Getting ready for your Siberian kitten’s arrival
Which litter should I choose?
Choosing the right litter means finding a balance between your cat’s comfort, day‑to‑day practicality and impact on health and the environment. There are four main families of litter: mineral, plant‑based (including pellets), silica and “technical” clumping litters. Each has its strengths… and its limits.
Classic mineral litters
Non‑clumping mineral litters made from clay are the most common in supermarkets. They absorb urine well and are very economical to buy.
However, they are often dusty, which can irritate the airways of both cats and humans, especially in case of allergy or asthma, and they generate more non‑recyclable waste.
Clumping litters
Clumping litters, whether mineral or plant‑based, form compact “clumps” when they come into contact with urine, making it easy to remove only the soiled part and keep the rest clean for longer.
They offer excellent odour control and are practical in multi‑cat homes, but they are more expensive and must be chosen carefully to limit dust and certain chemical treatments.
Plant‑based litters and pellets
Plant‑based litters (wood fibres, corn, paper, pellets) are biodegradable, often compostable, and much less dusty than most mineral litters, which makes them a good option for sensitive cats.
Wood pellets in particular are economical, absorbent and made from natural, non‑toxic materials when untreated, but they are non‑clumping, require specific maintenance (managing the sawdust) and can be a bit more work.
Silica (crystal) litter
Silica litter comes in the form of very absorbent crystals that lock in moisture and odours, often allowing the same tray to be kept for several weeks with only the solids removed.
It produces very little dust and suits homes looking for minimal daily maintenance, but it is more expensive, not biodegradable, and some cats dislike the texture.
How do I choose?
The “best” litter is above all the one your cat is happy to use, that does not cause irritation or allergic reactions, and that you can easily maintain every day.
Between your cat’s comfort, human health, odour control, budget and environmental impact, it is often worth testing several options (mineral, plant/pellets, silica or clumping) before finding the ideal compromise for your household.
What have we chosen?
At our cattery, wood pellets have proven to be a coherent compromise between the cats’ comfort, daily hygiene and an ecological approach: this natural litter is low‑dust, gentle on the airways and very absorbent, which limits odours while reducing the volume of waste.
If a family wishes to switch to another option (clumping mineral, fine plant‑based or silica litter), the change should be made gradually: start by mixing about 25% of the new litter with the pellets, then progressively increase the proportion of the new material over 7 to 10 days, carefully observing the cat’s behaviour and, if necessary, slowing the pace or using a second tray so the cat can show their preference without stress.
Which food should I buy?
For a cat (or kitten), a successful food transition is all about taking it slowly over 7 to 10 days, gradually mixing the old and new food and keeping an eye on stools and appetite.
Duration and general principle
Most vets recommend a transition over 7 to 10 days for kibble or wet food, sometimes up to 2 weeks for very sensitive cats.
The goal is to let the intestinal microbiota adapt, to avoid diarrhoea, vomiting, gas or loss of appetite.
Simple 7–10 day schedule
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Days 1–2: 75% old food, 25% new.
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Days 3–4: 50% old, 50% new.
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Days 5–6: 25% old, 75% new.
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From day 7: 100% new food, extending a stage if stools are soft or appetite decreases.
Points to watch
Avoid changing several factors at the same time (type of food + quantity + timetable + environment), so you can identify the cause if any digestive issue appears.
Monitor closely: stool consistency and frequency, vomiting, itching, drop in energy; if strong symptoms occur, go back to the previous stage and, if needed, ask your vet for advice.
What can you expect from Siberian Express to help you?
At Siberian Express, kittens grow up on a varied, progressive diet: in addition to their quality kibble, they are introduced early to small amounts of raw chicken and boiled fish, to build good appetite and make it easier later to move towards mixed feeding or another feeding mode if the family wishes.
To make this step safer, each adoption comes with a starter kit containing about one week of the same kibble used at the cattery; this “food bridge” helps ensure a smooth transition to a new brand, or to a different main feeding mode (wet food vs kibble), while we remain available to guide adopters on the pace of mixing and the signs to watch (stools, appetite, digestive comfort).
Hydration:
a key factor in your Siberian cat’s health
At the cattery, hydration is an integral part of our Siberians’ overall well‑being: to respect their instinct as cautious little felines, we provide multiple water points throughout the home instead of relying on a single bowl next to the kibble.
We recommend offering several complementary options – large, wide bowls filled with fresh water, a water fountain for those who prefer moving water, and water points placed in quiet areas, away from the litter box and feeding zones – so that every cat, kitten or adult, can choose the spot where it feels most comfortable and drink regularly throughout the day.
Securing your home (plants, windows, household products…)
Before you come to collect your kitten from Siberian Express, a few simple preparations will help you welcome them in the best possible conditions. The goal is to offer a home that feels safe, reassuring and adapted to the needs of a curious, playful Siberian kitten.
Essential things to prepare
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A litter tray and the same type of litter as the one used at the cattery, to make the transition easier.
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Separate bowls for food and water (a water fountain is a real plus to encourage good hydration).
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High-quality food that matches what the kitten is eating at the cattery, to avoid digestive upsets (with a gradual food transition).
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A cosy sleeping area (bed, igloo or blanket) in a quiet room, plus a few toys and, if possible, a cat tree or scratching post.
A safe home for a curious kitten
Kittens explore with their eyes, paws and sometimes their teeth, so it is important to secure windows, balconies, cables, cleaning products and small objects before they arrive. On our website, the dedicated section “Making your home safe for your kitten” guides you step by step to reduce the risks of falls, poisoning or household accidents.
(To find out more about which plants to avoid and which ones we use every day at the cattery, visit the “Plants and safety” section of our website.)
A base room for the first few days
We recommend preparing a “base room” where you will set up the kitten’s litter tray, bowls, bed and toys. During the first few days, your kitten will spend most of their time there, getting their bearings, and will then gradually discover the rest of your home under your supervision.
After your kitten has arrived
In the first days, keep the atmosphere calm, offer gentle, regular interactions and respect your kitten’s own rhythm (sleep, playtime, quiet time). The cattery remains available to answer your questions about litter, food, socialisation, safety and integration into your household.
Plants and safety at home
At the Siberian Express cattery, our cats’ safety also depends on the plants we choose to have around them. Many common indoor and garden plants can cause digestive, neurological or even cardiac problems in cats if they are chewed or ingested. This is why all rooms accessible to kittens are kept strictly free of high‑risk plants.
Plants to avoid when you have a cat
Quite a few ornamental plants are considered toxic for cats. Examples include ficus, dieffenbachia, oleander, some euphorbias, aloe vera, ivy, lily of the valley, tulips and poinsettia. Even a “little nibble” on a leaf can sometimes be enough to trigger vomiting, drooling, lethargy or loss of balance. Before bringing a new plant into your home, we strongly recommend checking that it does not appear on lists of plants that are toxic to cats.
Living with plants and a Siberian cat
It is absolutely possible to enjoy both houseplants and a Siberian cat, as long as a few precautions are taken. Placing plants up high or in hanging pots, covering the soil with pebbles or decorative covers and offering safe alternatives such as cat grass or catnip all greatly reduce the risk. There are also many cat‑friendly plants, including some palm varieties, bamboo and several types of orchids, which bring greenery into your home without putting your companion at risk.
Our advice for new families
When we talk with future adopters, we always take time to discuss the kitten’s new environment, including any plants in the home. If you suspect your kitten has chewed a plant or notice unusual symptoms (repeated vomiting, heavy drooling, marked lethargy), it is essential to contact a veterinarian or an animal poison control centre as quickly as possible and, if you can, provide the plant’s name or a photo. Staying vigilant about this point is an integral part of the support we offer, so that your Siberian kitten can arrive in a home that is as safe as it is welcoming.
You can also read testimonials from families who have adopted from Siberian Express