FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are your cats hypoallergenic?

Our Siberian Cats make the most wonderful pets, in particular for those people who have issues with cat allergies.

Siberians usually produce a lower level of the Protein gene in their saliva than most cats breeds.  Every cat has allergen levels. There is no such thing as a non-allergic cat. A common misconception is that allergen levels is caused by cat hair, which is why a lot of people do not believe a long hair breed, such as the siberian cat, can be hypo allergenic. Cats produce a protein in their saliva called Fel-D1. This protein contains the allergen levels. Because the cat grooms itself, the saliva, and with that the Fel-D1 protein ends up on the coat, and causes dander.

Siberians produce much less of this Fel-D1 allergen protein then any other breed. Because of this, the Siberian cat is often a good choice of allergy sufferers. Some people will still have reactions so please discuss with us if you've experienced reactions to cats.Siberians all have some degree of allergen levels, and the body needs time to adjust to that. In most cases, a kitten goes home and for about 4-6 weeks the allergic person’s body is adjusting and they may have allergy symptoms. After a 4-6 weeks they should be gone, or at least significantly taper off. When the cat starts shedding it may temporarily flare up again. An allergy test will tell you what reaction you will have short term, but to know long term, you need to have a siberian in your house for at least a month, and be prepared to give it that much time to adjust to the cat’s allergen levels.

What Vaccinations does my Siberian need?

Your Siberian comes to you from us with all the vaccinations they need.  Being an indoor cat they are not exposed to other cats carrying disease and viruses.  Below is some information about the most common cat vaccinations.

Rabies Vaccine. There is currently a debate over the necessary frequency of this vaccine. Your kitten will have their initial vaccine after 4 months of age as required by law and boosted again one year following that time. If you are never allowing your cat/kitten outside and do not have a lot of visitors to your home, some feel it is unnecessary to take the risk involved in continuing the yearly rabies vaccine. Some states offer this as a three year vaccine while others continue it as an annual vaccination. You need to discuss the risks of the rabies vaccine with your veterinarian while understanding that each state does have a law in place requiring pets to be vaccinated. Please be advised that there have been some severe reactions, even deaths from this vaccine.

FeLV Vaccine.  NOT RECOMMENDED. According to reports this vaccine has been known to weaken the immune system and may predispose your cat/kitten to the disease. There are known to be severe reactions from this vaccine as well. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the Academy of Feline Medicine (AFM) have indicated that this vaccination should ONLY BE given to cats that will be exposed to other cats with FeLV virus. Administering this vaccine to your Sineglazka kitten will void all contract responsibilities of Sineglazka and its proprietors. It does not nullify the buyers' responsibilities as outlined in the contract

FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) Vaccine.  NOT RECOMMENDED. According to reports this vaccine is totally ineffective and may predispose your cat to the disease. This vaccine is not recommended by the AAFP/AFM unless your cat will be exposed to the virus.  Administering this vaccine to your Sineglazka kitten will void all contract responsibilities of Sineglazka and its proprietors. It does not nullify the buyers' responsibilities as outlined in the contract.

What is the difference between the Siberian and the Maine Coon, Norwegian cats?

The Siberian is distinguished from the Norwegian and Maine Coon in that one's vision is of circles, rather than triangles and Rectangles.  The eyes are large and round, Siberian bodies are more compact...as opposed to the longer length of Norwegians and Maine Coons. The Head has a Modified wedge of medium/large size with rounded contours, in good proportion to the body. The head is broader at the top of the skull and narrows slightly to a full-rounded muzzle. VS the Triangular Norwegian head and Rectangular Maine Coon.