Regular Health Checks and Testing Process
Before considering the testing of one of our Siberian kittens, we ensure all regular health checks are in place. Typically, we hold back an entire litter for testing, and we do not place or allocate these kittens to new homes until we have the test results.
**Age for Testing:** Kittens must be at least 10 weeks old to undergo reliable testing, with results potentially taking up to 3 weeks to be processed.
**Possible Re-testing:** If a low-allergy kitten is not identified within the litter, we may need to test another litter.
**Extended Holding Period:** Generally, we need to keep the kittens for an additional one to two months. This entails significant time, food, litter, continuous socialization, and space requirements.
If a family does not find the tested litter to have low enough allergy levels, we end up with older kittens that need to be placed at a significant reduction in price.
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Pricing ConsiderationsDetermining a pricing structure that works for both the families and ourselves is challenging. Please contact us for detailed pricing.
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Commitment to familiesDetermining a pricing structure that works for both the families and ourselves is challenging. Please contact us for detailed pricing.
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Success storiesOur first lab-tested kitten, Rollo, a Neva Masquerade Siberian, was placed with Laura in 2019. Rollo, now much bigger, welcomed a half-sister named Siggy from our cattery in January 2023. Since then, we have successfully placed 14 lab-tested kittens, maintaining a 100% success rate.
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Pricing details**Standard Kitten Price:** £2000 (includes health-tested parents, full course of vaccinations, microchip, 4 weeks of free insurance, kitten health contract, and sample kitten food). **Testing Fees:** Additional costs for lab testing are separate.
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Saliva test ranges in Siberians**Level One:** 0.2mcg – 1.0mcg (severe symptoms: airway problems, hives, swelling, severe sneezing) **Level Two:** 1.0mcg – 2.0mcg (itchy skin, light sneezing, severe runny nose, mild asthma) **Level Three:** 2.0mcg – 3.9mcg (moderate allergy symptoms: runny nose, watery eyes) **Level Four:** 3.9mcg – 4.5mcg (mild cat allergies, stuffy nose) To date, we have placed: - 1 kitten at Level Two - 8 kittens at Level Three - 6 kittens at Level Four
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Joining the tested kitten waiting list**Non-refundable Fee:** £500 (applied towards testing) **Lab Testing Fee:** £680 per plate (multiple rounds may be required, with additional costs for care)
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Time frame and commitment**Typical Wait Time:** Approximately one year from joining the waiting list. **Urgency and Flexibility:** You must be willing to accept a kitten when offered, with no refunds due to changes in timeframes. **Kitten Selection:** We cannot allow specification of color or sex, as this limits testing possibilities.
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Additional services**Home Allergy Sittings:** £85 per session. **Allergy Sitting Network:** We have a network of cat owners with allergies who can offer sittings if our cattery in Redcar, Cleveland is too far. We can also send out fur samples and this is fee of £15
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If allergies persist**Return Policy:** If you find you cannot live with a Siberian kitten, we offer a £1000 refund, and the kitten will be rehomed. Transport costs and a new health report from our vet are your responsibility. **Adjustment Period:** It is advisable to wait around 6 weeks for your body to adjust to the allergens. Returns are only accepted before the kitten reaches 6 months old. In our 17 years of breeding Siberians, only three have been returned due to allergies. We strive to ensure a successful placement and are committed to supporting families throughout the process.
