Retired queen siberian

[NoNeedToArgue]

We recently had to put our very beautiful, perfect in every way Siberian cat to sleep. She had a heart problem which suddenly presented itself, and she was gone 2 days later. Heartbroken is not even close. She had just turned 5.

I really really miss having a cat. I’ve seen a 4 year old Siberian on a reputable breeder’s website. She’s had 3 litters, is 4.5 years old, and is looking for a home. My question is whether there’s anything I need to be aware of if considering this cat, having only ever had kittens before. Any experiences are really appreciated!

Reputable breeders don't ditch their retired queens.

If you're considering an adult cat, then why not explore your local rescues.

That’s interesting. Do you mean they would normally keep them as pets when they retire? I’ve spoken to the breeder on the phone, who said after three big litters she’s done her bit. I would have thought this was a good sign, that she wasn’t going to keep breeding from her for years. I don’t know much about breeding though, hence the question.

We need to have a Siberian because of allergies.

Actually they tend to do just that, retire them to pet homes. Fine keeping them if they just have one or two over the years, but if they have 2 breeding queens at a time and retire them at about 3 (normal) they then have 2 cats hanging around for potentially another 15 years. Then add the 2 they retire 2-3 years later.....

So they rehome them as pets. Better life for the cat, cheap or free breed cat for the new owner, lets the breeder get another for breeding - win win. You get the same with dogs.

Ask @Toddlerteaplease about retired breeding queens, she's had Persians the same way over time and has a good idea.

Make sure that she’s had all the correct heart screening and tests relevant to her breed. If it’s a reputable breeder they will have done. Has she lived in a house or in a pen? Mine had been in pens and foster care was their first experience of a home. Two of mine were from a dodgy breeder. One had HCM and should never have been bred from in the first place. It got very expensive! Mine had no behavioural issues and were fabulous cats. Good luck!

We’ve always had Siberians - and love them but like you always had as kittens. Am sure reputable breeder would be keen to have a chat to talk about rehoming older queens. The breeder we’ve used is very approachable

ETA - our breeder is in the NE and has rehomed retired cats - happy to share name if for some reason this queen doesn’t proceed and you want to look for another one. They also have kittens available

I guess only you can decide if you think it's ethical to treat cats as disposable money making machines. I don't think it is.

presumably you treat farm animals as even more disposable money machines unless you’re vegan? At least OP is trying to give a retired machine to have a home 🤔

Thanks everyone, your responses have been really helpful.@myrtleWilsonI’ll private message you if that’s ok!

Of course!

Much better that the breeder only has a limited number of litters from a queen then rehomes them to a loving new owner they have vetted than breeds them year after year (as some do) then dump them at a rescue. Or as in one case I heard about, throws them out on the streets once they are past it - now that IS unethical and treating them as disposable!

Ensuring the cat has a well cared for environment where they will have all the love and attention of a pet cat is a very ethical attitude IMO.

Hijacking - sorry! I’m so sorry to hear you lost yours, and think what you are planning sounds a great way to give a retired queen a new type of life.
We have a Siberian who is 14 now. Had her since a kitten and when anything happens to her, I’d love another one.
The breeder we got her from won’t let us have another one as she will only allow them to go as indoor cats, and as we have another cat that likes the outdoors, it isn’t practical.
I’d be totally open to a retired queen or a kitten if anyone knows a reputable breeder that doesn’t stipulate indoor only ?

I think you’ll be hard pushed to find a breeder who doesn’t stipulate indoors. However, our Siberian did go out into our garden, although we intended her to be an indoor cat. She never went far and always came back when called.

Ah well - might have to look at rescues. We tried indoor and she just escaped every time we opened a window or door. She’s a touch on the persistent side ( complete PITA) when she wants something 😂
photo of stroppy madam for cat tax

She’s beautiful. This is our beautiful girl!