Is Siberian Cat Hypoallergenic, Or Is This Just A Myth?

The Siberian cat looks like a real forest cat with its lush fur, adapted to cold winters and hot summers in Siberia. 

So, this cat's fur keeps it warm during the winter and is also breathable enough to keep her comfortable during the summer months.

I'm sure most of you are familiar with this cat's luxurious fur, big eyes, round head, and muscular body. You probably also know that this cat is an excellent hunter, curious, and very attached to its owners.

You may have also heard that the Siberian cat is considered to be a hypoallergenic cat. This is quite important information when choosing a future pet since so many people today struggle with cat allergies.

Is it really possible for a cat with such luxurious fur to be a good choice for allergy sufferers? Or is this just a myth?

Let's find out!

Is Siberian Cat Likely To Cause Allergic Reactions In Humans?

According to the Siberian Cat Club, even allergy sufferers can live happily with a Siberian kitten. This is possible because the Siberian’s fur contains less Fel d 1 protein than other cat breeds. This protein is responsible for triggering allergic reactions in humans.

There are two genes encoding for Fel d 1 allergen – Ch1 and Ch2. 

Stefano Sartore and his associates [1] found that there is a considerable number of mutations of these two genes in Siberian cats, which can play a key role in these cats producing far less Fel d 1 protein, compared to many other cat breeds.

So, in a way, Siberians are hypoallergenic and make a good choice for people with allergies. However, no cat is completely hypoallergenic; Therefore, there is also a chance that even Siberian can cause allergy symptoms in you.

Is The Fel D 1 Protein Different In Siberian Than In Other Breeds?

There’s no evidence to support this.

Siberian Research explains how the feline allergen Fel d 1 has been tested both chemically and structurally. The results showed how there’s no difference between these proteins in them and other breeds.

Although most Siberains are likely to produce a smaller amount of this protein, it’s still the same one as all other cats produce, and the one that’s responsible for the appearance of allergic reactions in humans.

Siberian’s Coat And Shedding Amounts

Over the years, I have met many cat lovers and their questions regarding the fur of a particular breed. Of course, all of these were people who struggled with allergies but still didn't want to miss the pleasure of sharing their living space with a cat.

It is important to know that fur does not necessarily determine whether a cat is hypoallergenic or not. But first, I will briefly explain to you what kind of fur a Siberian cat has.

These cats have long, weatherproof, triple-layered coats. Their fur is very dense, well-developed, and made to protect these felines from harsh winters and hot summers.

Of course, anyone would expect a cat with this kind of fur to shed excessively. Well, Siberians do shed, but their shedding amount can be described moderately. 

So, they actually shed less than other breeds that share their coat features. They go through two big shedding periods twice a year; In the spring, when they lose their lavish winter coat, and in the fall, when they start growing new undercoats to prepare for the upcoming winter.

Does Cats’ Shedding Cause Allergies In People?

You see your cat’s hair all around your home, and you suppose they are the main culprit of your allergy symptoms.

But, this doesn’t have to be the case. Cats also spread dander around, which are invisible skin cells that contain the Fel d 1 protein.

Also, there’s a lot of this protein in the cat’s saliva. Since all felines love to groom themselves so much, they transfer this allergy-triggering protein from their saliva on their coats.

To get rid of the saliva and dander that can cause allergic reactions, it's a good idea to bathe the cat more often. 

This way, the saliva buildup, and dead hair will not fall off inside your home; Therefore, this will significantly decrease the chance of cat-causing allergy in you or your family members.

So, A Siberian Is Perfectly Safe For Allergy Sufferers?

A Siberian cat is a decent choice for people with allergies, just like some other breeds, like Bengal, or Sphynx. 

But, I suggest you first consult a veterinarian before deciding to welcome a Siberian kitten into your home.

Not every cat is the same, and this is also the case with people. Some might have some mild symptoms of cat allergy, while others could struggle with more severe ones, leading them to suffer from respiratory problems every time they share a room with a kitten.

It would also be a good idea to find a reputable Siberian breeder; The one you can arrange to spend some time with a kitten before taking it home with you.

Closing Thoughts

So, is Siberian cat hypoallergenic?

Many people would say that it’s a myth to say any cat is hypoallergenic since there’s always a chance for them to trigger allergic reactions.

Well, one thing is sure; Siberians aren’t likely to cause severe allergic symptoms in you. They are proven to have less Fel d 1 protein, meaning they make a far better choice for allergy sufferers, compared to many other cat breeds.

Still, I suggest you first try to spend a couple of hours with a Siberian kitten, and then make a final decision on whether it's a good idea for you to have a cat of any breed inside your home.

In a nutshell; We can conclude that cat fanciers that are struggling with allergies have a really good chance to live carelessly with a Siberian cat!

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