Allergies

Are Siberians Really Hypoallergenic?

Many breeders promote the Siberian breed as a hypoallergenic breed, and you can find many websites that make this claim. However, it is important to review basic facts before believing the hype. First, ‘hypoallergenic’ doesn’t mean non-allergenic, but fewer reactions. The term was first used in cosmetics advertising campaigns in the 1950s, USA. While no animal can be guaranteed to be lower allergen this term is freely used and believed within the Siberian community. 

Indoor Biotechnologies laboratory in Virginia performed studies and about 50% of Siberians were found to have lower Fel d1 levels than normal cats due to a protein sequence missing from their DNA. Under 15% of Siberians produced very low levels of the allergen, and could safely be placed in homes with severe or dangerous reactions to cats. Only pure bred, pedigree and genetically breed (DNA breed test from an official lab) tested Siberian cats have this genetic advantage. Low allergen matings produced more offspring with reduced lower levels of Fel-d1, though some kittens from most low-allergen matings still had normal levels of Fel d1. Production and secretion of the Fel d1 allergen are controlled by hormones and stress. In normal cats, the highest levels are found in unneutered males. In very low-allergen Siberians, the males and females have similar levels of Fel d1. Some of the lowest levels have been found in neutered Siberian males. The colour of Siberians has nothing to do with FelD1 protein production as these two have different chromosomes – colour and FelD1 have nothing to do with each other.

Folks allergic to other animals often react even to low Fel d1 Siberians. In our experience, people who are allergic to rabbits, dogs and horses, or have food allergies to eggs and milk are likely to react to low-Fel d1 Siberians. Allergic reactions begin in your immune system. FelD1 is the causative agent in approx 85% of people who are allergic to cats, the allergies can both grow and diminish over time. Studies have shown that in any animal intact males have significantly higher levels of FelD1 in their systems than surgically sterilized animals. FelD1 levels can change throughout the seasons and a cat’s life circumstances and thus even proven low-level FelD1 cats can at some point produce more FelD1. As always, check with your doctor for any specific information. Common sense should always be the rule of thumb when any health issues are at stake as allergies can cause serious and potentially fatal reactions in some individuals. (c) The Siberian Cat, Alice Wright

Allergy Testing

We are one of the very few Siberian breeders who do Breed DNA tests and who are in possession of some unique 100% DNA (tested and confirmed genetically in the lab, in addition to outstanding traditional pedigrees) Siberian lines. This is very rare, and I was over the Moon when we got 100% Siberian Breed DNA results.

You are welcome to arrange an allergy testing session. Allergy cat sitting slots are on Fridays or Mondays. The allergy sitting fee is 60£ for 30 minutes payable in advance. It’s part of your kitten’s cost if you decide to go ahead with your Siberian kitten. We only offer allergy testing if you are considering buying a kitten from us and we have a baby available for testing. Please contact us to discuss this further. Please remember that Siberian are low only in Feld1 and all other allergens that they share with dogs, horses and other animals are there. No liability can be taken by the cattery owner for any allergic reaction that may occur during the visit. Potential adopters must understand this test is at their own risk. People allergic to cats and who also have asthma are not allowed to visit under any circumstances.

Please get in touch with us to discuss this further.

This page has been compiled purely expressing the breeder’s opinions and is subject to change at the breeder’s discretion. Please make informed choices and decisions based on your research-acquired knowledge. The breeder does not accept any liability, responsibility or claims for the contents of this document as purely for guidance only and therefore not an instruction manual.