Today we have an interview with Despina and her Human Mom Johanna from Mariestad, Sweden, and also Valentino, a 3-months old Siberian kitten who lives in Wales, UK!  Follow Despina at @siberiancatnymph.  Check out Valentino’s Instagram at @valentino_the_siberian_cat !

Despina the Swedish Siberian Kitty

What is the name of your kitty and why did you choose that name?

Her full name is SE*Kreivis Despina moon of Alex. I chose to keep the name Despina because i thought it was beautiful. Despina is one of Neptune’s moons to whom she is named. It is named after Greek mythological character Despoina, a nymph who was a daughter of Poseidon and Demeter.

Isn’t that a name to keep? She is a daughter of Poseidon because she really likes water.

How old is your kitty?

She is soon 7 month old; birthed February 2018

What country and city are you from?

We liven in Sweden in a town called Mariestad near the biggest lake Vänern.

How did you decide to have a Siberian cat and why?

I was searching for a breed of cat that was social and had the will to be close. Siberian cats are very social: they are often mentioned to be dog-like.

Being social makes them feel more secure with their owners, thus increasing the possibility of getting a cat that you can train to follow on trips / excursions.

What is your kitty’s favorite food? Any recommendations on food for other Siberian cat owners?

She eats dry food (Orijen and Royal Canin) and soft food and she gets two different varieties of each. She has very nice fur and eats very well, it can be due to the variety of diet.

If she’s getting something she really loves, it’s freshly boiled fish, gosh.

What are your cat’s favorite toys or games?

Inside, she likes everything, just if we give her attention. She has a high climbing tree with hammock, which she is very fond of.

Outdoors is all things interesting, a bumblebee flying by, a lawn of grass, birds, when the children helps her catching small fishes – she’s starting to be a good fisher by herself know.

What does your cat love doing most?

Sitting in the front of the boat when it goes very slow looking at dragonflies and birds or just in the morning come outside while im drinking coffee and smell on the lavender.

Just being with us not to be left inside while we are outside – then you can hear her protest.

Is there a funny story you could tell us about your Siberian?

First time she took a bath! We went out with the boat to a very small cliff island and I thought she could be loose. She walked for a while, but when the children bathed she went out into the water. I lifted her up on the cliff again and she went back into the water.

Then I put on her leash and let her go into the water and then she just swam out into the water. I was so surprised when the idea is that cats do not bathe freely so I dropped my cell phone in the lake. 😊

What do you love most about your Siberian?

Her lovely and social personality. Everyone who meets her wants to bring her home. If there are home guests, she will take the seat in the middle of the couch so everyone cares about her.

What are the good sides of having a Siberian cat?

A Siberian cat is the man’s best friend. It will challenge the dog of having that role.

What are some downsides to having a Siberian cat?

There are no downsides only a really good friend that will follow you everywhere if you let it!

Do you travel with your cat? What do you do when you need to go on vacation? (Pet sitter? Cat hotel? 🙂

This summer we will travel by boat onto islands. And of course she will follow, she loves it!

Would you recommend other people to have a Siberian cat, why or why not?

I cant think of getting another breed than an Siberian. I think nobody that once bought a Siberian would think about buying another cat. I would never 😊

 

Valentino the Siberian kitten from Wales, UK

What is the name of your Siberian kitty? Why did you pick that name?

His name is Valentino, Italian for Valentine as he was born on Valentine’s Day. That’s the story behind his name.

How old is Valentino?

Valentino is 12 weeks old.

Where are you located?

We live in Wales, UK

What inspired your decision to get a Siberian cat and why?

I have children with allergies and it had been 21 years since I had a cat, a Persian, which I desperately wanted again. So over a year ago, I started to search for hypoallergenic cats and the Siberian was one of the breeds.

Once I started to read about them I knew they were going to be the right breed for my family. I wanted a family cat that was good with children of different age, social and lovable.

What about Valentino’s diet? What would you say is his favorite food? Do you have any recommendations on food for
other Siberian cat owners?

Valentino is on Lilly’s Kitchen grain free dry food for now. He was weaned on dry food only so I am working on moving him on wet grain free food. I also looked into raw food, but with small children that isn’t an option.

What does Valentino like to play with? 

Plastic springs! Honestly, he has a box full of toys and that’s by far his favorite.

What does your Siberian love doing most?

Cuddle up and sleep.

We all love our pets so much. What do you enjoy most about having your Siberian kitty?

How loyal he is. He is like a dog, just don’t tell him I said that!

Can you talk about some of the good sides of having a Siberian cat?

Valentino has fitted into a very busy household with 5 children without any problems, I couldn’t have wished for a sweeter kitten.

Are there any downsides to having a Siberian cat?

There are no downsides to owning a Siberian, however, if you want a total independent cat than they are not the right breed.

Siberians are pretty fluffy! Does Valentino shed much and how do you deal with it?

I would recommend a Siberian to anyone who wants a cat to be part of their family like a dog. They are incredibly affectionate and they need attention. Leaving them alone for an extended time isn’t a good idea.

I know of many Siberian owners who have other pets to keep them company.

To learn more about Valentino, follow him on his Instagram account – 
@valentino_the_siberian_cat

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