Prekrasne Siberian Cats:

Want information about Allergies?  Read this very important information!          

Check out this article too!  Living with cat allergies.   It is possible to be allergic and still co-exist with a cat.

Allergies ***Please Read if You Have Cat Allergies****

Are Siberians non-allergenic?

No, definitely not!  No animal is non-allergenic.  However, anecdotal evidence suggests they do have hypo-allergenic qualities.  This means many Siberians cause lower levels of reaction particularly for people with mild to moderate cat allergies.  Keep in mind this is no guarantee that you will not react.  Which is why we cannot make any guarantees - each person and each cat is different.  However, there are also some studies being conducted into the levels of FeLD-1 proteins found in the saliva of Siberians.  

We are currently starting the process to test the FeLD-1 levels in all of our breeding cats.  We will post this information on our site once it is completed.  We do not breed specifically for this trait however we feel it is important to know so we can make the best recommendations for pet ownership.

FeLD-1??? What is that?

FeLD-1 is one of the protein allergens found to cause many of the most common cat allergies.  However, there are also additional allergen proteins and if a person is sensitive to one of the other allergens they will continue to have allergic reactions to Siberians regardless of the FeLD-1 levels. 

I have allergies and I want to adopt a Siberian from you.  What now?

First, understand we do everything we can to ensure our kittens are placed in permanent loving homes.  We try to minimize placement into allergy homes for this reason and those allergy homes we do place in we screen very carefully.  As a result, there are a series of steps we require before placing any of our kittens into allergy homes.  The first thing we require is that you answer the following questions regarding the allergy sufferer:

1.        Rate your allergic reactions on a scale of 1 – 10. 

2.      How long does it take for your symptoms to appear after being exposed to cats? 

3.       Are you allergic to anything else?  Dogs, mold, horses, pollen, etc.?

4.       Do you also have asthma?

5.       If you started having reactions 3 months, a year or more in the future what would you do?

6.      Have you been around Siberians before?  If so, what was the response? 

You will need to copy and paste these questions into an email and include your answers.  Once we receive your email we will evaluate the responses and determine if you are a candidate for a Siberian. 

The next step is testing with a Fur Sample.  There is a $10 charge which covers postage and packaging.  Our fur samples are taken from a mix of our males and females and will include a paper towel which has been wiped across the coat of our cats.  This will allow it to pick up the oils, dried saliva and dander from the coat.  We will include instructions with the fur sample.  Please follow these closely.  If you end up adopting a kitten from us, the $10 will be applied to the cost of your kitten.

***If your normal reaction to cats includes the closing of air passages and difficult breathing please do not attempt to test this way.  Please consult an allergist before pursuing owning any cat or testing with fur or in person.***

You will also need to complete our My Perfect Kitten Adoption Application as well.  Please indicate in the form if you are looking to be placed on our waiting list or if you are reserving a specific kitten.  Also take a moment to review our contract.  All kittens and cats are placed under contract and it is important you understand your obligations as well as ours.

The 4^th step is to begin a list of steps you will take to “allergy proof” your home.  We will want to know a strategy you have in place to minimize reactions.  This will help you handle issues if they arrive.

Any other suggestions??

First, be realistic!   If you or your family are only willing to live with a cat if there are NO allergic reactions you may want to reconsider.  Even if you have no reactions when you first get your kitten there is no guarantee that symptoms may not arise a year or 2 down the road.  What then?  Will itchy eyes be enough to make you give up your cat?  Or will you be OK with taking an OTC allergy medication?  For example, when I was younger I was allergic to about every type of pollen, grass, etc. but I had a horse.  I was willing to deal with the nuisance symptoms because of my love of horses.  Now, clearly if my throat was closing up and the symptoms were asthmatic no one is suggesting you just “suck it up.”  However, if the expectation is 0 reactivity and even mild reactions will cause you to give up your kitten then you may want to reconsider adopting a kitten.  Consider checking with breeders in your area with retired adults.  These cats have already attained their maximum allergen production so there should not be any changes and some breeders may allow you to have a "trial" period with the adult to ensure a successful placement. 

Second, take measures around the house to reduce the allergens in the home.

1)     Vacuum with a HEPA filter and/or mop

2)     If possible increase your hard surface flooring since carpet holds and       

        attracts allergens

3)     Keep a “cat free zone” – I recommend the bedroom since mattresses are

        a notorious haven for dust, allergens and mites.

4)     Use a product like AllerPet.  Regularly wiping your cats coat with a      

        product like this will reduce the FeLD-1 levels that cling to the coat. 

5)     Purchase an air filtration system or install air filter that help eliminate

        allergens

6)     Change and clean the litter box regularly – the allergens are also shed via

       feces so it will help to regularly scoop, change and clean the litter box.