Siberian Silky Whiskers
Hypoallergenic Information
Are you allergic to cats?
Do you sneeze and wheeze?
Do your eyes water around cats?
The Siberian cat may be just the cat breed for you!
General Information
The "cat allergen" is called Fel d1. The primary sources of Fel d1 are secretions from the glands of the skin and what is left on the fur from the saliva when a cat cleans itself.
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The Siberian Cat produces a reduced level of Fel d1, due to a protein sequence missing from their DNA. Only pure-bred Siberian cats have this genetic advantage, so you should choose your Siberian Breeder carefully if the hypoallergenic trait is a benefit of interest to you!
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Many long-time allergy sufferers have been very successful with the Siberian cat. Although it may not work for all allergy sufferers, it has worked for many. It's important to note that the degree to which individuals react or don't react to a Siberian can vary from cat to cat.
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We specialize in breeding the extremely low allergen Fel d1 Neva Masquerade, each colorpoint Siberian kitten has a hypoallergenic fur with an exceptionally low level of Fel d1 and bright blue eyes. All our breeding cats have been tested for their Fel d1 allergen level in a laboratory in Virginia that specializes in Fel d1 testing. The results are available on the "Our Siberians" page.
In the last 10 years, it has become possible to better measure the amount of allergen a kitten will produce when it is mature. Our kittens are tested to measure the allergen a kitten will produce when mature. Kittens can be tested starting no earlier than 12 weeks of age.
Scientific Information
Allergen levels in saliva are reported in micrograms of allergen per milliliter of saliva. Typical Siberian cats have 4-16 mcg of salivary Fel d1 allergen, though levels as high as 34 mcg have been seen. About 50% of Siberians were found to have lower Fed D1 levels than typical cats.
Fel d1 Allergen Levels in Siberians
mcg
Our cats test well below the typical Siberian cat.
Typical Siberian cats have 4-16 mcg of salivary Fel d1 allergen, though levels as high as 34 mcg have been found.
Under 15% of Siberians produce very low levels of the allergen and can safely be placed in homes with severe reactions to cats. Low allergen matings produce more offspring with reduced levels of Fel d1, though some kittens from low-allergen matings still have normal levels of Fel d1. People with severe allergic reactions to horses, rabbits, dogs, or food allergies to egg whites or pork meat may react to low Fel d1 cats.
The Allergen Chart below shows the allergen level needed for a corresponding group of symptoms. Match the symptoms you would expect from direct exposure to a cat (fur to face).
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Allergen levels below are shown in micrograms per milliliter of saliva. Chart used with permission from KittenTesting.com.
Cat/Kitten
Extra Low​
Very Low​
Low​
Medium​
Normal
Saliva Level
0.1 - 1.0 mcg
​1.0-1.75 mcg
1.75 - 2.5 mcg
​2.5 - 3.5 mcg
​3.5 - 32 mcg
Corresponding Allergic Symptoms
ER visits, rashes, hives, facial swelling, asthma, short of breath
​Light sneezing, severe runny nose, swollen eyes, mild rash, mild asthma
​Runny nose, eye irritation, coughing, few sneezes, light itching
​Mild eye irritation, stuffy nose, scratchy throat, other mild symptoms
​Not recommended for homes with cat allergies
© 2005 "Allergen Chart" Meredith Lundberg, DBA Lundberg Siberians, DBA Kitten Testing.com
The allergen chart, allergen levels, and allergic reactions by severity are copyrighted by Meredith Lundberg, DBA KittenTesting.com. Commercial use or derivative use without permission is prohibited. Individuals with allergies should seek proper medical advice before purchasing a cat or kitten
