Kathy or Kade will contact you to let you know that you are coming close to the top of the waitlist. The current litters will be posted on the Available Kittens and Cats page at that time. They will most likely tell you exactly how many people are ahead of you and to think about your first, second and third choices of kittens or if you would like to pass for a future litter/kitten. It’s much more personal than just that, though. You can see the currently available kittens and adopted kittens on the Available Kittens & Cats page. We do not keep a publicly displayed paid deposit waitlist, and most families can choose a kitten within several weeks to a few months.

The kitten(s) from each litter will be available on the dates noted within the Available Kittens and Cats litter listings. Please make sure that your schedule allows you to be home with your new kitten and that you do not have any trips or vacations planned that will take you away from your new kitten at that time. We want the best for you and your new kitten, so when it’s your turn, please only choose a kitten if you’re able to pick them up within the dates listed. Under certain circumstances, we would be able to board your chosen kitten beyond the pick-up dates for a fee of $20/day for a reasonable amount of time. Payment for any boarding is due when you pick up your kitten.

*Due to the nature of the Ultra Nasal vaccines, sometimes sneezing may occur. In cases like this, pick-up dates may be extended beyond what is posted by a few days.

No, it is not legal to ship a pet. During discussions between Apple Shack Cattery and families, travel can be arranged. Local deliveries (within 12 miles of the cattery) are free. We are available to meet part way (with a set rate of $1/per mile) for somewhat longer distances. We can also meet you at Pittsburgh International Airport with your kitten ($99 fee, which covers gas, parking fees, and time). Some families fly into Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) to pick up their kitten, while some of our international families seek to arrange importing overseas. We have a trusted transporter who we love and return to for long-distance and overseas deliveries. Feel free to contact us and ask additional questions if need be!

When it is time and you have chosen your kitten, you will receive a detailed email listing items you will need. Basically, a litter box, litter and a scoop. You can find a list of our recommendations on the Kitten Care page, along with everything families receive in their complimentary kitten go-home bags.

Siberians come in a wide variety of colors and you can see examples on the Available Kittens and Cats page, Adopted page, and the Willow Springs Adopted page. Be aware: Neva Masquerade is not a true Siberian color and has been developed through the crossbreeding of other “color pointed” breeds that are NOT purebred Siberians. TICA does recognize the Neva Masquerade cat, though it is not a style or bloodline that we breed at Apple Shack Cattery. Our focus remains with traditional bloodlines and pedigrees.

We do not allow in-person visits and operate a closed cattery. This is to protect the kittens from new germs while they are still young and too little to receive their preventative vaccination(s). We can, upon request, send additional photos of a family’s chosen kitten or video chat.

Siberians are a friendly breed and readily accept new pets, both feline and canine. Some, of course, may need an adjustment period. Many Apple Shack kittens have been raised in a home with both other cats and dogs.

There is truly not much difference between the personalities of males vs females as to which is better. Each kitten/cat will have their own personality. Since they will eventually be spayed/neutered, the sex of the kitten does not make much of a noticeable difference. Males, typically, will be a bit larger than females when fully grown.

All of the kittens know how to use the litter box and have used one for many weeks before they come to you. They learn from their mom. The best way to ensure they continue to use the litter box is by keeping it clean. Scoop the poop daily and remove any wet spots. You should have one more litter box than the number of kittens/cats you have. We also recommend Litter Robots, once your kitten reaches the minimum safety weight.

Yes, they are hypoallergenic.

Yes, but they must be supervised and on a leash. In our contract, you must agree to this. All cats should be on a leash or in a contained area (such as an enclosed catio) they cannot easily escape. There are dozens of reasons to not let your cat outside alone, including the risk of injury, disease, someone stealing them, or death. Cats are also harmful to local ecosystems, and lack fear to run away from things like they sometimes should. Take a look at our Contract for more of our terms and guidelines.

No! We are against declawing here at Apple Shack, and it is a required part of our Contract that our families agree to never declaw their Apple Shack kitten or cat. Declawing is a form of amputation and can be extremely harmful to cats.

Teenagers, young adults, and adult cats become available on occasion. When we retire one of our Sires or Dams, they will be posted on the Available Kittens and Cats page.

All of the medical information regarding your kitten will be provided to you in a “Medical Records” form the day you pick up your kitten. At twelve weeks old, we administer their first dose of the Ultra Nasal vaccine for FVRCP. The kittens are also dewormed according to veterinary protocols. It is up to the families to have their second dose administered within the first year of obtaining their kitten. All of our kittens and cats at Apple Shack Cattery are vet checked prior to going to their new homes. Our kittens do not come microchipped.

Females can be spayed at 6 months of age and weigh at least 5 pounds, males can sometimes be neutered sooner than that, depending on their size. Check with your chosen vet for their guidelines and rules regarding age and weight requirements.

For pictures of recently placed litters, see the Adopted page. As we continue to work with Willow Springs cattery, you can find a good example of the kittens and cats that have been adopted, many of which were raised here, in our home. Willow Springs Adopted

Yes! Apple Shack Cattery will be opening a Facebook group page in the coming days. It's a group for any/all of the people and families who have gotten kittens from Apple Shack to share photos and stories of their cats. You'll be able to see what the little kittens grow up to be and their antics! Since the group is public, anyone is welcome to join! After you have your new kitten, you’re welcome to share photos, too. Also, Apple Shack cattery continues to work alongside Willow Springs. We welcome photos of Willow Springs kittens and cats, as well!

Apple Shack Cattery is partnered with Trupanion, a pet medical insurance company. The day BEFORE you pick up your kitten, you are given a "Go Home Day" code that gives you 30 days of FREE medical insurance for your kitten. No credit card is needed! Apple Shack Cattery requires enrollment before you get your kitten. If you elect to not enroll, you will assume all costs associated with your kitten from the time you take possession. 

Note: it does not provide for routine/well kitten visits or spay/neuters. Friendly agents at Trupanion can answer any questions you have to help you get started, and of course, you will receive everything before you pick up your kitten.

We feed Life’s Abundance All Life Stages. After careful research and consideration, we have settled on continuing to feed Life’s Abundance for its ingredient list for both their dry kibble, and wet canned food. We also feed Fancy Feast Paté (meat variety) as the kittens adapt to eating foods other than nursing. Please see the Kitten Care tab for more detailed information.

Of course! Here is the link: Apple Shack contract

Yes, you will need to bring your own carrier. If you do not have one, or would like to buy one from us, you may purchase one of our airline-approved soft-side carriers for $35USD upon kitten pick up.