Breeding Philosophy...
The 4 key elements of a successful breeding program are:
-
Health
-
Here at Keuka Ridge Siberians I DNA test and screen via Ultrasonography all of my adult breeding cats through the Wisdom Health Optimal Selection DNA testing service and a Board Certified Veterinary Cardiologist. Through DNA they are tested for 40+ disease mutations, 20+ trait tests, as well as genetic diversity to insure 0% inbreeding. This includes but not limited to the deadly diseases:
-
FIV (Feline immunodeficiency virus)
-
FeLV (Feline Leukemia)
-
.jpg)
-
Temperament
-
In addition to carefully selecting my cats from lines that are known for their wonderful and loving temperaments, I brought these cats home to be members of my family and they are treated as such. The have free roam of my home and have very comfortable lives lounging around watching the many squirrels, chipmunks, and wildlife roaming the property through the farmhouse windows. I'm not afraid to admit that I spoil them rotten, and I often joke that they eat better than I do!
It's extremely important to establish a regular grooming routine from the time kittens are small. It establishes a lifelong foundation of enjoying being groomed, brushed, and getting their fingernails trimmed, so I keep an assortment of combs & brushes throughout the house to conduct impromptu grooming sessions. My cats learn to associate grooming with a pleasurable and social experience that will transcend the rest of their lives. They often cuddle in bed with me while watching TV and getting their tummies combed and rubbed.
-
-
Meeting or Exceeding the Siberian Cat Breed Standard
-
I was once told that establishing a successful breeding program is "1 Part Artistry and 1 Part Science" and I truly believe that to be true. Siberian Forest Cats originated in the frigid wilds of Russia. In order for them to survive, they developed certain traits; such as a strong muscular body, thick triple density fur coat, rounded medium-small ears, and tufted pawpads to protect them from the frigid elements. These traits help to define what we consider today as the official Siberian cat breed standard. With the increasing popularity in the United States, much in part to the fact that Siberians have been shown to be somewhat hypoallergenic and tolerated by many cat allergy sufferers (myself included). The rush to breed has often caused breeders to not be as meticulous as they should be in maintaining the true Siberian breed standard.
Being the perfectionist that I am, I have taken great care in selecting and importing my breeding cats that come from exceptional, world class championship lineage. My beautiful Ottepel' Lunnaya Dymka is basically Russian Siberian royalty, as the daughter of Wr.Ch. (WCF), Gr.Int.Ch. (МФА), GCH.(ICU) Potap Lunnaya Dymka. She's stunningly beautiful, looks just like her father, but is the sweetest little lovebug all at the same time. She is the foundation of my cattery and her offspring will continue through my breeding lines. But by combining the science of pedigree analysis and genetics along with the artistry of mating cats who's traits will complement each other, I strive to breed the highest caliber of Siberian cats and kittens for my clients.
-
-
Genetic diversity (AKA 0% inbreeding)
-
When selecting my breeding cats I analyze their pedigrees going all the way back to 10 generations to make sure there is as much Genetic Diversity as possible with very little inbreeding. Due to today's modern advances in pedigree tracking and databases we have tools available to calculate BEFORE BREEDING what the genetic diversity will be. The purpose of this analysis helps to maintain the health of the Siberian population for generations to come. With careful selection we can insure that genetic alleles that may be valuable in resisting diseases, pests and other stresses are preserved.
-
VETERINARY CARE
At Keuka Ridge Siberians breeding healthy and happy cats is my greatest priority. To do so, I have partnered with the wonderful and careing staff of The Cats on Commerce, in Clarksville TN.
Cats on Commerce
136 Commerce Street
Clarksville, TN 37040
931-292-2829
Vaccinations & Veterinary Care...
FVRCP
This is a core vaccination that protects your kitten from the most common feline diseases - Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Feline Herpes Virus), Calici Virus, Panleukopenia (distemper. Your kitten will receive 2 Purevax FVRCP vaccinations prior to going home. A 3rd vaccination is required at 16 weeks of age. After the initial kitten series, a booster is required one year later.
FeLV/FIV
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR INDOOR CATS - According to the latest veterinary reports this vaccine has been known to weaken the immune system and may predispose your cat/kitten to the disease. Severe reactions to this vaccine are common. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the Academy of Feline Medicine (AFM) have indicated that this vaccination should ONLY BE given to cats that will be exposed to other cats with FeLV virus or cats that go outside. (Keuka Ridge Siberians are required to be INDOOR ONLY cats)
Rabies
Your kitten should have their initial vaccine at 4 months of age as required by law and boosted again one year following that time. Some states offer this as a three year vaccine while others continue it as an annual vaccination. You need to discuss the risks of the rabies vaccine with your veterinarian while understanding that each state does have a law in place requiring pets to be vaccinated. Please be advised that there have been some severe reactions, even deaths from this vaccine.
FIP - Feline Infectious Peritonitis
NOT RECOMMENDED. According to reports this vaccine is totally ineffective and may actually predispose your cat to the disease. This vaccine is not recommended by the AAFP/AFM unless your cat will be exposed to the virus. Administering this vaccine to your Keuka Ridge Siberian kitten will void all contract responsibilities of Keuka Ridge against FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) diagnosis.
Pediatric Spay & Neuter
At Keuka Ridge Siberians all kittens are sold only as pet furever family members. Every kitten will be spayed/neutered prior to leaving for their new homes. I'm thrilled to have all of my cats & kittens treated by Dr. Caron Baugher of The Cats On Commerce Veterinary Clinic in Clarksville, TN and her amazing staff.
Deworming & Parasite Prevention
Parasite prevention is a regular step in healthy development of my Keuka Ridge Siberian kittens. All kittens are receive a standard deworming protocol that prevents hookworms, roundworms, earmites, fleas, and heartworms. Adult breeding cats are treated prophylactic-ally with Revolution every 6 months.
Feline Genetic Disorders...
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most commonly diagnosed cardiac disease in cats. Characterized by regional or diffuse thickening of the walls of the ventricle (the primary "pump" muscle of the heart), HCM has been diagnosed in cats as young as 4 months old and as old as 16 years old. Although the definitive cause of feline HCM has not been identified, its prevalence within certain breeds (i.e. Maine Coon cats, Ragdolls) has prompted speculation that at least some forms of HCM are genetic in origin. The finding of mutations in an important cardiac protein called myosin binding protein C in affected lines of Maine Coon and Ragdoll cats supports a heritable, genetic component of HCM in these breeds.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Occurring most frequently in Persian cats, polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disorder in which small, closed, liquid-filled sacs develop in the tissue of the feline kidney. These sacs (cysts) tend to multiply in number and grow in size over time, eventually overwhelming normal kidney tissue and often leading to potentially fatal kidney failure. There is no explanation for the development of these cysts except for a genetic anomaly that is evident primarily in Persians and occasionally in a few other feline breeds, such as Himalayans and British Shorthairs.
Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK Deficiency)
Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK Deficiency) is an inherited hemolytic anemia caused by insufficient activity of this regulatory enzyme which results in instability and loss of red blood cells. The anemia is intermittent, the age of onset is variable and clinical signs are also variable. Symptoms of this anemia can include: severe lethargy, weakness, weight loss, jaundice, and abdominal enlargement. This condition is inherited as an autosomal recessive.