Prospective adopters often ask if Siberian Forest cats will affect allergies. Common questions would be:
-Are Siberians Allergen free?
-Do they shed a lot?
-Are we allowed to meet the kittens prior?
People with allergies to cats are allergic to Fel D1 which is an allergen. This allergen is found in cats saliva which becomes airborne when they are grooming themselves. The allergen then sticks to the fur. Saliva is not the only source of the allergen. Allergens can be found in tears, skin and perianal glands. Perianal glands have the highest concentration.
Siberians are considered hypoallergenic because they carry lower levels of Fel D1 protein than most other breeds. Other breeds considered hypoallergenic are Balinese, Burmese, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Oriental shorthair and Sphynx.
If there are allergies in your household it is recommended that you visit the cattery or to have a fur
sample sent to you. Testing with fur is best but using a piece of cloth that is being used by the Dam
and her kittens can also be used.
Testing by using kitten’s fur can still cause a reaction to someone with allergies. Nursing Kittens can cause
milk and albumin allergies. Kittens also like to play in their litter box causing their fur to be covered in
dust and other allergens. It is recommended to test using the Dam or Sire.
Can we test our allergies with your cats?
Yes, you certainly can however the test would not be 100% correct because of many factors. Our home
currently has 3 dogs and 1 senior rescued cat that are not hypoallergenic. Even though we maintain a clean home and do not have much carpet, our animals are a part of our family and are allowed to be in 90% of our home.
Other reasons that testing in our cattery may not be accurate is that babies are generally not ready to be
seen until 4-5 weeks of age. They will not have received their first bath and will have only started to learn
how to groom themselves. Mom and other siblings will be grooming each other. Kittens are also learning
how to use a litter box.
If you have any further questions or would like to know ways to decrease allergens in your home after
receiving your Siberian please feel free to email us at Prairietails.siberians@gmail.com