The Hypoallergenic Siberian Cat

• The Nature of the Allergy
• The Agents that Cause the Allergic Reactions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How is it that the Siberian Cat is hypo-allergic? 

 

The Nature of the Allergy

Allergic diseases result from an exaggerated response of the immune system to external agents that the body perceives as hostile. There are 2 types of allergic reactions to pets.

Type 1 are characterised by the production of immunoglobulins E (IgE), a type of antibody, to coat certain cells called histamines. Histamine causes the blood vessels to dilate and release fluid into the surrounding tissues. The classic symptoms of a Type 1 allergic reaction to pets --- the runny nose, sneezing, wheezing and asthma when the fluid restricts the bronchiole area of the lungs.

Type 4 allergies include skin reactions to contact with cats, dogs, small animals or birds. The defense cells here called T-lymphocytes and macrophages react with the allergens releasing mediators which cause swelling and itching --- the typical symptoms associated with hives, eczema and atopic dermatitis.

The Typical Symptoms

Characteristics:	TYPE 1	TYPE 4
Immune system response:	IgE	T-lymphocytes
Mediators released:	Histamine	Macrophages
The condition:	Allergic rhinitis Tonsillitis Conjunctivitis Asthma	Urticaria Eczema Dermatitis
Symptoms:	Running nose Sneezing Sore throat Itchy, irritable eyes Wheezing & breathing difficulties	Swelling Itchy rashes Flaking dry skin Weeping sores

The Agents that Cause the Allergic Reactions

Any animal with fur or feathers can cause the reaction but cats tend to evoke the biggest response followed by male rabbits, guinea pigs & hamsters; birds, dogs & horses; female small animals. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the hair or the feathers per se that cause the problem so the reactions are equally prevalent with breeds that do not shed their coats or molt. The reactions are caused by potent allergens that come from the saliva, sweat glands, urine or droppings of the pets. The microscopic allergens then become airborne.

    source: http://www.bio-life.co.uk/pr1.html

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ALLERGIC TO ANIMALS?

Sensitivities to animals is one of the most frequently seen allergies. It is currently estimated that 15 to 20 percent of the population are sensitive to animals. With a population of approximately 250 million in the United States, this means that between 50 to 60 million Americans may be adversely affected when exposed. According to many physicians, these figures may be low estimates. From the standpoint of sheer numbers of susceptible people, says Dr. Michael G. Loar of Littleton, Colorado, allergy may well be the most common illness caused by pets.

Allergies to cats in particular have multiplied alarmingly in the last decade, undoubtedly because there are more cats than ever in homes in many parts of the world. Indeed, since 1987, registrations of cats in the USA have surpassed those of dogs. Veterinarians in the nation say that their feline patients have doubled or even tripled in the last decade. Cat care now comprises nearly 60 percent of many practices.

WHY ARE MORE PEOPLE ALLERGIC TO CATS THAN DOGS?

Cats cause more allergy problems than other animals and sensitivities to them can be extremely serious. Fel d1, the major allergen of the domestic cat, is produced in the sebaceous glands of the cat’s skin and in cat saliva. Fel d1 is deposited on the fur from sebaceous gland secretions and through saliva (when cats lick themselves clean).

Previously , it had been generally accepted that the self-cleaning of the cat was the major source of Fel d1. A recent study in Marseille, France, at the Hospital de Ste-Marguerite indicated that the largest producer of Fel d1 by far is the sebaceous glands.

WHY DO PUPPIES AND KITTENS CAUSE FEWER ALLERGY PROBLEMS?

Young animals, especially puppies and kittens, have less skin to shed and therefore diminished dander. This is why people who purchase young pets often find themselves "suddenly" developing an allergy to the pet as it reaches maturity.

 

How is it that the Siberian Cat is hypo-allergic? 

    There is a protein in the feline saliva called FEL D-1. When the cat cleans itself, the protein then dries on the fur leaving dander. The dander particles are small and air filters cannot remove them from the air. The Siberian Cat is either void or produces very low levels of the FEL D1 protein, therefore no or very little dander with FEL D1 to make you sneeze. 
    source: http://www.acfacat.com/

No scientific studies have been done to determine why many cat-allergic persons may NOT develop allergic symptoms when they socialize with a Siberian cat. The consensus with many breeders is that the Siberian cat has markedly reduced levels of the FeL D1 protein in their saliva as compared to other feline breeds. This protein IS the ‘‘culprit’’, which becomes the dander, which IS the allergen that stimulates the allergic response in MOST cat allergic persons. Decreased protein (FeL D1) = decreased dander = decreased allergy = HYPOallergenic.

Others believe it is the oily base fur. Believing that the dry skin is the dander, which causes the allergic reaction. With no dry skin, the oily fur prevents the skin from drying out, there would be no dry skin dander causing the allergic response.

What is important is that the Siberian Breeders are developing a growing, wonderful network of Siberian Kitten owners who have not had the luxury of being owned by a cat before. These people are growing in numbers every week. Some are even coming back to be owned by a second and even third Siberian Cat because they are so happy with their first. The success rate in placing Siberian Kittens into these homes, once pre-screened properly has been at 80% and higher.

I warn prospective Siberian buyers-“Beware of claims that the Siberian cat is NON-allergenic.” Non-allergenic means there would be NO reaction, at ANY time, for ANY person.

    source: http://www.pet-net.net/wufnpur/siberians.htm

No animal is ever "hypo-allergenic". These are living creatures. We have found, through over a decade of experience, that it is 50/50 odds. Those who might have Type 1 allergies, nasal drip/eyes red and watery seem to do very very well with this breed. Those with Type 4 allergies, such as hives, swollen membranes etc, although they fair better than before, do still react in some way. Many find this an acceptable solution to their allergy in their search for a cat companion. One thing we have noted is specifically, people with immune related disorders, such as Lupus, do still react and with no noted lessoning of symptoms.

We always recommend for allergy sufferers, never EVER to let the cat sleep with you. Use Hepa(tm) filters in your air conditioning, vacuum, and individual rooms; use a hypoallergenic soap in the laundry and wash things often. And ventilate the home well. A closed home allows for a buildup of potential allergens.

At no time, do we guarantee any animal to be hypo-allergenic

source: http://www.kendercat.freeservers.com/about.html