Siberian Cats – The Myth of the Allergy Free Cat

Siberian cats have been called hypoallergenic. For me this is true. The definition of hypoallergenic is lower in allergens, not allergy free. Every cat is different just like every person. We have 5 breeding cats here at Kings Choice Siberians and one neuter plus kittens from time to time. I am highly allergic (urticaria, asthma, allergy, etc.) complete with allergist’s test to prove it. I can live with 2, no problem. So many, I need some light medication. I bathe them every 2 to 4 weeks. Siberians can be bathed and indeed many enjoy the water, it washes away any small amount of Fel d1 and I always indulge in burying my face in their clean dry fur afterwards. In my house, I have no curtains, only blinds, and only rugs are thrown away. I also don’t let my cats sleep in my personal bedroom, to create a free zone. Finally, I assign the garbage chore to others and have self-cleaning litter boxes on wheels in case I end up doing it. With all that, I’m doing fine. Temporarily, until the kittens are housed, we have 10. I’m currently sitting here writing this, spring no less, not tearing my eyes out like I’m in someone’s home with a single house cat. Every person and cat is different. I get a little itchy when I get poked by a kitten’s claw, but they are very young and covered in mum’s saliva. Just a dab of Benadryl cream and it’s gone.

Vacuum, bathe and invest in a real purebred Siberian, not a shelter cat. Honestly, it is highly doubtful that there are any purebred Siberians in the shelters. If you’re willing to take medication from time to time and/or Benadryl cream for scratches (assuming you’re severely allergic like I am), you should be fine. Clients with minor allergies tell me they don’t have any symptoms. Like I said, all cats and people are different. We only breed traditional Siberians. The difference between a traditional and a “no” is that the others have a color point gene. They got this somewhere in their background when crossing the Siamese. These, I avoid because I don’t want to add any level of potential allergy to what is already an amazing breed. They have been called Nevas, Neva Masquerade, Color Point Siberians, CP or even Lynx, they are all the same. Some allergy sufferers also say they do well with Nevas, but to me, it’s not worth the risk. You will immediately recognize them by their white coloration and Siamese-style markings. Traditional Siberians come in all brindle colors and many solids. Cinnamon, lilac and beige are the only colors not allowed. The reason for this is that it was again produced through crossbreeding. They are not natural traditional colors for Siberians.

There are people who ask me about Fel d1 tests. This is not a great way to choose your Siberian. The test center will tell you that they have a 50% margin of error on perfect tests. That failure rate actually increases with any errors in the collection. This renders the test worthless. It is also very expensive. Breeders offer these numbers more to please the public than for any real value. Fur tests are also useless since the breeder could have bathed the cat first. Bathing with the previous month cancels the test. Another cat may have licked the test cat transferring saliva with Fel d1. So how do you reduce this? Well, NOTHING is allergy free. They recently discovered that people can be allergic to cold air. So saying allergy free is lying. However, as I said, hypoallergenic means lower in allergens. Yes, it is possible for a Siberian to be hypoallergenic. Even a person with severe allergies like me can live happily with a cat of their own. You have to be willing to take the reins to research the breeder of your choice, pay the fees required to breed such a miraculous animal, and take cleanliness precautions so that you can live a long and happy life with a wonderful pet that often lives the last 20 years. years. If you have always wanted a cat, it is your greatest desire and you would be willing and responsible, then I suggest you take a look at the breed. It may be just what you always wanted.