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Cat health and care tips

Grooming

Siberian cats are the proud owners of a long glossy fur with a stiff base hair and and a thick undercoat. Typically in winter they wear a marvelous coat with a bushy mane, tail and knickerboxers. Even so, their fur does not require any excessive care. We recommend combing the fur of an adult cat once every one-two weeks (depending on the type of fur and the season). Washing cats should only take place if necessary.

A two-sided comb with long teeth serves as the main tool for grooming siberian cats. With the help of such comb one can easily untangle and arrange fur, while removing old hairs and dust. Additionally, one could get a wooden brush with natural hair to polish the fur without harming or electrifying it. A narrow brush with natural hair is a true salvation at shows - it allows volumizing the fur and applying powder to areas that are typically hard to reach.

For washing fur we would recommend the Iv San Bernard product line (e.g. fruit or caviar-flavored shampoos and conditioners). Extremely greasy hair (e.g. on tomcats), yellow spots on white fur can be dealt with with help of Groomer's Goop degreasing paste or wipes. Tangled hair and electrified hair can be treated with Anju Beaute spray. A special leash equipped with a suction cup can help you stabilize your cat in the bathtub and avoid risk of injuries.

Nail care

Clipping cat nails is not a mandatory measure, but can be performed if necessary, using special nail clippers and following the displayed guide.

Feeding

Sufficient diet can be built from dry food, wet food (cans or pouches) and meat. Our cats and kittens are mainly fed with Farmina and Royal Canin.

Frequent change of food brands is not recommended. Be cautious when adding wet food to the diet, as it can lead to soft stool. Pay attention to the contents of the food: one should pick foods with highest percentage of meat, lowest percentage of grain and no added sugars. It is important to keep in mind that not every brand and type of wet food can be considered a complete diet (which is normally noted on the package). With important vitamins and minerals missing from the formula (e.g. calcium), wet food can only be used as a complementary treat, offered at most one-two times a day.

Inclusion of meat to the cat diet will contribute to healthy teeth, fur and digestion. For the first one-two weeks one should offer boiled meat only, which can soon be replaced by defrosted raw meat (after three-five days in the freezer). Suitable meat as well as insides (e.g. hearts, stomachs, minced bones) can come from chicken, turkey, rabbit and beef. Liver however is not recommended. Boiled boneless fish and seafood (shrimps, squids) can be offered not more than once a week. Additionally, raw quail eggs can be served as a treat multiple times a week. Average dosage per meal could lie within 50-100 grams.

Do not offer any milk products to your cat (milk, cream, sour cream, cheese): while they will not add any nutritional value, they can easily lead to diarrhea.

Keep in mind that no spices should be added to the diet of your cat.

As for dishes, we would recommend using a ceramic bowl for fresh water, while any relatively wide and deep bowl can be suited for food. One could also consider acquiring a water fountain.

Litter and toilet

Each animal has its individual preferences in terms of litter and litter box. Our recommendation is to acquire a litter box with a rooftop: cats feel more secure and protected inside, and much less litter is thrown out on the floor. This is especially key should you have little children or a shy cat. In case of little space available you can use an open toilet with as high walls as possible.

Wood-based litter fill is an ecological and safe solution, especially when used by kittens. Even if swallowed it should not cause any concern.

Climbing and scratching post

A perfect scratching post will allow for your cat to fully stretch when using it. The best option is a vertical scratching post, which is integrated into the climbing complex. Scratching boards fixed to the walls are not recommended for usage - this will quickly develop in your cat using your walls and wallpaper for sharpening nails, too.

High quality, stable climbing post is a crucial element of every cat's life. It serves for scratching, playing, training, hiding, sleeping - all in one object. An ideal climbing complex will offer several sleeping options, will be tall enough for your pet to safely observe the whole room, and stable enough for a large cat to jump on it on full speed.

Toys

We recommend using cat toys made of natural materials, such as rabbit or mink fur. Small details such as eyes and noses should be removed immediately to prevent swallowing.

Toy balls should be hard enough not to fall apart when bitten and be swallowed by the kitten. One option is using table tennis or badminton balls for this purpose.

Teasers with various attachments will serve perfectly for playing with your cat. Active cats and especially kittens also love playing with interactive toys such as Catit Senses track.

Do not leave toys consisting of strings, ropes or bands in easy access.

Character of each cat and even its breed can affect its playfulness.

Carriage and transportation box

Pick a box that fits your needs and the needs of your cat best. Soft shell box is lighter to carry, while hard shell box serves longer and is easier to clean. Do not use transportation boxes with too much transparent material or net.

Do not keep transportation boxes in easy access for the animals. Do not place boxes on the floor, e.g. at the vet, disinfect the boxes if necessary.

Always place a soft pillow, blanket or a nappy on the bottom of the transportation box.

Safety and hygiene measures

1. Wash your hands after visiting vet clinics;

2. Do not bring your animal to the vet unless necessary;

3. Put away your shoes;

4. Do not leave around sharp objects or strings (especially around kittens). Keep in mind that kittens explore the world through biting and tasting!

5. Do not leave around any acids or chemicals;

6. Keep in mind that siberian cats are talented hunters. Do not leave open any unprotected windows or balconies. Beware the tilting windows: a kitten may get caught in the frame and hang itself. To avoid any issues and concerns apply protectors and nets on all your windows and balconies.