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, you 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. Please understand there is a difference between being allergic to cats and asthma! Asthma is a whole different ballgame, and even though Siberians have been placed successfully in homes with people suffering from asthma, it is in general not recommended.
 
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. Colorpoints (Neva Masquerade) and silver Siberians in general seem to have the highest allergen levels (which is still much lower then any other breed), and brown tabbies in general seem to have the lowest allergen levels. 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. There is no such thing as a non allergic cat, and some people do have a reaction to Siberians.

· Ask a breeder if their cats saliva has been tested for allergen levels, and ask for the results. A good breeder will provide this information for you.

· Ask if the breeder has any experience placing cats/kittens with allergic people, and ask if you may contact them as a reference. Asking other people that have experience with having a Siberian is never a bad idea.

· Look on a breeders website and actually read all the information on there! A website will often tell you what kind of breeder you are dealing with. A good breeder will be interested in making sure you can have a Siberian and will do whatever they can to get as much information from you about your allergies as possible and recommend an allergy test.

· A good breeder will ask you if you have any allergies, and will recommend an allergy test prior to purchase of a kitten and will have some sort of return policy in their contract in case you do turn out to be allergic and can not keep the cat.

· 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!
 
For more information see Siberian Research Inc

© Judith Johnson Cattery Mystic Melody