Test home

The Siberian cat is known to have lower levels of the allergen Fel D1.

Measurements conducted on the breed have shown that some Siberian cats have very low levels of the most common cat allergen, Fel D1.

Other cats have levels that vary from low to normal values, meaning no cat will completely lack the substance Fel D1.

If you're allergic to cats but curious about whether you can tolerate the Siberian cat?

Then it's good to "test your allergy" before buying a Siberian cat.

Fel D1

The protein Fel D1 is produced in the cat's saliva, tears, skin, and anal glands. Fel D1 is therefore present in, among other things, the cat's fur, where it accumulates when the cat grooms itself.

Many of us allergy sufferers who have Siberian cats have experienced that we may react to some cat individuals but tolerate others. This is because the level of Fel D1 varies between individuals. Therefore, it can be worthwhile to meet several cats if you have reacted to one Siberian cat.

There are several other cat allergens that allergic individuals can react to, but measurements have not been made on these. However, Fel D1 is the most common allergen that triggers an allergic reaction in people allergic to cats.

HOW A VISIT PROCEEDS

We welcome visitors as time allows. During the visit, you will have the opportunity to pet and cuddle with our Siberian cats. Of course, we're also available to provide more information about the breed and answer any questions you may have. There are no other pets in the home.

You will be given a bag of fur that you can place in a nylon stocking and then sleep with overnight. This is to further test the allergy.

It's important to keep in mind that the allergen levels of the cats are entirely individual. Even if you tolerate the Siberian cats you have met before, unfortunately, it doesn't necessarily mean you will tolerate the cat you get yourself. Even two cats with lower Fel D1 levels can produce kittens in the litter with higher allergen levels.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE THE VISIT

Do not visit a test home if you have an infection or, for example, a cold. Wait until you are well again. During illness or infection, the body's immune system is already strained, and testing for allergies at such a time can give inaccurate results.

This also applies during pollen season if you are allergic to pollen. It's better to wait.

You should not take allergy medication before the visit, but of course, bring all the medication you may need if you were to have an allergic reaction during or after the visit.

A tip is to bring a pillowcase to the visit. We will rub this on one or more of our cats, and in that way, you will bring "a little extra allergens" home. You will also receive a bag with some hair from our cats to place in a nylon stocking next to the pillow.

Avoid bringing young children if they are not to be tested. If the test does not go well, it can result in significant disappointment for the child.

Remember that allergies can be very individual, and different people may react differently to the same cat. So there are no guarantees that an allergic person actually tolerates a Siberian cat. It is extremely important to test the allergy and then talk to a knowledgeable breeder if you want to proceed and buy a cat!

Reduce the levels of allergens in the home

For some allergy sufferers, a Siberian cat with lower levels of Fel D1 can work.

However, some still experience allergies.

If you, as a cat allergy sufferer, decide to get a cat, you can take steps to try to reduce the levels of allergens in your home.

Measures you can take to reduce allergen levels in the home:

• Clean thoroughly, wet mop floors often
  
  
• Vacuum with a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
  
  
• Remove carpets, blankets, and unnecessary textiles at first (bring out after some time)
  
  
• Purchase a filtering air purifier
  
  
• You can try to keep the cat out of the bedroom or other rooms you want to keep allergen-free
  
  
• Bathe/shower the cat regularly (however, some may experience asthma in connection with bathing, so the non-allergic person should bathe the cat). There are special shampoos that are said to reduce allergen levels.
  
  
• Dampen a terrycloth towel to stroke over the fur (an alternative to bathing)
  
  
• Neuter the cat early, discuss with your breeder at what age neutering can be done, as this significantly reduces allergen levels
  
  

NOTE! When a kitten comes home to an allergic person, they may experience an allergic reaction, and that is normal.

The allergic reaction is most likely caused by the milk protein, which breaks down fairly quickly, and after a few days, the reaction should subside.