Hi, I'm Crystal
THE HEART BEHIND LIL' STAR SIBERIANS
My husband Sean and I have been married for 22 years and have four children. We’re in that bittersweet season of life where our oldest has moved out, another is getting ready to graduate high school, and we still have two teenagers keeping life interesting at home.
As our kids have grown more independent, I’ve found myself missing those early years of motherhood. The baby snuggles, the constant need to nurture and care for someone, and having little ones who depended on me for just about everything. Raising Siberian kittens has given me a beautiful way to experience some of that again. There’s something so fulfilling about caring for these tiny babies, watching them grow, and pouring all that nurturing energy into them. It’s brought me so much joy during this new chapter of life.
We’re also big-time animal lovers who have a deep appreciation for nature and enjoy living a simple, holistic lifestyle.
I’ve explored many creative paths over the years, from life coaching and writing, to podcasting and YouTube. But nothing lights me up like raising Siberian cats with love and intention. This work connects me to the earth, to animals, and to a slower, more soulful way of living. Our cats are raised holistically: nourished with species-appropriate raw food, surrounded by love, and cared for like family.
My Journey
In 2021, I lost my beloved Scottish Fold, Tinker Bell, to a predator in our backyard. While searching for another Scottish Fold, we came across a breeder looking to rehome her breeding pair due to allergies in her family. I thought it would be fun to experience raising a litter or two of kittens and maybe keep one for myself. So that’s exactly what I did! After two litters, I retired the parents and kept three boys, Max, Leo, & Koba, affectionately known as my Three Amigos.
A few years later, both of my sons developed allergies to our cats, and I was heartbroken when we had to find them new homes. Knowing how much I love having cats, my husband started researching breeds that might be better suited for people with allergies. That’s when we discovered Siberians.
We introduced our boys to Siberians and were amazed at how much better they tolerated them compared to our previous cats. For the first time, it felt possible to have cats in our home again. I was thrilled, but I also started thinking about all the other families who love cats and struggle with allergies, just like ours.
That’s what inspired me to start Lil’ Star Siberians. I wanted my cattery’s name to have a special connection to my family, so Lil’ Star was inspired by my two daughters. “Lil” comes from Lily, and “Star” is Brooklyn’s middle name. Of course, my two boys were quick to ask why their names didn’t make the cut. I promise there’s no favoritism here. The name just felt like the perfect fit for my little cattery.
In August 2024, I welcomed my first breeding pair, Boots and Creamy, and what started as a lifelong love for cats has grown into something incredibly fulfilling. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to learn from experienced breeders who have helped me build a program centered around health, temperament, and thoughtful, responsible breeding.
What Sets Lil’ Star Siberians Apart?
At Lil’ Star Siberians, we go beyond just breeding, we create an intentional, holistic, and nurturing experience for every kitten. Here’s what makes us different:
The Heart of Our Program:
What truly sets us apart is our Guardianship Program, which ensures that every breeding cat receives the best life possible from the very beginning. Unlike large-scale breeding operations where cats may live in cages or crowded catteries, our queens are raised in loving guardian homes where they are cherished as full family members. This intentional structure allows each cat to receive individualized attention, affection, and care throughout their breeding years, not just after retirement. It’s a slower, more soulful way of breeding that prioritizes animal well-being, human connection, and integrity. By choosing this model, we are able to raise well-adjusted, emotionally secure kittens in peaceful home environments where mothers feel safe and deeply bonded to their people.
Holistic Care & Premium Nutrition – We believe that food is foundational to health. Our cats and kittens are raised on a carefully balanced raw food diet, rich in moisture and biologically appropriate nutrients to support strong immunity, radiant coats, and overall vitality. Our amazing guardian homes also feed raw, they all share a deep commitment to nourishing our kittens with the best nutrition possible.
Cage-Free, Enrichment-Filled Living – Our cats are raised in a loving, natural home environment, with daily socialization, enrichment, and exposure to family life (including kids and dogs!).
Emotional Support Animals — One of the qualities we’re most proud of is the remarkable fearlessness, confidence, and adaptability of our Siberians. We’ve received countless messages from families amazed by their kittens’ extraordinary temperaments. Many happily accompany their families on everyday adventures, from running errands and visiting the beach to traveling by car or airplane. Their ability to adjust comfortably to new people, places, and experiences is something we truly value.
We believe this combination of early socialization, loving companionship, and adaptable temperaments makes our Siberians especially well suited to providing emotional support. Whether they’re offering a comforting purr after a difficult day, curling up beside you, or accompanying you on life’s adventures, their presence can bring a beautiful sense of peace and connection.
Regular Video Updates – Follow your kitten’s journey from birth to homecoming with regular Instagram/Facebook updates!
Comprehensive Genetic Testing – Every breeding cat is tested for:
PK Deficiency & Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
60+ genetic diseases & traits including FIV & FeLV through My CatScan™ and Orivet.
Outdoor Exploration & Enrichment – Our cats enjoy our custom-built catio, harness walks, and pet stroller rides for a well-balanced, adventurous life.
Health & Happiness Guarantee – Each kitten comes with:
A veterinary health check-up
First vaccination with PUREVax, a safer, non adjuvanted option (free of heavy metals and formaldehyde)
A natural parasite screening instead of routine chemical deworming which can be hard on tiny kittens bodies
A Two-Year Genetic Health Guarantee
Litter-Box Training & a Smooth Transition to Their New Home
The Truth About Ethical Breeding
Many people assume that breeders are simply “selling kittens for profit,” but ethical breeding couldn’t be further from that. At Lil’ Star Siberians, this is a heart-led calling, one that requires immense time, energy, emotional presence, and ongoing investment. From nutrition and holistic health support to enrichment, genetic testing, birth support, and postnatal care, every kitten’s journey is hands on and deeply personal.
While this work brings deep meaning and joy, it also requires countless hours and ongoing financial commitment, and the cost of adopting a kitten from us reflects the care, time, and resources that go into every aspect of our program. That support makes it possible for us to maintain high standards in nutrition, health testing, vet care, enrichment, clean and peaceful birthing environments, and individualized attention for every cat and kitten in our care.
One part of our program I’m especially proud of is how we care for our boys. Raising intact male cats comes with some unique challenges that many people don’t realize. One of the biggest is spraying, a natural territorial behavior that can make keeping breeding males inside a family home difficult.
Unfortunately, this often means stud cats are kept in cages or isolated areas. I wanted something different for our boys, so we’ve invested in creating comfortable, spacious living environments where they can enjoy freedom, enrichment, and daily companionship while still accommodating their natural behaviors.
Teddy lives just up the street with our daughter and her dog, Bea. He enjoys a cozy indoor home and a large custom catio, with the freedom to come and go through his own pet door.
Gus lives in a spacious, fully insulated, temperature-controlled suite we call the Tomcat Lounge. What started as a dedicated space for our stud cats has become one of our family’s favorite places to spend time. We’ve made it a cozy retreat with comfortable seating, a big-screen TV, climbing areas, and plenty of places to relax. You’ll often find one of us watching a movie, reading, or even taking an afternoon nap with the cats.
Gus also has access to a beautiful outdoor catio beneath a large tree, where he can enjoy fresh air, shade, and birdwatching. He shares his space with Biggie, our retired stud, and the two have become wonderful companions.
Caring for breeding males requires extra planning, space, cleaning, and daily attention, but we believe they deserve the same affection, comfort, and quality of life as every other cat in our family. Our boys aren’t tucked away and forgotten. They’re a big part of our everyday lives, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
If you’re looking for a loving, hypoallergenic, and ethically raised Siberian kitten, I’d love to help you find your perfect little companion.
Follow Our Journey & Find Your Little Star!
✨ Instagram & Facebook: @LilStarSiberians
📍 Located in St. George, Utah – Serving families near and far!
Why Siberian Cats Are Special