Hypo-Allergenic Cats

Is there really a hypoallergenic cat?

There is no such thing as a cat that will cause no allergic reaction.

The prefix 'hypo' in means 'less'. Therefore, the word hypoallergenic does not mean non-allergenic but may produce less allergenic reaction. A hypoallergenic cat is less likely than other cats to produce allergic reactions in some people.

Some cat allergy sufferers can tolerate Siberian Cats  well.

Research has shown that Fel D1, a protein found only in cats, is produced in the sebaceous glands of their skin and saliva of cats. This protein is responsible for 60% to 90% of allergic responses.  Because cats groom themselves constantly, they spread their saliva on their fur. The saliva coated fur with Fel D1 protein dries on the fur and because the particles are smal and lighter than air, floats throughout the cat's environment.

The Siberian Cat produces lower levels of Fel D1 and, therefore, may provoke less allergic reactions than most other cats. Therefore, they can have hypo-allergenic qualities .

There is no way of definitive testing to know if your allergies will tolerate a Siberian Cat. The only way to know whether your system will tolerate a Siberians is to spend some time in a home which has an adult Siberian. Even so, an allergy suffer can "become" allergic at any time.  

Many factors cause variations in Fel D1 levels in cats. The highest levels are found in breeding males followed by breeding females. Neuters of both sexes have  lower levels of the protein. Kittens have the lowest level. Early sterilization is highly recommended to prevent the rapid increase of the allergen as the cat approaches maturity.

Again, the allergen responsible for a cat allergy in humans is generally a protein named FEL D-1. It is a myth that cat hair causes reactions to allergy suffers. Cat hair does carry the allergen, Fel d 1. FEL D-1 is found in cat saliva and cat's grooming puts it on the fur. The protein is also produced by the sebaceous glands.

Allergens can become airborne when the salvia dries on the fur of a cat. These particles can be inhaled by the allergy sufferer. These cat allergen particles can remain in the air for long periods of time.

Different cat breeds have different levels of the FEL D-1 protein.  Siberian Cats produce less than other breeds of cats. The average cat produces 63,000 micrograms of Fel-D-1, it is estimated that the female Siberian produces approximately 200 micrograms of Fel-Dh1 per gram.

Tips to reducing allergy reactions to cats

• Have your cat neutered or spayed. A neutered pet produces less of th protein that generally causes a reaction.

• Bathing your cat  can be useful in removing the Fel d-1 from the cat's coat. There shampoos for people that are allergic to cats. Consult your veterinarian about products that you can bathe your cat in to help reduce the allergens.

• An air filtration system will reduce the amount of allergens circulated. Hepa filters cut down on allergens in the air.

• Ventilate your house. Opening windows and using exhaust fans can help increase air exchange and decrease air borne allergens.

• Vacuum carpets with a HEPA equipped vacuum cleaner.  Cat dander settles onto carpets and soft furnishings, which act as a reservoir for the allergen, releasing it back into the air when touched. Remove the carpeting, if possible, and replace with hard floors.

• Reduce your other allergies. Most individuals that are allergic to cats have other allergies.

• Keep the litter tray in a well ventilated area. And keep the pan clean.

Please  note having a cat with low levels of the offending protein is no guarantee that an allergic reaction will not happen. Breeding cats with low levels of protein to other cats with lower levels may have low levels of protein, however, many factor influence the production of Fel-d1. No one can guarantee a non-allegenic cat.

Allergies are very individual. Reactions to Siberians are very different. You can become allergic at any time.