As you can see, our Siberians live with us underfoot. They are happy, healthy, and playful Siberians who get plenty of rest and lots of time to lounge in the sun! A favorite pasttime is watching the many birds out the window or lounging on the cattio, and chasing one another around the house at high speeds. We feed only premium quality food, and are here to offer advice and support for the lifetime of your pet. We are proud of Siberians and feel beyond lucky to be able to provide such an amazing breed to our customers.

​​​​ABOUT CAT ALLERGIES ©

What causes most cat allergies? 
Most cat allergies are caused by a small stable glycoprotein called Fel d 1.  However, most people have mild reactions to other allergens present in cats (and litter boxes).

What does Fel d 1 mean?
Plant and animal allergens are named in order of discovery. Each allergen found in a species is given a number when it is identified.  Fel d 1 is the first allergen discovered in house cats --  Feline domesticus allergen number 1.  To date, thirteen different allergens have been found in cats.

Where is the allergen found? 
Fel-d1 is produced by lacrimal, salivary, sebaceous, and perianal glands. During grooming, Fel-d1 from saliva becomes airborne. Allergen from the glands in the skin stays in the fur, and is easily transferred to clothing, carpet, and upholstery.   Litter boxes contain the highest amount of Fel d1 as well as other cat allergens.

Does long hair affect Fel d 1 levels?
Fur length does not increase or decrease the amount of allergen produced.  Cats do remove a large amount of allergen from the hair through grooming. Some people have problems with eye irritation caused by the fine hair in the Siberian undercoat, which is worst in early spring when cats shed their winter coats.

Are dark or light coats higher in Fel d1?
There is no evidence that dark or light coats has any effect on Fel d1 (with the exception of silver and smoke).  Over 400 Siberians were tested for Fel d1 levels, and silver/smoke always showed higher allergen levels.  The reason is unknown, but it has been proposed that the gene for silver may be carried on the same chromosome as  Fel d1.  A few low allergen silver Siberians have been reported, but not enough to be statically valid.

Does neutering affect feline allergen production?
Multiple studies have shown neutering sharply reduces Fel-d1 levels in males, but not females. The allergen is hormonally controlled with non-neutered males producing the highest levels. After neutering, allergen levels drop sharply in both males, though not to the level of females. Low allergen Siberian males have the same levels as females, and those levels do not change by neutering.

Will people who are allergic to dogs also react to cats?
About 20% of people allergic to dogs also react to cats. This reaction is from secondary allergens, primarily Fel d2 (feline albumin) and Fel d4 {feline lipocalin).   There are NO commercial tests to measure Fel d2  or  Fel d4.

What about other animals or foods?
In our experience, many people that are highly allergic to rabbits and horses, or have severe food allergies to eggs and milk are likely to react to low-Fel d1 Siberians.

SECONDARY CAT ALLERGENS © 

There are no simple answers to cat allergies, nor to Cross Reaction between species. By 2005, thirteen cat serums allergens and eight cat danders have been isolated. One allergen may cause an allergic reactions in one person but not another, and most cat-allergic individuals are allergic to more than one feline allergen. Siberians have been shown to have reduced levels of Fel d 1 allergen, but they have normal amounts of other allergens. 

Roughly 80% of individuals who have allergies to horses/rabbits/rodents or who have food allergies to pork meat/egg white will react to low Fel d1 allergen Siberians.  We have seen reactions from albumin vary from mild to quite severe. These are primarily albumin and lipocalin allergies.  Please note, any cat allergens may cause problems even when there are no allergies to other animals.

Serum Albumin (Fel d2)
Serum albumin accounts for about 30% of cat cross reactions to dogs, pork meat, or egg white. Allergies to serum albumin can be quite severe.

Lipocalin (Fel d4)
Lipocalin is a respiratory allergen, and commonly causes asthma. About 25% of people who are allergic to horses/rabbits also react to Fel d 4, a feline lipocalin.  Studies have shown that intact male mice produce 500 to 1000 times more lipocalin than female mice. Although studies have not been performed in cats, we find that neuter/spay does help with lipocalin allergies.  

For detailed information on these allergies visit here: www.kittentesting.com 

The About Cat Allergies and Secondary Cat Allergens are copyrighted and listed here courtesy of © 2005 Lundberg Siberians: www.lundbergsiberians.com

Tested Fel d1 allergen level - Individually priced based on allergen level.
Price      Cat / Kitten        Saliva Level            Corresponding symptoms © 
$6,400    Extra Low                0.1 - 1.0 mcg              hives, swelling, severe sneezing, airway constriction
$5,000    Very Low                 1.0 -1.75 mcg             itchy skin, light sneezing, severe runny nose, mild asthma
$3,800    Low                         1.75 - 2.5 mcg            moderate symptoms, runny nose, eye irritation, coughing
$2,800    Medium                   2.5 - 3.5 mcg              mild cat allergies - eye irritation and stuffy nose
$2,000    Normal                    3.5 - 16 mcg               not recommended for homes with cat allergies

The best way to understand the chart above is to match your reactions to the worst symptoms you would expect if you held a cat in your lap or snuggled it to your face.  We offer a 60 day return policy for allergies to tested kittens..  We may be unable to meet color and gender preference on Very Low or Extra Low allergen kittens. 

If any family member is allergic to horses or rabbits, or has food allergies to egg or meat, even the lowest Fel d1 allergen Siberians may cause moderate to severe reactions.  Families with multiple allergies, will need to test with fur samples, and a cattery visit may be required.

© 2005 - 2024  Meredith Lundberg, DBA KittenTesting.com
Allergen Chart, saliva levels, allergic reactions by severity, and methods for testing kittens are copyrighted by KittenTesting.
All rights reserved. Unauthorized commercial or derivative use prohibited.  Cat allergies generally correlate to the symptoms shown, but this chart does not constitute medical advice.  Our cattery has obtained limited permission for use of these materials.   
For detailed information on testing kittens and allergens involved, please visit :  www.kittentesting.com
Additional information on health and allergies in the Siberian breed can be found on:  www.siberianresearch.com

​