Pedigree cats like these are stunning, and you get the peace of mind of specific breed traits as well as knowing the kittens are healthy and well-socialised. (Which, to be fair, accounts for a large part of the price tag).
However, I've noticed quite a few comments suggesting that you shouldn't let this kind of cat roam freely, and that they should be kept indoors or only taken out on a lead.
I must admit, I find that quite hard to get my head around on principle. To me, a cat—even more so than a dog—is a symbol of freedom, a wild and independent animal. The idea of having to cat-proof the house (securing the whole garden just isn't an option for us :) ) or only letting them into the garden on a lead (though I do lead-walk them when we're on holiday)...
Well, I struggle to see the point of it.
I've had three moggies before that were a cut above the rest and I never had any trouble, even with the one who was likely part Norwegian Forest Cat and incredibly affectionate with everyone.
Does anyone have any thoughts, info, or stories to share? Beyond the financial side of things (which isn't exactly small change, especially as we're looking to get more than one), I really don't want to lose a pet or imagine them suffering if they were to be 'catnapped' by a neighbour or a random passerby.
Siberians are truly beautiful, and they seem so hardy and hypoallergenic too...
Thanks in advance, all!
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Adopting from a rescue or a foster home is brilliant too :) Anyway, it’s entirely up to you! But I’d still be wary of the road if I were you, even with a big garden ^^
In my view, the biggest risk is still the threat of a car accident.
Anyway, you’ve got the pros and cons mentioned above.
One thing though, letting a cat go outside is fine as long as you’re sure you won’t end up moving into a flat in the next few years. The thing is, once a cat has had a taste of the outdoors, they might never get used to living strictly indoors!
Just to clarify, the breeder told me that as well as them being much better looking than your average cat, it’s also the fact that Siberians are so incredibly sociable that adds to the risk.
Hi NORPENA,
I didn't see your message as we were both posting at exactly the same time! My reply was actually for dcpc007.
I agree with your points. Personally, I live in a city flat and have only ever adopted cats that have NEVER been outside; they have five cat trees. Ideally, I’d have loved to give them a secure garden, of course...
Don't take this the wrong way, I never said that a cat living in a flat has a miserable life. Of course, with an enriched environment, and if they’ve never known the outdoors, a pedigree cat or any other can thrive. And it’s just as well, as not everyone wants or can have a garden. Or wants to see their cat exposed to risks (but then again, there are risks everywhere, even for us?).
On the other hand, a cat that goes outside has other stimuli that appeal directly to their nature. Hunting insects, rolling in the dirt, discovering snow etc.... It’s a fact that I’ve seen every day for many years now. You pointed out the risks of the outdoors and you're right; that said, with some vigilance, outdoor cats—even pedigree ones—can survive and even live for a long time. That’s just the point I wanted to add.
Hi again,
A pedigree cat isn't a 'wild' cat; it is very much a domestic pet. Cats that have been used to staying indoors since they were kittens—provided the house is set up with things to climb on and plenty of toys—aren't unhappy at all. On the other hand, a cat that’s used to going outside will be miserable if it's kept cooped up all the time.
It’s brilliant that your cats are reaching such a grand old age. My previous two pedigree Siamese, who were strictly indoor cats, lived to 16 and a half and 17 and a half. Pedigree Siberians have a great life expectancy and don't mind the cold one bit. They’re considered a 'hardy' breed, not at all fragile.
Hi there,
Like you, I’m a firm believer in letting cats have outdoor access; whether they’re just common moggies or beautiful pedigree cats, it doesn't change a thing. The risks are the same (though admittedly there’s an increased risk of theft with "fancy cats"), but the benefits are the same too: happy, fulfilled cats. In the case of my own cats, living in a flat would have been a recipe for neuroses, as they were originally outdoor cats.
However, you do need to be vigilant in these cases. First off, don’t let a cat outside until MONTHS (at least 3, or more if possible) after you’ve adopted them, so they can properly bond with you and settle into the house. And of course, never before they've been neutered and have had their full course of vaccinations (including Feline Leukaemia).
At the start, get them used to the garden with short, supervised trips outside.
Teaching them recall is essential. This is especially true for the night, when I personally don’t think they should be out—cats are more prone to roaming, less cautious, and more likely to get into fights or nasty encounters after dark.
Establish a routine: a bowl of food at a certain time when you get home from work, then a recall at a set time. With repetition, they get used to it, and you'll spot much faster if an absence is becoming out of the ordinary.
I’d also suggest getting an ear tattoo in addition to the microchip; it's visible and can act as a deterrent.
Finally, a neutered cat won't wander as far—mine hardly ever go past the perimeter of my garden and just potter about a bit in the neighbours' gardens, and they're quite relaxed about it.
For what it's worth, my mum has two Birmans, aged 17 and 9, who have always gone out but never very far, and there’s never been an issue; she’s just always been vigilant. I’m even thinking of adopting a pedigree cat myself in the next few years, and they’ll obviously go out just like the others. But that’s just my point of view.
Oh well, I’m trying to get some other opinions, but if there really are that many more risks, I won’t go for it. I’ll go and rescue some cats from foster homes instead; I just hope it goes okay with the allergies especially, and that they don't have too many underlying health issues (after all, mine lived to 15, 15 and at least 17).
