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The Hypo-Allergenic Siberian
Cat.
There is a lot to do about the hypo-allergenic qualities of
the Siberian cat. In order for you to decide if a Siberian
cat is right for you, let’s talk about the facts.
To clear up the number one myth about Siberian cats: there
is NO guarantee you will not have an allergic reaction to a
Siberian cat! Hypo-allergenic means less-allergenic, it does
not mean non-allergenic. There is no such thing as a
non-allergenic cat! There are many catteries and websites
claiming these cats can be placed with anyone who is
normally allergic to cats. This is simply not true.
Another very common myth is that people seem to think they
are allergic to cat hair. Not true. Cats produce a protein
called FEL-D1 in their saliva. By cleaning themselves it is
transferred to their hair, and causes pet dander. You are
not allergic to cat hair, your are allergic to the protein
in the saliva that ends up on cat hair. The cat dander can
not be filtered out of the air, and it will spread all
throughout your house. The reason Siberian cats have
hypo-allergenic qualities is because they produce less of
the FEL D-1 protein in their saliva.
In the USA you can send in saliva samples to a laboratory to
have it tested for allergen levels. Research has shown the
allergen levels vary greatly within the same breed. Color
points (Neva Masquerade) and silver Siberians seem to have
the highest allergen levels (which is still much lower then
any other breed), and brown tabbies seem to have the lowest
allergen level. Of course there are exceptions to this but
in general that is how it turns out.
What does all of this mean for you if you normally have cat
allergies? It means that you need to do your homework before
you purchase a cat. It means you need to educate yourself
about what to expect from a breeder before you start your
search. I hope the tips below will help you prepare.
· If
a breeder tells you that all Siberians are hypo-allergenic,
or if they guarantee you that you won’t have an allergic
reaction, they are lying.
·
Ask a breeder if their cats
saliva has been tested for allergen levels, and ask for the
results.
·
Ask if the breeder has any
experience placing cats/kittens with allergic people, and
ask if you may contact them as a reference.
·
Look on the website for
testimonials! They will often tell you whether a breeder is
interested in just making sales, or matching up kittens with
the right home.
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A good breeder will ask you if
you have any allergies, and will recommend an allergy test
prior to purchase of a kitten.
·
Request an allergy test. Any
good breeder will accommodate that request. Go to a Siberian
cattery and hug those babies! If a cattery is too far away
for you, ask for a fur sample, and send in a T-shirt or
pillowcase the cats can sleep on, that you can wear when
it’s sent back to you. This allergy test is an indication
(NOT a guarantee) you might be able to be owned by a
Siberian cat, regardless of your allergies!
Text from Judith Johnson
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