Question 1

How much grooming does a Siberian require?

Accepted Answer

Siberian cats typically have a dense, waterproof coat that does not require as much grooming compared to some other long-haired cats.  As with all cats, they have a heavy shed in the Spring and a lighter one just as the chilly weather is coming in.

Despite their self-maintenance abilities, neglecting their coats can lead to mats and tangles.  A good combing once a week should prevent mats, ensuring the cat's coat remains healthy and free of tangles.  There is one comb, made by JV, that we highly recommend.  It is featured on our Supplies page.   We have used this comb for grooming exclusively since we found it many years ago.

Question 2

What should I purchase for my new kitten before it arrives?

Accepted Answer

Cat beds
Food
Food and water bowls (preferably stainless steel).  No plastic, please, as some Siberians are allergic to plastic.
Litter box (ideally a top entry one)
Non-scented clumping clay cat litter
Plenty of toys
Scratching posts (a tall one so that the cat can stretch upwards when scratching)
Cat furniture like a cat tree or condo would be greatly appreciated (Cats like to get up high)

We have a great many suggestions on our Supplies Page as to which products we have found work the best for us.

Question 3

Are the kittens spayed or neutered before they are released to their forever home?

Accepted Answer

No.  They are ready to go to their new homes around two months of age.  Our contract states that the buyer is responsible for their sterilization.  The optimal age is between four and five months of age.  If a kitten is not sterilized by the age of six months, the contract is void.

Question 4

What should I expect in terms of ongoing care and maintenance for my cat?

Accepted Answer

Caring for a Siberian cat involves several aspects to ensure their health and well-being.  Here are some key areas to consider for ongoing care and maintenance:

REGULAR VETERINARY CHECK-UPS:  Schedule annual veterinary check-ups to monitor your cat's health and address any issues early.
VACCINATIONS:  Keep up to date with vaccinations to protect your cat from common diseases.  Please follow the schedule outlined in the handout you will receive at the time of purchase.
NUTRITION: Feed your Siberian cat a balanced diet appropriate for its age, activity level and health needs.
GROOMING:  Siberian cats have a semi-long, triple-layered coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and reduce shedding.
EXERCISE AND ENRICHMENT:  Provide opportunities for play and exercise to keep your Siberian cat mentally and physically stimulated.
LITTER BOX MAINTENANCE:  Keep the litter box clean and provide a suitable, unscented litter.
PARASITE CONTROL:  Use flea, tick and worm prevention methods as recommended by your veterinarian.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT:  Provide scratching posts, climbing structures and toys to keep your Siberian cat entertained and engaged.
LOVE AND ATTENTION:  Siberian cats are social and enjoy human companionship.  Spend quality time with your cat to strengthen your bond and keep it happy.

By addressing these aspects of care, you can help ensure that your Siberian cat lives a long, healthy and happy life as a cherished member of your family.

Question 5

What is the temperament of a Siberian cat?

Accepted Answer

The temperament of a Siberian cat is often described as affectionate, intelligent and playful.  They are known for forming strong bonds with their human family members and are loyal and loving companions.  Siberian cats are also known for their curiosity and agility, enjoying interactive play and exploring their environment.  They are generally good with children and other animals; making them a versatile and well-rounded pet choice.

Question 6

How are your kittens socialized?

Accepted Answer

At Golden Sunshine Siberians, we prioritize the socialization of our kittens to ensure they grow up to be well-adjusted and friendly companions.  Our kittens are raised in a home environment where they are exposed to various sights, sounds and dogs from an early age.  They are handled regularly and receive lots of love and attention from our family members, which helps them develop a trusting and affectionate nature,

Question 7

Can I see pictures of the parents of the kittens?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are happy to provide pictures of the parents of our kittens.  We believe that it is important for adopters to see the parents to get an idea of what their kitten may look like as it grows.  Please contact us to request pictures of the parents and we will gladly share them with you.

Question 8

How do I know if a Siberian is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Determining if  a Siberian cat is right for you involves considering several factors.  Here are some questions to ask yourself:
ALLERGIES:  Are you or any of your family members allergic to cats?  Siberian cats are considered hypoallergenic, but individual reactions can vary.
LIFESTYLE:  Do you have the time and energy to dedicate to caring for a cat?  Siberian cats are social and require grooming and playtime.
SPACE:  Do you have enough space in your home for a cat to roam and explore?
COMMITMENT: Are you prepared to make a long-term commitment to caring for a cat, which can live for 15 years or more?
COMPATIBILITY:  Do you have other pets or children?  Siberian cats are generally good with other animals and children but it is important to consider their compatibility with your existing family members.
COST:  Can you afford the initial cost of adopting a Siberian cat, as well as ongoing expenses such as food, veterinary care and grooming?
ALLERGEN KIT:  If allergies are a concern, are you willing to try an allergen kit to see if a Siberian cat is a good fit for your family?
By carefully considering these factors and doing some research on the Siberian cat breed, you can determine if a Siberian cat is the right pet for you.  More information on allergies and allergens can be found on our Allergies page.

Question 9

Should I purchase a male or female?

Accepted Answer

Male and female Siberian cats both offer exceptional companionship and make fantastic pets.  We have not noticed any difference in their allergen levels.  Just choose the cat that calls to you.

Question 10

Should I purchase one or two kittens?

Accepted Answer

Consider acquiring two kittens together as it is often advisable.  If you have an older cat at home, introducing a playful kitten as its sole companion may not be well received.  However, witnessing the delightful interaction and companionship between two kittens is heartwarming and offers endless hours of entertainment.  It is so interesting to watch two young Siberians communicate with each other in their secret language.  If everyone in the household works outside the home, having two kittens eliminates loneliness and ensures they keep each other company during the day.

Question 11

Pricing

Accepted Answer

To secure a kitten a $500.00 non-refundable deposit is required which then becomes the initial payment towards the kitten's purchase price.  Because the total price is based on sex, age, pattern and colour, the price can vary from kitten to kitten within a litter.  Prices quoted are guaranteed from one year from the time of placement on the wait list.  If a person refuses one litter after another they could potentially be on the wait list for more than a year.  After one year prices are subject to adjustment based on the current rate for available kittens.

The balance of payment must be settled before the kitten goes to its forever home.  Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate payment plans that extend beyond the delivery date.

Question 12

Are your kittens registered?

Accepted Answer

All our adults are registered with TICA (The International Cat Association). This means that any kitten born into our cattery is also registerable.  Owners can receive papers to register their kitten once we have proof of sterilization within the first six months of the kitten's life.

Question 13

What vaccines will the kitten already have been given when it goes to its new home?

Accepted Answer

Kittens leave us age-appropriately vaccinated,  That means they will have had the first rounds of core vaccines at about eight weeks of age.  The owner must finish off the vaccines by giving another two rounds - one round at twelve weeks and the last one at sixteen weeks of age.  It the kittens do not receive their vaccines on time, the contract is void.

Question 14

How do I reserve a kitten?

Accepted Answer

To reserve a kitten from Golden Sunshine Siberians, you can contact us through our email GoldenSunshineSiberians@outlook.com) or by text (289-600-8796).  We will provide you with information on available kittens and the reservation and allergy testing process, should you require that.  Once you have selected a kitten, we will ask for a non-refundable deposit of $500.00 to hold the kitten until it is ready to be adopted.

Question 15

How does the wait list work?

Accepted Answer

Enthusiasm for our kittens often leads to reservations even before they are born.  If you spot a litter that captures your interest, do not hesitate to reach out to us.  You can do so by sending a message through our contact form or by emailing or texting us directly.

If no kitten is available, you can ask to be put on the waiting list. To reserve a kitten, we require a non-refundable deposit of $500.00

Question 16

Do you ship your kittens?

Accepted Answer

We try to avoid shipping but sometimes we will make an exception in the warmer months.  We only ship Canada wide.

Question 17

Is the deposit really non-refundable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our deposits are non-refundable.  It makes no sense to take a deposit if one is only going to return it, if asked.  If that is the case, why even ask for a deposit?

A deposit secures your exclusive slot in a litter.  By reserving a pick order, a kitten is specifically set aside for you, ensuring that you will receive a kitten from that particular litter. If other potential adopters inquire about that litter, they are informed that all pick orders have been reserved, and no additional kittens from that litter are available.

Question 18

What is your return policy if things do not work out?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do offer a return policy if things do not work out with the kitten.  Firstly, a Purchaser may return a kitten in the first two weeks of ownership for any reason whatsoever as long as the vaccines have been given on a timely basis.  We understand that sometimes unforeseen circumstances may arise that make it difficult for someone to keep their cat after the first two weeks.  If you find yourself in this situation, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss the return process. We want to ensure that our kittens find loving and suitable homes, so we will work with you to facilitate the return of the kitten.

The return options are clearly outlined in our contract.

Question 19

Can you explain your genetic guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Our genetic guarantee ensures that your kitten is free from genetic defects.  We offer a two-year genetic guarantee, which means that if your kitten is found to have a genetic defect bad enough to affect the quality of its life within two years of purchase, we will provide you with a replacement kitten of equal value, subject to availabilility, or we will return your full purchase price to you; whichever you desire.

Question 20

What is your spay and neuter policy?

Accepted Answer

If you are purchasing a kitten from us, you must sign a contract that states you will sterilize your kitten before the age of six months.  We expect if you sign such a contract that you will have the integrity to honour it.  Shockingly enough, a four-month-old female Siberian kitten can become pregnant and a four-month-old male can reproduce.  Spaying and neutering your cat around this age is the best way to prevent any unexpected litters, helps reduce cat overpopulation and curbs unwanted behavioural patterns associated with sexual maturity.

OUR CONTRACT STATES THAT IF THE OWNER CANNOT PROVIDE PROOF OF STERILIZATION BEFORE THE AGE OF SIX MONTHS, THE CONTRACT IS VOID.

Question 21

Do you sell kittens with breeding rights?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not.

Question 22

Can I see a copy of the contract?

Accepted Answer

Of course.  We are happy to email you a copy.  You only have to ask.

Question 23

What is the approximate release age of a kitten?

Accepted Answer

Kittens leave us around ten weeks of age.  When we state a date it is approximate.  Some kittens are slower to wean onto solid food or they have a harder time separating from their mother.  If that is the case, we expect the Purchaser to wait a little longer and give the kitten a bit more time. Patience will ensure that the Purchaser will bring home a healthy and happy kitten that meets all expectations in terms of temperament and health.

Question 24

Is a Sunshine (Golden) Siberian 100% hypoallergenic?

Accepted Answer

A Sunshine Siberian has the same allergenic levels as the average traditional Siberian.  This breed of cat has significantly less Fel D1 than other breeds.  Approximately 85% of people can live comfortably with a Siberian.  Unfortunately, there is no scientific test to determine who will react and who will not.

The one thing that might help you understand if a Siberian will work for you and your allergies is to purchase an allergen kit from us.  The kit contains the fur of three adult Siberians.  By following the instructions for a week or so, most people can tell whether they can live comfortably with a Siberian.

Question 25

Do you do in-home allergy testing?

Accepted Answer

We have transitioned away from in-home testing due to efficacy concerns.  Over time, we have found that using an allergen kit yields more reliable results.

When you visit our cattery, you may encounter different cleaning products than those you use at home.  We share our space with dogs and a bird.  Additionally, outdoor factors such as plants and fungi can contribute to environmental differences.  If you experience a reaction while at our cattery, it may be challenging to determine whether it is due to cat allergies or an unfamiliar environment.

Using an allergen kit, however, provides a more controlled and accurate assessment.  We encourage you to expose yourself to potential allergens over an extended period to ensure a thorough evaluation.

Frequently asked questions