How to Care for a Siberian Kitten

"Kitten-proof" your home. Some plants are toxic to cats, so to ensure your kitten's safety lift all houseplants up out of the range of your kitten. Kittens like to explore so make sure to consider whether there is anywhere the kitten can go that could pose a danger him. For example, if you have a long, steep flight of stairs into your basement, close the door or block it off, at least until the kitten is bigger and more stable on his feet.

Put out a scratching post, litter box and food and water bowls before bringing your kitten home. Make sure to put the litter box in a quiet, less trafficked area, where the kitten can do its business in private.

Pick up your kitten and bring it home in a cat carrier. When you buy a cat carrier, make sure to buy one that will fit your adult size cat so that you only have to buy one. Fully grown female Siberians can weigh 10 to 15 lbs. and a male 15 to 20 lbs., both of which are large cats. The best practice for transporting a kitten to its new home is to put a blanket or towel in the carrier with a familiar smell, like something from the kitten's place of origin.

Set the carrier down in one room in the house. Shut the door to the room, open the door of the carrier and allow the kitten to come out on its own terms. Going to a new home can be quite scary for a kitten. Introducing a kitten to one room of your home at a time reduces the stress on the kitten.

Avoid the temptation to handle the kitten in the first few days. Kittens need time to adjust to their new surroundings. Help the kitten to adjust by showing the kitten the location of the litter box, scratch post and food and water bowls.

Feed your kitten three to four small meals a day, preferably with the food the kitten was already eating. Alternatively, you can leave dry food available at all times. Provide the kitten with fresh water daily.

Play with your kitten. You can purchase kitten toys or you can simply scrunch up a piece of paper and toss it for the kitten. You can also tie the paper to the end of a piece of yarn and play with the kitten as if you are fishing. Kittens love to chase, so you can also drag it along the ground.

Groom your kitten. Siberian kittens have moderately long hair so you should accustom the kitten to being brushed at an early age, which makes grooming easier for when the kitten becomes a cat. While kittens and cats groom themselves, brushing reduces the amount of shedding and the production of hairballs.