Care for a Siberian Cat Step 7 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 12) *Trim nails once a week or as needed. Use nail trimmer scissors.
 * 13) *Check the cat's ears about once a week. If they look dirty, cleanse using a cotton ball dampened with vet-recommended, mild cat ear cleanser. If the ears are red or have a bad smell, take the cat to a veterinarian.
 * 14) *Brush your cat's teeth regularly with vet-approved animal toothpaste for overall good health and fresh breath.
 * 15) *Siberian cats can quite easily get ticks or fleas. Check outdoor cats regularly, and remove ticks and fleas if you find them.
 * 16) Schedule regular vet checkups. Siberian cats have a chance of getting stomach issues such as IBS or Lymphoma. Make regular vet visits to keep an eye on their stomachs.[[Image:Care for a Siberian Cat Step 8 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 17) *Siberians are also susceptible to at least one hereditary health issue: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Siberians that will be bred should be screened for HCM, and cats identified with HCM should be removed from breeding programs. Do not buy a kitten whose parents have not been tested for this disease.
 * 18) Feed high-quality cat food. Foods can actually cause higher or lower allergen levels. A high-quality food can prevent many health issues in the cat as well. Feed vet-recommended amounts only, taking into account treat consumption as well. Keeping a Siberian at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to protect his overall health. If your cat becomes overweight, you may need to put him or her on a diet.[[Image:Care for a Siberian Cat Step 9 Version 2.jpg|center]]

Tips

 * No cats like change, but Siberians in particular tend to hate it. When changing food types, start by adding a little amount of the new food into the old food. Gradually replace more and more of the old food, or your cat may turn up its nose.
 * "Cat-proof" your house by removing poisonous plants. Block off steep stairs and any other potentially dangerous places in your house; bear in mind that Siberians are powerful jumpers.
 * Siberian personalities are very adaptable; they usually get along with dogs and children.
 * Siberians mature quite slowly, and some do not reach full physical development until they are 5 years old.
 * Siberians come in all colors and patterns, including tabby, mackerel, classic (blotched), colorpoint and more. The colorpoint pattern may or may not include white.

Warnings

 * Avoid breeders who claim to have lines free from HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). No one can guarantee that their cats will never develop HCM.
 * All cats have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Run from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on kittens, or who tells you that her kittens are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons.

Things You'll Need

 * A water bowl
 * A food bowl
 * Food
 * Toys
 * Treats
 * A collar
 * Nail clippers
 * A brush
 * A litter box
 * Litter
 * A pet carrier