Bringing Home Your Siberian: First Month Guide

Introduction

Congratulations on welcoming your new Siberian kitten home! The first 30 days are crucial for establishing routines, building trust, and ensuring your kitten's smooth transition into their new environment. Many new owners feel overwhelmed by questions: "Is my kitten eating enough?" "Why are they hiding?" "When should I schedule their first vet visit?" This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know during your Siberian's first month, from pre-arrival preparation to establishing lasting bonds. As TICA-registered breeders at Apex Siberians, we've helped hundreds of families navigate this exciting journey successfully.

Pre-Arrival Preparation (Days -7 to 0)

Essential Supplies Checklist

• Litter Box & Litter: Start with the same brand your breeder used

• Food & Water Bowls: Stainless steel or ceramic (avoid plastic)

• Kitten Food: Continue the breeder's recommended diet initially

• Scratching Posts: Siberians love tall, sturdy posts

• Safe Toys: Feather wands, balls, and puzzle feeders

• Cozy Bedding: Soft blankets and a covered bed for security

• Carrier: For vet visits and emergencies
  
  

Kitten-Proofing Your Home

• Secure loose cables and small objects

• Remove toxic plants (lilies, azaleas, poinsettias)

• Install safety latches on cabinets

• Check for small spaces where kittens might get stuck
  
  

Week 1: The Adjustment Period

Day 1-3: Gentle Introduction

Your Siberian may seem shy initially—this is completely normal! Siberians are naturally cautious but incredibly social once comfortable. Do:

• Set up a "safe room" with all essentials

• Speak softly and move slowly

• Let them explore at their own pace

• Maintain consistent feeding times

Don't:

• Force interactions or handling

• Introduce other pets immediately

• Change their diet abruptly

• Allow unsupervised exploration
  
  

Day 4-7: Building Confidence

• Gradually expand their territory

• Begin gentle play sessions

• Start basic handling for future grooming

• Monitor eating, drinking, and litter box usage
  
  

Week 2: Establishing Routines

Daily Schedule Framework

Morning (7-8 AM):

• Fresh food and water

• Interactive play session (10-15 minutes)

• Grooming time

Afternoon (12-1 PM):

• Light meal or treats

• Mental stimulation activities

Evening (6-7 PM):

• Main meal

• Extended play session (20-30 minutes)

• Cuddle time
  
  

Health Monitoring Checklist

• Appetite: Should eat regularly and show interest in food

• Litter Box: 2-3 times daily for urination, daily for defecation

• Energy Levels: Playful periods balanced with rest

• Eyes & Nose: Clear, no discharge

• Coat: Soft and clean (Siberians naturally have luxurious fur)
  
  

Week 3: Socialization & Training

Socialization Priorities

Siberians are naturally social but benefit from structured exposure:

• Different household sounds (vacuum, doorbell, music)

• Various textures and surfaces

• Gentle handling of paws, ears, and mouth

• Meeting family members individually
  
  

Basic Training Foundations

Litter Training:

• Most Siberians master this quickly
  
  
• Keep box clean and accessible

• Use unscented, clumping litter initially

• Praise successful use

Name Recognition:

• Use their name consistently during positive interactions

• Pair with treats and gentle petting

• Siberians are intelligent and learn quickly
  
  

Week 4: Veterinary Care & Long-term Planning

First Vet Visit Checklist

Schedule within the first week if possible:

• Physical examination

• Vaccination schedule review

• Parasite screening

• Microchipping discussion

• Spay/neuter timeline (typically 4-6 months)
  
  

Nutrition Transition

If changing foods, do so gradually:

• Days 1-3: 75% old food, 25% new food

• Days 4-6: 50% old food, 50% new food

• Days 7-10: 25% old food, 75% new food
• Day 11+: 100% new food

Key Takeaways

• Patience is crucial: Siberians may take 1-2 weeks to fully adjust

• Consistency builds trust: Maintain regular feeding, play, and sleep schedules

• Health monitoring: Watch for changes in appetite, behavior, or litter box habits

• Socialization window: The first month is critical for positive associations

• Individual personalities: Each Siberian has unique traits—embrace their quirks
  
  

Need personalized advice for your Siberian's transition? Contact our experienced team at Apex Siberians. We're here to support you throughout your kitten's development.

Ready to welcome a Siberian into your family? View our available kittens and start your journey with a healthy, well-socialized companion.