Frequently Asked Questions.
On this page you'll find the answers to questions that we are often asked about our kittens. If you still have questions after visiting our site, feel free to contact us.
How Are Our Siberian Kittens Raised?
Zhivago is not a large commercial cattery, breeding and showing our beautiful Siberian kittens is our hobby. Litters are born in our dedicated kitten nursery room for weaning and toilet training. Mother and kittens stay there to develop their skills until the kittens are old enough to explore the wider house.
At around 6 weeks kittens are health checked by our vet check. They are vaccinated twice, spayed/neutered and microchipped before going to their new homes between 12-14 weeks.
Our kittens receive the best food available and lots of love, attention and handling. This ensures their good health and friendly temperaments.
What Do We Feed Our Siberian Kittens?
Here at Zhivago we understand that good health begins with a good diet. Our cats and kittens are raised on super premium diet of Royal Canin dry food, and a raw diet of beef and the occasional tin .
We provide a diet sheet and food samples with our kittens so that you know exactly what they are used to eating. We also provide a large amount of information on the benefits of a low carbohydrate diet, how to feed such a diet and the suppliers we use to source the best foods for our kitties.
Can Our Siberian Kittens Go Outdoors?
People often ask us if Siberians are best as indoor or outdoor cats. We do not require that your kitten is kept indoors but you should carefully assess your area before you decide what sort of access you give them to the outdoors. Siberian cats are great hunters and love to explore the great outdoors, feel the wind in their fur and chase the bugs, however, the road can be a very dangerous place and ticks can be dangerous too. We believe that as new owners, you will know your area better than us and will know whether it is safe for your kitten.
In our experience, as Siberians are very social cats, a single kitten left inside all day can get very lonely and bored. If you are going to keep your kitten as an indoor cat, it is best to get two kittens so that they can keep each other company and play together. A single kitten will be less bored if it has access to the outdoors. Many of our kitten owners don't like to let them roam so a secure outdoor enclosure, a secured garden or a balcony enclosed with clear cat mesh can be a nice compromise for your kitty. We hope that our kittens will get some access to the outdoors as they do love the fresh air and enjoy watching the birds.
Do Siberians Get On Well With Dogs?
We have a dog, a Rotti, so your kitten will be raised with a dog, however they are not in the same room. Siberians are very social and kittens will adapt well to life with a dog provided the dog is friendly towards it. Many Zhivago Siberians live happily with their canine friends.
Do Siberians Shed Much?
Low allergen is not to be confused with low shedding! Siberians have two main moults a year; one in Spring to drop their heavy winter coat so they are comfortable in the hot summer weather, and again in autumn to shed out any burrs in their coat to ensure their glorious winter coat can grow through freely.
Are Siberian Cats Too Hot In Australian Temperatures?
Siberia has one of the world's greatest temperature variations with average winter temperatures around -20°C, and summer temperatures frequently reaching 30°C and even +38 °C in some parts. Siberian cats are well adapted to these temperature changes; they will drop their thick, heavy coats in Spring leaving a shorter coat with much less undercoat. They regrow their thick coats and fabulous ruff around their neck in the autumn so they can keep warm in winter. They are thus well adapted to our temperatures here in Australia.
How Much Grooming Do Siberian Cats Require?
Most Siberian's coats are generally fairly easy care and require much less attention than a Persian cat. Grooming requirements do however vary quite a bit depending on the cat and the time of year. Most will be fine with a comb once a week, some with thicker undercoats require a daily comb to keep them looking their best. During their moulting periods in spring and autumn they will require more frequent grooming than at other times of the year.
Grooming is a great way to bond with your cat; it replicates the mother's grooming sessions with them as a kitten and if done regularly from kittenhood, most cats love their grooming sessions.
One Siberian Kitten or Two?
Siberians are very social cats and they love to play, even when they grow up! It is nice for them to have a play mate, whether that is yourself, your children, your dog or another cat. We like to see kittens go to their new home together as it makes settling in less stressful and they will have a friend for life. We don't recommend getting just one kitten unless you are going to be home during the day to give it plenty of attention, or they are going to be given some access to the outdoors.
Can We Ship Our Siberian Kitten?
Yes, we can ship kittens, but the relevant costs are additional and will add to the overall cost of your kitten. These costs are your responsibility.
All shipping expenses including airport drop off, airline approved travel cage and flight costs are paid direct to the shipping company. We will organise the booking for your preferred date, you just need to call the shipping company to pay and then pick up your kitten at your chosen airport. The full payment for the kitten must reach our account a few days before the kitten will be shipped.
How Can I Reserve a Siberian Kitten?
Please call us for details of our adoption process.
Can I Have A Kitten On A Trial Basis?
Definitely not. Our kittens are not toys, they are living creatures that we have brought into the world, raised, cared for and loved. We are looking for secure, permanent, loving homes to ensure our kittens have the happiest lives possible.
Can I Meet You Before Deciding Whether To Adopt?
Absolutely. We would love to meet you at a cat show or the cattery where you can see the cats we have on show and chat about all things Siberian. Please email or call for an appointment.
Where is Zhivargo Siberians Located?
We are located in Bredbo in New South Wales.