Siberian cats are often considered hypoallergenic, and most people with mild allergies can happily live with a Siberian cat.
While they may be a good choice for many allergy sufferers, it's essential to remember that individual reactions can vary. If you have mild allergies and are considering adopting one of our Siberian kittens, it's advisable to spend time with one of our cats to assess your reaction before making a decision.
If you have severe allergies, we strongly recommend you look for a breeder local to your area.
If you have severe allergies, we strongly recommend you look for a breeder local to your area.
Understanding Cat Allergies
Cat allergies are primarily caused by a protein called Fel d1, which is found in cat saliva, dander, and urine. When people with allergies come into contact with this protein, their immune system overreacts, leading to symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion.
While there's no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic cat, some breeds produce less Fel d1 than others. This is why Siberian cats are often touted as being "hypoallergenic."
Siberians have also other key characteristics that help with reducing the allergens released in their surroundings:
- Thick Coat. Siberian cats have a thick, double coat that helps trap allergens, reducing their release.
- Low Grooming Needs (can vary). Their coat requires less grooming compared to some other longhair breeds, further minimizing allergen exposure.
- Natural Oils. The oils in their coat may have natural allergen-reducing properties.
Strategies to Alleviate Allergy Symptoms
If you have allergies but want to welcome a cat into your home, here are some strategies that can help minimize your symptoms:
1. Create a "Cat-Free" Zone: Make your bedroom an off-limits area for your cat. This gives you a space to breathe and rest without a high concentration of allergens, which is especially important for overnight exposure.
2. Maintain a Clean Environment: Vacuum Regularly with a HEPA filter to capture allergens from carpets and furniture. Regularly clean hard surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dander. Frequently wash bedding, curtains, and throw rugs in hot water.
3. Specialized Allergen-Reducing Cat Food: A major breakthrough has been the development of specialized cat foods designed to reduce the Fel d 1 protein in a cat's saliva. Purina's LiveClear line of food is a great example.
4. Anti-Allergen Environmental Sprays: Products like Pacagen or Allerpet anti-allergen sprays can be used on carpets, furniture, bedding, and other surfaces. These sprays work by denaturing the Fel d 1 protein, making it inactive and less likely to trigger a reaction.
5. Shampoo and Topical Solutions: Some sprays and rinse-free shampoos can be applied directly to a cat's fur. These are formulated to bind to and remove dander and the Fel d 1 protein from the coat. This can be a great option for people who can't bathe their cat regularly but want to reduce allergens at the source. Brushing your cat frequently also helps removing loose fur and dander. It is best to have a non-allergic family member do this, or do it yourself wearing a mask.
6. Medical Solutions: Over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops can help manage symptoms. For severe allergies, consult an allergist about prescription medication or immunotherapy (allergy shots) to build tolerance over time.
2. Maintain a Clean Environment: Vacuum Regularly with a HEPA filter to capture allergens from carpets and furniture. Regularly clean hard surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dander. Frequently wash bedding, curtains, and throw rugs in hot water.
3. Specialized Allergen-Reducing Cat Food: A major breakthrough has been the development of specialized cat foods designed to reduce the Fel d 1 protein in a cat's saliva. Purina's LiveClear line of food is a great example.
4. Anti-Allergen Environmental Sprays: Products like Pacagen or Allerpet anti-allergen sprays can be used on carpets, furniture, bedding, and other surfaces. These sprays work by denaturing the Fel d 1 protein, making it inactive and less likely to trigger a reaction.
5. Shampoo and Topical Solutions: Some sprays and rinse-free shampoos can be applied directly to a cat's fur. These are formulated to bind to and remove dander and the Fel d 1 protein from the coat. This can be a great option for people who can't bathe their cat regularly but want to reduce allergens at the source. Brushing your cat frequently also helps removing loose fur and dander. It is best to have a non-allergic family member do this, or do it yourself wearing a mask.
6. Medical Solutions: Over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops can help manage symptoms. For severe allergies, consult an allergist about prescription medication or immunotherapy (allergy shots) to build tolerance over time.