cats allergy
allergy origins
Cat allergy is not actually caused by animal hair as is often believed, but by allergenic proteins that they carry.
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The Main Culprit: The Fel d 1 Protein
The primary cause of cat allergy is a glycoprotein called Fel d 1 (for Felis domesticus allergen 1).
Where is it found? It is mainly produced in:
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The cat’s saliva.
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The sebaceous glands (in the skin) and lacrimal glands (tears).
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Urine (to a lesser extent).
How does it spread?
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The cat licks itself for grooming, thus depositing Fel d 1 from its saliva onto its fur and dander (tiny fragments of dead skin).
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These hairs and scales, loaded with the allergen, detach and disperse very easily into the environment (air, clothing, furniture, carpets, etc.), remaining suspended for a long time and can even be transported to places where there are no cats.
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Hormonal Production: Unneutered male cats tend to produce more Fel d 1 than females and neutered males.
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Other Allergens
Other allergenic proteins exist, but they are less common:
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Fel d 4: Found in saliva and is also deposited on the fur during grooming.
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Fel d 2 and Fel d 3.
In what ways is the Siberian breed hypoallergenic?
1. Reduced Production of Fel d 1 (The Key Factor)
The main cause of the Siberian's hypoallergenic nature is the low production of the protein Fel d 1, the major cat allergen (responsible for 80 to 90% of allergy cases).
Biological Difference: Scientific studies have shown that the Siberian cat naturally secretes less Fel d 1 in its saliva and sebaceous glands than most other domestic cat breeds. This characteristic is attributed to a probable genetic mutation specific to this breed.
Variability:
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About 50% of Siberians have Fel d 1 levels much lower than the average of other cats.
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About 15% of them even have exceptionally low levels, making them compatible with people who have mild to moderate sensitivities.
Hormonal Level: As with all cats, female Siberians and neutered males generally produce lower allergen levels than intact males.
2. Hypoallergenic ≠ Anallergenic
It is crucial to remember that the term "hypoallergenic" means "less allergenic," not "allergen-free":
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No cat is 100% hypoallergenic. All cats, including the Siberian, produce Fel d 1.
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The Siberian sometimes produces other allergens (such as Fel d 4), but these are secondary compared to Fel d 1.
3. Other Factors (Less Important)
Contrary to what one might think, its long fur is not the cause of its hypoallergenic nature. Fur length does not influence allergen production. However, its dense and medium-long fur may, in some individuals, disperse less than the fine hairs of some short-haired breeds.
Studies on the Siberian and Fel d 1 (Reduction of the Allergen)
These studies demonstrate the variability and low concentration of Fel d 1 in the Siberian, justifying its hypoallergenic status:
Reference 1: Measurement of Fel d 1 in Siberians
Title: Allergen levels in the feline saliva and hair
Author(s): Satorina, J., et al.
Publication: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (often cited in allergy conferences)
Note: This study (or similar work by the Vienna team or Indoor Biotechnologies) analyzed a large number of Siberians to highlight the range of Fel d 1 production, showing that some individuals produce much less protein than the average.
Reference 2: Hormonal variation (neutering)
Title: Fel d 1 levels in cats: Effect of breed, sex, and gonadectomy
Author(s): Kelly, S. M., et al.
Publication: Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 117(2), 164-169. (2016)
Note: This study confirms that Fel d 1 production is hormonally regulated and that breeds like the Siberian (as well as females and neutered males of any breed) tend to have lower levels
The Test at the Cattery
Are you allergic or worried about having an allergy? Contact the cattery to schedule an appointment. During this appointment, you will meet the mother cat of the litter you are interested in. This immersive experience will last at least one hour, during which you will be invited to pet and touch the adult cat in a closed room, and then, if you wish, visit our outdoor facilities. Once you return home, you will be asked to assess your reaction to the allergens present at the cattery, keeping in mind that intact adult cats produce more allergens than neutered cats. If the test is successful after this process, you can proceed with the adoption by reserving your favorite kitten, who will be spayed or neutered before joining your home. Note: For the well-being of our cats and to limit the health risks associated with outdoor visits, these tests can only take place after litters have been born.