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Allergies?

Allergies are one of the number one reasons that customers come looking for a Siberian kitten. Siberian cats are known to be a hypoallergenic cat breed, but what exactly does that mean?

Scroll down below where we answer some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)!

FAQs

Q: What does it mean for a cat to be hypoallergenic?

A:

Hypoallergenic refers to animals that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in people.

It doesn't mean the animal is completely allergen-free—instead, it means they typically produce fewer allergens, or the allergens they do produce may have a lower impact on sensitive individuals.

In cats, the primary allergen is a protein called Fel d 1, which is found in their saliva, skin, and fur.

Q: Are Siberian cats considered hypoallergenic?

A:

Yes, Siberian cats are known to be hypoallergenic by various sources. It is well accepted by most breeders that Siberians are known to produce less of the Fel d 1 protein than standard cat breeds. This is also backed up by some scientific studies.

Q: Does this mean if someone in my family has cat allergies, they will not have a reaction to Siberians?

A:

As stated before, for a cat to be considered hypoallergenic, it needs to have a reputation for producing less of the Fel d 1 protein. There is no cat breed that produces zero allergen, therefore highly sensitive people may still have a reaction to even a Siberian.

This is why it is important to test your allergies using our T-shirt Test.

Q: What is the T-Shirt Test?

A:

The T-Shirt Test is something we offer to families where allergies are a concern.

Here is how it works:
1) You send us a T-shirt of the individual who has the allergy concern.

2) We bring the T-shirt to our cats where they interact with it and rub their fur on it.

3) We send this T-shirt back to you in a sealed bag.

4) You wear the T-shirt for a day and see how you respond.

Although this is not a perfect test, it does give a good idea of how you will respond to one of our kittens. There is a $25 flat rate fee to cover shipping.

Q: I did the T-shirt test, and I am still allergic...
Is there anything else I can do to lower my reactions?

A:

Absolutely! There are many things you can do to lower the amount of Fel d1 protein your cats produce, as well as your reaction to them.

1) Purina Live Clear is a cat food designed specifically to target the Fel d 1 protein's production and reduce it dramatically. According to a study published in Immunity, Inflammation and Disease (2019) 97% of cats fed LiveClear showed reduced active Fel d 1 in their hair and dander, with an average reduction of 47% starting around week three!

2) Spaying/neutering your cat has been shown to reduce Fel d 1 allergens.

3) Allergen immunotherapy* is a long-term solution that is sometimes even covered by insurance where people get allergy shots to help lower their reaction to the Fel d 1 protein.

*Note: This FAQ provides general information about allergy immunotherapy and cat allergies. It’s important to consult your healthcare provider or an allergist for personalized advice, diagnosis, and treatment options.