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Mindeelyn Siberians
Longest Continuously-Run Siberian Cattery in Eastern Canada
Call / Text - 289-600-8796
Things We Use and Recommend
We often receive inquiries about cat food and various pieces of equipment. On this page, we have curated a selection of products that we, after many years of running a cattery, consider to be the best on the market. These items are used daily in our cattery operations. Additionally, we have included our kittens' favourite toys, which they will already be familiar with when they transition from our home to yours.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The Most Loved Things in our Cattery
Ismarten 100 Pack Wide Colourful Springs Cat Toys
Cat Dancer Wire Cat Toy
These plastic springs are one of the cheapest toys you can buy and are, among Siberian cats – a real favourite. They provide endless entertainment and stimulation, promoting healthy exercise and mental engagement. These, and plastic bottle caps from soft drink bottles, are very highly prized by Siberians; both young and old. Often you don't have to pay a lot of $$ to get a really good toy.
This is one of my most highly prized toys and I recommended it many times to many people. It is a simple toy made of a bit of wire and a few pieces of rolled cardboard. Cats go crazy over it. If purchased, make very sure not to encourage high jumping as your cat could hurt its back and remember to put the toy away when you are finished playing because your cat will continue to play with it and when you return the cardboard will be gone.
Diliss Feather Teaser Cat Toy
These feather teaser cat toys captivate feline curiosity, encouraging playful exercise and mental stimulation, while fostering the bond between you and your cat. However, anything containing feathers is really attractive to a cat’s natural instinct, and they get ripped apart very quickly. Please make sure the cat does not swallow any part of the feather.
3 Pack Cat Wand Toy, Interactive Cat RainbowWand
Although this teaser is not as fancy looking as ones with bells and feathers, it is a much better value. Cats just love those feathers but they rip through them in no time. This teaser is fun because the end is long and far reaching. It is definitely a safer choice. Just remember not to encourage your cat to make high jumps as it can definitely do damage to its back.
EQUIPMENT
SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
Love’s Cabin 20in Cat Beds for Indoor Cats
A cat scratches for several reasons and one of the most important reasons is that it gives the cat a chance to really stretch out and use its muscles. To be able to get a good
stretch a cat needs a tall scratching post. The small, cheap ones you often see in pet shops are really worthless. The Smart Cat Ultimate Scratching Post is a tried-and-true cat scratching post, with years of successful use in our cattery. Considering all the harsh treatment our posts receive from many little paws these posts stand up really well and are effective in satisfying feline scratching instincts. Its proven track record underscores its reliability, making it an excellent choice for promoting healthy scratching behaviour and preserving furniture. This is the only scratching post we have ever used!!
This cat bed excels in providing optimal comfort with its plush design and orthopaedic support, ensuring a cozy haven for your feline friend to rest and relax. Its durable construction and quality materials make it a reliable choice, offering long-lasting comfort and a secure spot for your cat's well-deserved nap time. We have two Shih Tzus here and they also love these beds even though they are too small for them. Although we usually have five beds scattered throughout the house it is not unusual to see a dog and two cats all piled into one bed - legs and tails hanging over the outer rim. In our place this is referred to as a "fur pile".
JW Pet Company GripSoft Cat Comb
Nail Clippers (name unknow)
This cat comb, which has been a staple in the cattery for many years, is very effective in keeping feline coats well-groomed and tangle-free. Its enduring presence and proven performance make it a trustworthy tool, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable grooming experience for both cats and their owners. This is the only comb we ever use. JW makes quite a few animal tools and anything that we have tried from this company has always been of very good quality.
Cats should have their claws trimmed once a week. A small pair of clippers similar to the above is recommended for this task. One tip, however often your kitten may tell you he has never had his claws clipped, this is not the truth. If the kitten struggles, please do not give in because this will only teach him that a bit of bad behaviour will make you stop and things will become more and more difficult. If you are having issues cutting the claws, please call us for tips on how to proceed.
The Furminator
Highly recommended. This is one of the greatest cat grooming devises ever invented. This tool is recommended only for adult cats or cats who already have a full coat. Do not use on kittens. The stainless steel de-shedding edge reaches through the top coat to safely and easily remove loose hair and undercoat. It will not damage the coat or cut the skin when used as directed. The FURejector button releases hair with ease. It has an ergonomic handle for comfortable, easy grooming.
LITTER
Arm & Hammer Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter
This cat litter excels in odour control and clumping efficiency, creating a clean and hygienic environment for both you and your cat. Its low-dust formula and long-lasting effectiveness make it a reliable choice, contributing to a hassle-free and comfortable experience in maintaining your cat's litter box. Available at your
local shopping center. You might also look at Costco. Their QualiCat litter is probably the cheapest around and works as well as higher-priced clumping litter. Never use scented litter. The perfume odour is not appreciated by cats and some people, can be allergic to the smell.
Arm & Hammer Top Entry Litter Box
This cat litter box is for the discerning person who objects to walking with cat litter between his toes! The box offers a spacious and discreet design, providing your feline companion with a private and comfortable space for their needs. Its easy-to-clean features and innovative design make it a convenient and hygienic choice. If you place the box with the opening in the lid against the wall, most cats will exit the box and walk across the lid. The bumpy surface of the lid knocks off most of the litter that is tracked out of the box on the cats’ paws. AND a big plus for many people, the height, and construction of the lid means that dogs cannot use the box as their favour snack joint!
Amazon Basics Less-Mess Cat Litter Box Mat
This litter box mat excels in trapping stray litter and preventing it from spreading across your home, and helps to ensure a cleaner living environment. Its durable and easy-to-clean design adds a practical touch, making it an effective and convenient solution for maintaining a tidy space around your cat's litter box.
Cat Litter Scoop
This is our favourite litter scoop. Although more pricey, it is far better than those flimsy plastic ones that don't last all that long. The scoop is very sturdily built and has well-designed slats that efficiently sift through litter. Its durable construction and user-friendly design make it a great choice to streamline the cleaning process.
FOOD
Iams Proactive Health Cat Food
Purina One Natural Dry Cat Food, Salmon and Rice
Iams is one of the two main dry foods that we feed at Golden Sunshine Siberians. Iams has decent quality ingredients. We have found that Siberians mostly do not like the high end, non-grain products as well and that often means they eat less, their litter boxes are smellier and their stool is looser.
This is the second dry kibble we feed for the same reason as the Iams food. It seems that just about any flavour is acceptable. We switch between Purina One and Iams so that we are not depend on only one manufacturer. Iams and Purina One are the two foods that our kittens will recognize when they leave our home.
Iams Perfect Portions Wet Cat Food
Temptations Mix – Cat Treats
Most cats like wet food more than dry. The trick is not to feed them too much as it is usually around 70% water so dry (kibble) is a better choice most times. But for a treat, this is an excellent choice.
This cat treat offers a delicious reward with essential nutrients, making it a perfect balance of indulgence and health for your beloved feline friend. Please do not give in to pleas for more. Remember – this is a treat and not a meal replacement.
Accessories
Fostanfly Cat Carrier for Large Cats
Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier
This cat carrier excels in both comfort and security, featuring a well-ventilated design and secure closures to ensure a stress-free travel experience for your feline companion. Its sturdy construction and ergonomic handles enhance durability and convenience, making it a reliable choice for safe and comfortable journeys with your cat. The one drawback is that a carrier like this does not have a shoulder strap. If the cat is going to be carried a considerable distance or time, especially by a woman, it is great to be able to alternatively support part of the weight on your shoulder.
Definitely pricier than most carriers, this is a highly recommended carrier. It has a durable quilted nylon construction, mesh panels for ventilation, front and top entry, a seat belt safety strap fits conveniently over upright luggage handle, a washable faux lambskin liner. This bag comes in several sizes. Double check, but this item should be air approved for in-cabin travel.
Cat Walking Jacket
Chom Chom Pet Hair Remover
We do not recommend that you take your cat outside because once it gets a taste of the great outdoors, there is a high probability that the cat will try to get out on its own every time the door is opened. We also don’t believe that a manufacturer, despite making claims, can ever guarantee that a determined cat can never get out of a walking jacket, but a jacket is much safer and more comfortable than a collar. The jacket has a strong hook and loop fastener. It is lightweight, safe on delicate skin, easy to fasten and has no harsh webbing or buckles. Comes in six sizes and multiple patterns and colours. Make sure to order the correct size and put it on snugly. The first few times you put on the jacket you may be very surprised to see the cat literally fall over on the floor and lays there, seemingly helpless and almost semi-conscious. Do not be alarmed. This is just all show!
Reusable Cat and Dog Hair Remover for Furniture, Couch, Carpet, Car Seats or Bedding - Portable, Multi-Surface Lint Roller and Fur Removal Tool.
This was our great find in 2023. Vacuum your couch first and then use this hair remover. You will be amazed at how much was left behind after just passing a vacuum. This is a must-have item for anyone with a dog or cat.
This was the gift that we gave Christmas 2023 to each of our dog and cat owner friends.
‘We Are So Happy with the Entire Adoption”
We recently purchased a Siberian kitten from Golden Sunshine Siberians. From the very beginning, we were impressed by the genuine dedication this cattery shows to both its kittens and their purchasers. It is very clear that the kitten we received has had a lot of human interaction and has been raised in a loving environment.
We are first-time cat owners and really appreciate that we were blessed to find a breeder who is very knowledgeable and took the time to answer all our many questions. We were very pleasantly surprised to learn that we can call on their expertise at any time in the future. We were assured, that should there be an emergency in the middle of the night, they would be happy to take our call. That is quite impressive!
Thank you again, Golden Sunshine Siberians for everything. Expect us back in a few months. Our kids are already talking about names for their next kitten.
Marianne Jones-Smith, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Full disclosure: We are an Amazon Affiliate and we earn a small commission on qualifying products when you use the links below. This list is intended to serve as a guide and a source of inspiration for our new kitten owners. No one is under any obligation to purchase any of the items listed below. They are simply meant to offer assistance.