Frequently Asked Questions
How can these cats be hypo-allergenic? They have fur!
This is truly what appealed most to us when looking for our own pet – the fact that Siberian Forest cats have fur AND are hypo-allergenic! It is a common misconception that humans are allergic to cat’s fur, but this isn’t the case. People with cat allergies are typically allergic to a protein produced in a cat’s saliva called Fel d1, and fortunately Siberian Forest cats produce lower amounts of this protein than other breeds! This lower production means that more people with cat allergies can finally have a kitty of their own and not just in their dreams!
Please know that Siberians have much less allergens, but there is absolutely no such thing as a completely allergy-free cat. Anyone who tells you differently is being untruthful, or simply does not know. It has been our experience that people who adopt from us will generally have some reaction initially, but within about 1 to 2 months, they find a comfortable tolerance to Siberians--something they were not able to achieve with domestic cat breeds.
For example, we have had some allergic people who come to visit our cats and experience absolutely no reaction whatsoever, however when they bring their kitten home, they find that they do have a noticeable reaction (at least initially). This is because their houses are going from one that has absolutely no allergens, to one that has a small amount. As such, we strongly recommend that you test allergies with the individual kitten that you are considering. We welcome visitors once kittens are about 6 weeks of age.P
It is strongly recommended that if you suffer from allergies, you visit and play with the kittens prior to committing to taking one home.
Click here to watch the Dr. OZ special segment on Siberian Forest Cats and allergies!
Please know that Siberians have much less allergens, but there is absolutely no such thing as a completely allergy-free cat. Anyone who tells you differently is being untruthful, or simply does not know. It has been our experience that people who adopt from us will generally have some reaction initially, but within about 1 to 2 months, they find a comfortable tolerance to Siberians--something they were not able to achieve with domestic cat breeds.
For example, we have had some allergic people who come to visit our cats and experience absolutely no reaction whatsoever, however when they bring their kitten home, they find that they do have a noticeable reaction (at least initially). This is because their houses are going from one that has absolutely no allergens, to one that has a small amount. As such, we strongly recommend that you test allergies with the individual kitten that you are considering. We welcome visitors once kittens are about 6 weeks of age.P
It is strongly recommended that if you suffer from allergies, you visit and play with the kittens prior to committing to taking one home.
Click here to watch the Dr. OZ special segment on Siberian Forest Cats and allergies!
How much does a Shanti Siberian kitten cost?
Most of our kittens are $1200 each. This includes 8 week vaccinations, a clean bill of health by a registered veterinarian.
The price of our older kittens and retired cats vary, so please contact us if interested.
We accept cash, Paypal, Electronic Money Transfers (EMT), certified cheques and all major credit cards. A $200 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your kitten until s/he is ready to come home!
The price of our older kittens and retired cats vary, so please contact us if interested.
We accept cash, Paypal, Electronic Money Transfers (EMT), certified cheques and all major credit cards. A $200 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your kitten until s/he is ready to come home!
How long do I have to wait to take my new kitten home?
Our kittens typically stay with their mother for 10-12 weeks. This is just the standard time, though some kittens take a little longer to wean and be ready for their forever homes. The time line for your kitten will depend on its level of independence, as we want to ensure you get a physically and mentally healthy baby!
Can I visit my kitten before s/he is ready to come home?
Absolutely! We welcome visitors once the kittens are 6 weeks (and/or eating solid food), and strongly recommend it if someone has an animal allergy. Families are welcome to visit their kitten twice prior to taking it home
I am not able to pick up my kitten, can s/he be delivered?
While we strongly encourage picking up your kitten, we will also deliver and ship our kittens. Please contact us for a quote.
Why should I choose a Shanti Siberian?
Our kittens are handled from the beginning to ensure that they are used to people and are more likely to become ‘lap’ cats.
We strongly believe in raw food and for our kittens, as they wean, grain-free alternatives. Please see our diet page for information.
When choosing adults, we look for diversity and ensure that they are from different bloodlines. We strongly believe that diversity in the gene pool will allow for healthier, stronger and more adaptable future generations. We do not inbreed or line breed.
While we do not spend a lot of time or resources entering our cats into breeding competitions, all of our kitties come from championship bloodlines and, as a result, are almost always show quality should you wish to participate in such events yourself.
The health of our kittens is our top priority, and as such each kitten will receive veterinary clearance against diseases and parasites and have their first set of vaccines prior to leaving for their forever home. Our adult cats have yearly check-ups and up-to-date vaccinations
We strongly believe in raw food and for our kittens, as they wean, grain-free alternatives. Please see our diet page for information.
When choosing adults, we look for diversity and ensure that they are from different bloodlines. We strongly believe that diversity in the gene pool will allow for healthier, stronger and more adaptable future generations. We do not inbreed or line breed.
While we do not spend a lot of time or resources entering our cats into breeding competitions, all of our kitties come from championship bloodlines and, as a result, are almost always show quality should you wish to participate in such events yourself.
The health of our kittens is our top priority, and as such each kitten will receive veterinary clearance against diseases and parasites and have their first set of vaccines prior to leaving for their forever home. Our adult cats have yearly check-ups and up-to-date vaccinations
Are the kittens registered?
Kittens are registered with TICA (The International Cat Association), and you will have the opportunity to register your kitten as a purebred Siberian Forest cat upon proof of spaying or neutering.
