Cat Allergies
We have chosen to breed using low allergen lines only. Our adult cats are allergen tested to provide kitten buyers the most information possible. Larisa has very low levels for allergen in saliva. Kaleriia tested exceptionally low for allergen in fur, and moderately low for saliva. Kittens from both these queens should also do well in households with cat allergies.
When purchasing a Siberian kitten for allergy reasons, we strongly recommend visiting the cattery and spending time with Siberians whenever possible. Returning a kitten due to allergic reactions is difficult on children and kittens alike. Our Cattery Visitation page will to help you understand strategies for allergy testing with Siberians.
ABOUT FELINE ALLERGENS
Q. Are Siberian cats hypoallergenic?
Some Siberian cats have lower levels of feline allergen than other domestic cats. Siberians have enjoyed excellent placement rates in homes with cat allergies, but no pet should be considered hypoallergenic.
Q. What causes cat allergies?
The majority of cat allergies are caused by a small stable protein called Fel-d1. This allergen is found only in cats, not other animals. Fel-d1 is very small and remains in the air for a long duration.
Q. Where is the allergen found?
Fel-d1 is produced by salivary, skin and anal glands. During grooming, Fel-d1 from saliva becomes airborne. Allergen from skin glands remains on the fur for a long time. Litter boxes can contain substantial amounts of Fel-d1 excreted from the anal glands.
Q. Do long hair cats cause more reaction?
Fur length is not related to feline allergens. Long hair does not increase or decrease the amount of allergen produced. Some people may have problems with eye irritation caused by the fine hair in the undercoat. This is most common during early spring when cats tend to shed more.
Q. Does neutering affect feline allergen production?
Multiple studies have shown neutering sharply reduces Fel-d1 levels and allergic reactions. The allergen is hormonally controlled, and non-neutered males produce the highest levels. After neutering, allergen levels drop sharply in both males and females. We recommend early neutering in households with cat allergies.
Q. Are people allergic to dogs also allergic to cats?
About 20% of people allergic to cats also react to dogs, horses and other pets. These reaction are to allergens other than Fel-d1. When an individual is highly allergic to dogs and cats they are unlikely to benefit from Siberian cats with reduced levels of Fel-d1. We do not recommend keeping pets in these situations.TESTING AND BREEDING TO REDUCE ALLERGENS
Q. How do you test your cat for allergens?
We take samples of saliva and fur from our adult cats. These samples are sent to Indoor Biotechnologies, which specializes in measuring Fel-d1 allergens. Neither of these procedures hurt the cat in any way.
Q. Can kittens be tested for allergen levels?
Not with current testing methods available. Levels of Fel-d1 increase during the first year or two, so we must wait until cats are nine to twelve months old to begin allergen testing. At this time there is no method of testing a kittens for levels of Fel-d1.
Q. Do low allergen dams always have low allergen kittens?
Mating a sire and dam with low Fel-d1 levels produce kittens with less feline allergens. Studies by Siberian Research also shows cats with higher levels produce kittens that cause reactions. The gene for allergen suppression have not been identified at this time, so it is not possible to guarantee hypoallergenic kittens.
Q. How are Siberians different than other breeds
Studies of saliva and fur show that some (about 1/3) of Siberian produce considerably less Fel-d1 allergen than other cats. In general, people do not react to these lower allergen Siberians. Dr. Leslie Lyons at UC Davis has recently begun looking for changes in the Fel d1 gene that could cause this reduction.
Q. What about the Allerca™ company hypoallergenic cats?
Allerca™ states their pets were bred from regular cats that had a natural variation in Fel d1 allergen, and that this variation does not provoke allergic response. Strong controversy now surrounds the Allerca project, with little scientific data available to the public.REDUCING REACTIONS TO CATS
Q. Does bathing remove the allergen?
Yes, shampoo washes off and helps de-activate allergens present in the fur. While normal levels of allergen will be found at the skin within several days, the allergen level in the coat will take weeks to return to normal. Baths once or twice a month are good for your cat and will reduce allergen levels in the house. Daily bathing or using harsh soaps will dry the skin and cause irritation.
Q. What about daily grooming?
Moistening your pet prior to combing reduces allergens released into the air. Allerpet makes a grooming solution which moistens the hair, removes oils and deactivates allergens. Routine use of Allerpet solution will reduce reactions to your pet.
Q. What about the litter box?
Change litter boxes frequently as Fel-d1 and other allergens are found in urine and feces. Place the litter box in the garage or a bathroom/laundry that can be vented to the outside. Kittens often get dust from clay dust on their fur which brings track both irritants and allergens into the house. Dust free litter such as Worlds Best Cat Litter or Pine Pellets cause less reactions.
Q. Can kitten sleep in my bedroom?
Often individuals with severe allergies can have a Siberian in the bedroom. However, individuals with severe allergies need a clean allergen free room for sleeping. Do not allow the kitten in bedrooms of individuals with severe allergies, nor if allergies persist.
Q. What about shedding on furniture?
Place washable throws on any area your cats like to sleep. Include couches and chairs as well as climbing stations and cat beds. Wash throws weekly in hot water, detergent and borax to remove / deactivate allergens.
Q. Housekeeping to reduce allergies.
Frequent vacuuming will reduce allergen levels dramatically. Remember to clean upholstered furniture at the same time. Air out the house after vacuuming when possible. Hepa filters are excellent at trapping allergens. Regularly damp mop hard floors and wiping hard surfaces to eliminating dust buildup. Replacing carpets in bedrooms with hard flooring that can easily be washed also decreases allergen levels.