Siberian Cats & Allergies
Siberians have a reputation for being better tolerated by some people with cat allergies, but there is considerable variation between individual cats and between allergic individuals.
There is a great deal of conflicting and sometimes misleading information about Siberians and allergies.
Our approach has been informed by the extensive work carried out by KittenTesting on allergen production in Siberian cats. For those wishing to explore the subject in more detail, we recommend visiting the kittentesting.com website.
Understanding Fel d 1
Fel d 1 is the major allergen associated with cat allergy. It is produced primarily in the skin and saliva and is transferred onto the coat during grooming.
The amount produced varies considerably from one cat to another. Equally importantly, two allergic people exposed to the same cat may react very differently.
Fel d 1 is only part of the picture
Not everybody with a cat allergy is reacting only to Fel d 1.
Other recognised cat allergens include Fel d 2, a serum albumin, and the lipocalins Fel d 4 and Fel d 7. Sensitisation to these proteins can occur alongside Fel d 1 allergy and may also involve cross-reactions with allergens from other animals.
This can make cases involving asthma, multiple animal allergies or more complex allergic histories particularly difficult to predict. For this reason, we are especially cautious where asthma or significant respiratory symptoms are involved and would encourage prospective owners to discuss cat exposure with their own allergy specialist before proceeding.
Testing kittens
Young kittens present a particular difficulty because their allergen production is still developing.
Fel d 1 levels in very young kittens may be low or inconsistent, and fur testing is not considered reliable in kittens under approximately 12 months of age. Testing or spending time with a kitten too early can therefore give false reassurance.
For families where allergy is a consideration, we prefer a staged approach.
An adult parent’s fur can be used as an initial indication of how the allergic person responds to the cats within our breeding programme. If that is well tolerated, we may then arrange an in-person allergy sitting with the prospective kitten once they are at least 12 weeks old.
Our approach
Where mild cat allergy is a consideration, we assess suitability on an individual basis.
We do not offer allergy testing or allergy sittings as a standalone service.