SIBERIAN CATS

of LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA

Siberian Gatos Cattery

Tell her she is such a NIIIICE Cat!

Siberian Gatos Mission

We are a different Siberian Cattery with a special mission. Our mission is to breed the healthiest possible Siberian kittens and cats. We want to raise our Siberian kittens in the most social environment consistent with excellent health. In short we are trying to breed the perfect pet Siberian kittens and cats. We want to breed Siberian pet kittens primarily for the cat allergic who could not otherwise have cats for pets. We seek genetic diversity in our Siberian cats and believe that prolongs the cat's life and contributes to healthy immune systems. We define pet cats as cats that are companions and not exploited, whose best interests are considered along with their human companions.

Siberian Gatos Pets

We believe that Siberian kittens treated as pets from the time they are born make better pets. We have had Siberian kittens born and raised to Siberian cats in our home and a Siberian cat bred in a cattery, born in a cage, raised in a large cattery room and cages and run before coming to us. The difference in how well these Siberian cats related to humans was phenomenal to me (and to other observers). It helped clarify our thoughts about how to raise our Siberian kittens to be pets.

Pets need petting, and interactions with people. Everyone in our family of four pets our Siberian kittens. The new owner makes the fifth person to have a social relation with the kitten. Jamie sleeps with the kittens often. Our Siberian kittens grow up knowing people intimately as friends. We don't use cages, but use Jamie's large room with private (screened) balcony or my large bedroom and bathroom if we need to isolate cats from each other. We are trying to provide the most socialized Siberian kittens it is possible to have.

There is nothing quite like seeing two beautiful kitties snoozing under a Christmas tree. Dudley is great, growing like a weed and has a definite swagger in his gait. He is king of the castle as far as he is concerned. I still pinch myself because I sometimes can not believe how lucky I am to be able to love a cat again with neither a sneeze nor a wheeze!

HCM: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Does HCM occur in Siberian cats? YES. We try to breed Siberian kittens without HCM not only by choosing our pedigrees (all have a risk of HCM somewhere though some might be better), but by screening every breeder, repeatedly for HCM. No equivocal cats are used. I hope that eventually all Siberian breeders will screen every cat repeatedly. I know of two catteries that do this so far, one in Belgium, one in Finland.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a genetic trait in cats. In Maine Coon Cats this was first reported to be clearly described as an autosomal dominant, from UC Davis, and has proved true in other breeds. In about 2002, I noticed Siberian cats had died from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. I believed this genetic trait existed in the breed. Immediately we put it in our health contract we would recognize and cover this as a genetic defect, and we began watching for lines likely to have HCM and for opportunities to get our cats tested for HCM. Lately it has emerged that HCM is somewhat widespread among the gene pool of Siberians. Probably there is an autosomal dominant form, it is possible there is a second form. Reports are that the genetic test developed for Maine Coons will not work in Siberians. Certainly all our pedigrees have a risk factor somewhere, as do most. The answer: SCREEN. All our breeders have been echoed for HCM, and repeat echoed when possible. Regular screening is part of our protocol. Our last screening was completed in spring 2007..

The vets who have done all our cat were very impressed. " What is this breed, it is so friendly I can't get either to stop purring while I listen to the heart. They are so beautiful and so friendly. Tell me about the breed." These are feline cardiologist vets and had never seen Siberian cats. No other Siberian breeders appeared to be screening. Siberians cats are easy to echo. Our six cats were done in an hour, the standard time it takes to do four, with excellent quality scans. Our young stud Arkady became the standard on the machine he was done with for his age.

The following site is a very good reference on feline diseases, including HCM.

The kids are thrilled with the kittens!! Caleb and Akosh are hard to resist since they will run up to both kids and start purring as soon as they see them. They are so loveable, adventurous, amusing, brave, nthing fazes them. Caleb sleeps at the foot of my son's bed

Their behavior is wonderful- litter box perfect and not in the least bit destructive. We’re working on them not to climb on the dining room table- they do respond to “no” and “down”- it’s actually amazing! They seem to spend a fair amount of time wrestling with each other- is that normal?

FIP and Other Feline Virii

As they were saying no cattery was safe from FIP, I was planning what I could do about it. The feline corona virus (FeCV), the parent virus of FIP, is not uncommon. It occurs in many species of animals other than cats, and causes 10-20% of human colds, so it is possible that any cat will be exposed. If your cat meets corona virus and becomes immune to it, fine; but if the virus establishes itself and undergoes this common mutation, you cat may develop FIP. The FIP mutation is rare in cats that are mature but not old, but happens more easily in young cats, < 2 years or older cats. Contracting FIP is usually lethal to cats if active. So I started this way:

First I wanted to make sure our foundation Siberian cats didn't have any corona virus already, so I had Sunshine and Ginevra tested. I started with the lab recommended by our vet, which said negative but then learned that most labs are of terrible quality. So I tried to find out what the best was. The best lab in the world seemed to be Dr. Addie at the University of Glasgow . So I sent their blood to Scotland. Their titres both came back zero-no exposure ever to any feline corona virus ever. I have asked Dr. Addie to list us in the corona virus negative stud and queen registry . All new Siberians entering our cattery are tested with Dr. Addie and found to be negative before being allowed to mingle with our cats. We are the only Siberian cattery in the world to be listed there. We are also the first American Cattery to have registered so far. Our cats have also been tested and tested negative for FeLV and FIV (before we made the decision to breed) and are negative for both, as shown at this site, currently the bottom entry.

Now, I want to decrease chances of exposure to corona viruses since our Siberian cats have never met it, preserving their negative status. We pursue policies in exposure control, immune system support, and all organic diets as ways to decrease risk.

sophie and the feather

Tucker appreciates art

Outdoor Cats

Cats are at risk for bird flu, (an Influenza H5N1) from eating birds they prey upon. They have not yet been indicted for spreading bird flu to humans. For more information see this article. WHO reported in 2004 that cats had gotten and died from bird flu.

That notable science source You Tube has an interesting video with lovely music titled 2 million birds fall from sky dead say russian scientists. Bird flu may be a bigger problem than previously recognized.

On to other outdoor health hazards. Calicivirus is endemic among cats. Beginning in 1998 Dr. Niels Pedersen, an outstanding veterinary researcher in infectious diseases at UCDavis identified a new malignant form of calicivirus. By 2002 it had reached epidemic proportions in southern CA and was noted in other areas.

Elsewhere, I can't find the reference, it was noted that this strain does not seem to respond with protective immune reaction to the vaccine for calicivirus. I don't know if this has been confirmed.

Cats are also vulnerable to heartworm. They are not as vulnerable as dogs are but they can get this and it is very difficult to treat. If you take your cat outside, talk to your vet about this.

All our kittens are sold as indoor only cats. Please discuss with me if you wish to take your cats outside.

Stoli is incredibly active but also loves to snuggle. He always has to inspect the scene when any faucet is turned on, and when the freezer door opens. He watches us leave from the window over the sink and rushes to greet us when we come home.

Food at Siberian Gatos

We use Flint River Ranch cat food. We supplement our Siberian cats' diet with meat, fish and vitamins.

Now that we are recommending it, Jamie is a distributor for it. Use his number, 3VZ4 and order by phoning 909-682-5048. Their fax number is 909-682-5057. After the first call, you can call on an 800 line. It is delivered fresh to your door with NO SHIPPING CHARGE. Here is a link to more information about our Flint River Ranch cat food.

Litter at Siberian Gatos

We do not use clumping litter: I don't want kittens exposed to breathing the dust that it kicks up.

Cages

We don't cage our cats. Our Siberian male cat is a pet cat (and sweetheart) too, and it would break his heart to be caged. This is part of our belief about respecting the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part. This is another place where raising Siberian kittens has given me a wonderful chance to talk about ethics with Jamie, and help him clarify his own. He wrote a fabulous paper in third grade about whether it is right to use animals to make money, and under what conditions. His conclusion: "Yes, but only if you treat them well and you use some of the money to make sure they have a better life."

Here is Kolohe at 4 ½ months. Christmas & New Year’s were so much fun…Kolohe was a HUGE hit, as everyone loved her personality (she is the friendliest cat!!)

The cats are great! Bu wakes me up every morning at 6am by licking my face. They are both very affectionate!

Siberian Gatos on Vaccines

We currently provide one set of vaccine at 9 weeks. The kitten may go to its new home between 9 and 12 weeks. This is a trial policy and may be changed. You are responsible for getting a second immunization (FRCVP) at age 16 weeks and at age one year. 16 weeks is a good age for the preop for spaying or neutering. Get the immunization, make the appointment for ten days to two weeks later. I like to see a chance for the cats immune system to respond to the immunization before the operation. Discuss with your veterinarian the Calici Vax immunization from Fort Dodge for the new, highly virulent strain Calici virus. Do not give this before 16 weeks.

For all indoor cats, there is little need for a rabies vaccine, unless you live in an area where bats or squirrels may get into the house. If you believe your Siberian kitten or cat needs rabies vaccine, I recommend the Merial Purevax rabbies vaccine. Although many vets use it every year, I recommend using it only every three years. Since 2003, Murial has acknowledged this vaccines’ effectiveness given at every 3 year intervals. Here is a link to vaccine recommendations. Ours are modified off this for our kittens needs.

Cornell University is is a leading center of cat veterinary medicine in the US. They definitely approve of rabies immunizations. They state “Purevax R, Merial's non-adjuvant rabies product, can be given to kittens as early as 8 weeks of age. As of November 2003, this vaccine (along with all Purevax R brand vaccines) is recommended by Merial to be given every three years. However, because administration of rabies vaccines is a matter of local or county law, some areas will continue to require annual rabies vaccination.

Here are some more references regarding various vaccines and recommended guidelines (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (10).

Their appetites are amazing and they seem to be growing very quickly- is it possible to overfeed kittens?

Neutering/Spaying

All our Siberian kittens are sold with a neutering/spaying contract. The Siberian kitten must be neutered/spayed before six months of age. We will send you the kitten's registration papers when we receive appropriate documentation from a licensed veterinarian that your Siberian kitten has been neutered/spayed before six months of age. If you fail to neuter the kitten by six months, ownership of the kitten and any progeny reverts to us. We are entitled to reasonable recovery costs also. Get your Siberian kitten neutered or spayed!. Please note that your female cat is best protected from mammary cancer if spayed before first heat.

Siberian Gatos Placement Policy

If at some point in your Siberian cat's life you can no longer own a cat, we expect the Siberian cat to be returned to us or we will assist in placing the cat. You may not sell, give away, release, euthanize or shelter your cat when your life has unexpected changes without permission from us. Contact us, we are not released from responsibility either.

Siberian Gatos Health Guarantee

We guarantee the health of our Siberian kittens. The immunizations will be up-to-date at the time of purchase and you will be given instructions for further care. We use an immunization protocol for our Siberian kittens similar to this < http://www.dvmvac.com> but somewhat less. Our kittens' parents and grandparents have been raised indoors in Siberian catteries, and tested for FIV, FLV, and Corona Virus, HCM, patellar luxation and hip dysplasia and found negative, as well as immunized. This is how we can guarantee their health. Only indoor cats can be kept free of diseases, as there are no vaccines for some of these lethal cat viruses.

We offer a genetic health guarantee on the life of the cat til age ten years from birth. If the cat dies from a genetic cause verified on autopsy by a veterinarian, we will reimburse the purchase price of the kitten or supply a similar kitten. We will cover a reasonable autopsy fee in the case that the cat died from a genetic cause before age ten.

We guarantee our kittens arrive healthy. All kittens are seen for a good health exam by a veterinarian between 8 and 9 weeks, usually a feline specialist at the Cat Hospital in Campbell. Documentation is provided. If the kitten gets sick contact us. Usually advice is all that is needed. If not, we will cover a veterinarian visit if needed in the first two weeks of arrival and approved in advance by us or our vet in we are unavailable. If you live in the Bay Area, the visit must be with the vet who gave the kitten its good health exam.

Pricing

Siberian Gatos kittens are priced between $800 and $1500. Colorpoints are near the high end. Least typey kittens are near the low end of the range. All others are in between, and dependent primarly on color as well as gender and type.

Second Kitten

Siberian kittens are happiest when they have company. In order to make it possible to keep our kittens together, currently we offer $50 off the second kitten if they come from the same litter only.

Allergy Testing

We advise allergy testing with our specific lines if you are interested in our kittens. Allergies can be line specific. We offer home visits to assess allergies. Two different sorts of home visits are available, both by appointment only.

1. One hour visit in the home with the cats. Lots of cat dander present. Can be modified to a visit in your car with me and a cat to get a lower dose. You will be responsible for your own vaccuuming afterward. The first one hour visit is currently free.

2. Modified cats visit. If you wish a visit with the cats modified to be maximally non allergic, I can wash and or allerpet -C ONE cat and put ALL cats on allergy relief drops for 48 hours in advance of your visit. This will not alter accumulated dander in the house. $25 charge for modified visit.

Samples of Cat Fur or Cat Bedding

We will mail out samples of Siberian cat fur for free in your own SASE only. We will mail out samples of Siberian cat bedding for $5 in your own SASE only. These are only to give you a piece of cloth that is impregnated with cat dander for you to try, it is not otherwise useful. Contact us for the snail mail address to send SASEs. Make sure your envelope is big enough for what you wish mailed back to you. Don't send two SASEs unless you wish two different things mailed back now.

Siberian Gatos SASE Policy

All mail communications with us must include a SASE if you wish an answer or any documentation. I am disabled and this includes memory problems as well as physical problems. I am concerned that I will lose something really important if I set it down to look for a stamp and an envelope. This is solved if I require a SASE for any business correspondence.

Deposit and Waiting List

We do have a short waiting list. It averages two to six months long. A $100 nonrefundable deposit will hold your place on the waiting list if you are accepted. We plan six to eight litters a year. Most litters have both traditional colors and colorpoints. Our kittens are sold as pets only to all indoor homes. Our kittens must be spayed or neutered by age six months. There is a vaccine clause limiting vaccines the kitten/cat can be given. We reserve the right to withhold one kitten from any litter as a breeder.

In putting down a deposit you are agreeing to the terms of the sales contract and to contact us within 3 to 6 months, if you have not heard from us. In order for a deposit to be accepted you must answer satisfactorily the following questions:

Provide two phone numbers, two emails and your address.
Tell us about the life and death of two or three previous pets.
Tell us about the living situation the cat will be in and how long you will be living this way.
Tell us about your commitment to caring for the cat for its entire natural lifespan.
Send us this statement: "I agree to the terms of the sales contract, and to contact you at the stated intervals, and to the terms outlined on this page".
Tell us if you would be willing to be asked if visitors could come and visit your kittens to see if they might react to them. This is not an obligation.