The House of
Kitten Care

Getting ready for your new kitten

A few well-chosen items, set up before your kitten arrives, make the transition easy for both of you.

Kitten Needs List

These are the items we recommend for the well-being of your new kitten. We have tried just about everything over the years, and we're always happy to share the exact products we use — just ask.

A note on the items below: these are simply the products we use ourselves and what has worked for our cats over the years. Every kitten and every home is different, so please treat this list as a starting point, not a rule. We can't be responsible for the items you choose or how they work in your home. Keep an eye on your kitten with anything new, stop using an item if it doesn't suit them, and ask your veterinarian when in doubt.

The litter box

We recommend a box without a lid. As a cat scratches to bury their waste, litter dust is kicked up — a covered box traps that dust where your kitten breathes it in, while an open box lets them breathe easier. If you prefer a covered box, you can still buy one and simply remove the door.

Our kittens are used to both large, low, open litter boxes and self-cleaning boxes. If you choose a self-cleaning box, it must be a fully enclosed model — avoid any design where the drum lifts away from the back, since a kitten can climb in while it rotates. Self-cleaning boxes usually sit higher off the floor, so we give our kittens a small step to reach them. By the time your kitten comes home they'll be able to use either. We suggest buying the largest size so it grows with your kitten.

Once a week, we wash each litter box top to bottom with a pet-safe cleaner and a disinfectant, then refill it with fresh litter.

The litter

Stressed kittens sometimes nibble litter, so for the first days offer only an unscented, non-clumping litter. One bag or box is enough. After about 10 days at home, once your kitten is settled, you can switch to an unscented clumping litter, which makes scooping urine and waste much easier.

Important: whatever the brand, never use a litter made from anything resembling food — no tofu and no hemp litter. Avoid paper, bead, and silica litters at first as well.

A small trash can with a lid

We keep a small lidded trash can right beside each litter box for daily scooping. It locks in odors and keeps the box clean — and we've found Siberians really do prefer a clean litter box.

A proper carrier

Whether your kitten is coming home or heading to the vet, always use a suitable carrier — never a cardboard box, and never carry a cat or kitten in your arms. We use a carrier that attaches to a wheeled stand, which is much easier to maneuver.

A standard plastic carrier is also ideal, since the door usually comes off quickly and easily. With the door removed, it becomes a cozy little house or resting spot — so when it's time to travel, your kitten already knows and loves it.

Whatever you choose, line it with a small cat blanket. We lay these blankets around our home and in our carriers so the kittens always have the comforting scent of home wherever they go. Your kitten will come home with one of ours.

Feliway

Feliway Classic is a drug-free product that mimics a cat's natural facial pheromones, helping cats feel calmer in stressful situations — like arriving in a new home. With many cats in our own home, we've found it truly helpful and highly recommend it.

We use the plug-in diffusers, and the spray is wonderful for car trips: spray it inside the carrier at least 5 minutes before placing your kitten in it. The scent is strong for the first few minutes, but most kittens are noticeably calmer, making trips and vet visits far less stressful.

Fresh water — a fountain or a bowl

Keeping your kitten well hydrated is one of the most important things you can do. Siberians are prone to dehydration, and kittens have an incredible sense of smell — they won't drink water that smells even slightly off.

A simple bowl is perfectly fine, as long as it's washed out (not just topped up) and refilled with fresh water every day. Our kittens drink from both bowls and fountains, and variety in their surroundings is good for them. We use fountains at the cattery — easy to use, with weekly maintenance — and our cats love them. A fountain offers several advantages:

  • Filtration: removes excess magnesium and calcium, along with bacteria, hair, and dust.
  • Freshness: circulating water stays fresh and oxygenated. Many cats dislike still water — which is why they love the tap!
  • Stimulation: the movement and sound attract your kitten and encourage them to drink more.
  • Kidney health: drinking more supports the kidneys and helps eliminate waste.
  • Capacity: it holds more than a bowl, so it needs refilling less often.

We also like rechargeable, battery-powered fountains, so there are no cords for kittens to play with. Whichever you choose, wash it regularly.

Dry food

At The House of , kittens have access to dry food 24 hours a day. There's no need for a large bowl — put out only what will be eaten that day. Food left out for more than 48 hours loses its quality and can even cause diarrhea.

Buy the same brand and same flavor your kitten eats here, and ideally keep to it throughout the first year. Many bags look alike, so check carefully. Changing brand or flavor can cause diarrhea, which can quickly dehydrate a kitten and make them very sick. The only reasons to change are a sudden intolerance (unlikely) or your veterinarian's advice. Some pet stores don't carry every brand and may suggest another — please don't switch. You'll usually find our brand at PetSmart and Amazon. See Choosing your kitten's food for more.

We do not give our kittens any treats before 9 months of age.

A cat tree and scratching post

Include a cat tree and a scratching post in your kitten's essentials. See our cat tree and scratching guide for choosing them and finding the right place in your home.

Grooming tools

Ideally, have all three:

  • A metal comb
  • A standard cat brush
  • A Furminator deshedding tool for long-haired cats

We brush our kittens several times a week and occasionally wipe their faces with a warm cloth.

Have cat-safe nail clippers ready, too. Our nail-care advice explains trimming and when to ask your vet for help.

Be careful of plants and food

Some plants are extremely toxic to cats, including lilies, eucalyptus, and jade succulents. Research every plant in your home, and if you're unsure, it's best to remove it.

Many human foods are toxic to cats too, among them:

  • Grapes
  • Nuts
  • Garlic and onions
  • Potatoes
  • Cabbage and turnips
  • Mushrooms
  • Avocados
  • Coffee and tea
  • Chocolate
  • Raw meat and fish
  • Cheese and milk

Never give your kitten human food. Even a few bites from the dinner you're preparing can seriously harm their health, or even be fatal. Alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana can also poison a cat and cause death.

Also cat-proof your home by putting away electrical cords and small items that could be swallowed.

Watch them around water

We've found Siberians love water! They like to sit under the faucet and play with the running water — and on occasion have even fallen into a filled bathtub. Always be careful around bathtubs and swimming pools.

Tips for allergy-sensitive homes

  • Lightly moistening your kitten before daily combing reduces allergens released into the air — Allerpet Grooming Solution may work well.
  • Litter boxes cause the most trouble for asthma, since Fel d 1 and other allergens are found in urine and feces. Change litter often, and keep the box in a well-ventilated room — never a bedroom. Anyone allergic to cats should never clean the litter box.
  • Frequent vacuuming dramatically reduces allergen levels.
  • Keep your kitten out of the bedrooms of anyone with severe allergies.
  • Air purifiers with a true HEPA filter control both fur and allergens. Many good brands exist — the key is the HEPA filter. Our kittens are already used to the sound.

It's easier than it sounds

Please don't think raising a kitten is overly difficult — it really isn't. Once the right items are in place, it's easy from there. And again, we're always happy to share the products we use. Siberians are a fabulous breed; you'll want the very best for your kitten, and in return they'll give you an incredible amount of love — and some serious laughs along the way.