After breeding Siberian since 1994 and having many families visiting my home, I can now say with confidence that people with cat allergies can tolerate the Siberian. This, of course, cannot be a 100% guarantee but many are living with a Siberian. I myself am allergic to cats and I have no problem with them. Siberian breeders have found that the Siberian Cat has reduced cat allergens called FEL D1. This allergen is extremely potent. Secretions from the glands of the skin are the primary source of FEL D1, but it is also deposited on the fur through the saliva when they clean themselves. Eventually, the allergen flakes off and becomes airborne to trigger the symptoms that characterize allergies to cats. Feline allergen levels vary within the Siberian breed, and human reactions to this allergen vary considerably. Please remember, the term hypoallergenic means “causes less allergic response”. Just through many years of experience, I have placed kittens in homes of people who have never been able to own a cat before!! If possible it is best to visit a Siberian in person.

Multiple studies have shown neutering sharply reduces Fel-d1 levels and allergic reactions. The allergen is hormonally controlled, and non-neutered males produce the highest levels. After neutering, allergen levels drop sharply in both males and females. We recommend early neutering with your Veterinarian’s advice in households with cat allergies. Many years ago Croshka Siberian started taking samples of saliva for testing Fel-d1 allergen levels from our adult breeding cats. These samples were sent to Indoor Biotechnologies, which specializes in measuring Fel-d1 allergens. Much to our pleasant surprise, a large majority of my cat line showed very low allergen levels!!!! The sex or color of the cat didn’t seem to matter with these cats tested. Since the testing, we have found the unscientific method of witnessing all of the families living with Siberian .This test has been the best test around!!