SRI - Siberian Research Inc.

There are many associations that register cats, including TICA, CFA and FIFe. Obtaining copies of the registration papers of the sire and dam help 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. Purchasing a kitten with breeder rights. We suggest asking for sample pedigrees prior to signing kitten deposits. Breeders should receive your formal registration papers at the time of sale.

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.

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 SRI Cattteries test their breeding Siberians for allergen levels.

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 materials on allergens.

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. The amount of contact people have with kittens at this stage changes their personalities considerably.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. Always ask the breeder how many adult cats they have, and how they raise their kittens.

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. Cattery diseases also lead to early deaths or problems. Poorly socialized kittens make poor pets and, as adults, are difficult to manage in a cattery.