Siberian cats have been called hypoallergenic. For me this is true. The definition of hypoallergenic is lower allergen, not allergy free. Every cat is different, just like every person. We have 5 breeding cats here at Kings Choice Siberians and one neuter plus kittens from time to time. I am highly allergic (hives, asthma, allergy etc) complete with allergist test to prove it. I can live with 2, no problem. So many, I need some light medication. I bath them every 2 to 4 weeks. Siberians can be bathed and indeed many enjoy the water, it removes any small amount of Fel d1 and I always treat myself to burying my face in their clean, dry fur afterwards. In my house, I have no curtains, only blinds and only throw rugs. I also don’t let my cats sleep in my personal bedroom, to create a free zone. Finally, I assign the litter chore to others and have self-cleaning litter boxes on wheels in case I end up doing it. With all that, I’m fine. Temporarily, until the kittens are housed, we have 10. I’m currently sitting here well writing this, springtime no less, not gouging my eyes out like I’m in someone’s house with just one house cat. Every person and cat is different. It itches a little when a kitten’s claw pokes me, but they are very young and covered in mommy’s saliva. Just a dab of Benadryl cream and it’s gone.

Vacuum, bathe them, and invest in a real purebred Siberian, not a shelter cat. Honestly, it is very doubtful that there are purebred Siberians in the shelters. If you’re willing to take medication from time to time and/or Benadryl scratch cream (assuming you’re highly allergic like me), you should be fine. Clients with minor allergies tell me they don’t have any symptoms. Like I said, all cats and people are different. We only breed traditional Siberians. The difference between a traditional and a “no” is that the others have a color point gene. They received this somewhere in their background when crossing the Siamese. These, I avoid because I don’t want to add any potential allergy level to what is already an amazing breed. They have been called Nevas, Neva Masquerade, Color Point Siberians, CP or even Lynx, they are all the same. Some allergy sufferers also claim that they do well with Nevas, but for me, it’s not worth the risk. You’ll recognize them immediately by their white coloration and Siamese-style markings. Traditional Siberians come in all brindle colors and many solids. Tan, lilac and beige are the only colors not allowed. The reason for this is that it was again produced through crossbreeding. They are not natural traditional colors for Siberians.

Some people ask me about the Fel d1 tests. This is not a great way to choose your Siberian. The test center will tell you that they have a 50% margin of error on perfect tests. That failure rate actually increases with any bug in the set. This renders the test worthless. It is also very expensive. Breeders offer these numbers more to please the public than for any real value. Coat tests are also useless as the breeder could have bathed the cat first. Bathing with the previous month voids the test. Another cat could have licked the test cat transferring saliva with Fel d1. So how is this reduced? Well NOTHING is allergy free. They recently discovered that people can be allergic to cold air. So saying allergy free is lying. However, like I said, hypoallergenic means lowest in allergens. Yes, it is possible for a Siberian to be hypoallergenic. Even someone with severe allergies like me can live happily with a cat of their own. You have to be willing to take the reins to research the cattery of your choice, pay the fees required to breed such a miracle animal, and take cleaning precautions so that you can live a long and happy life with a wonderful pet that often lives past 20. years. If you’ve always wanted a cat, it’s your greatest wish, and you’d be willing and responsible, then I suggest you take a look at the breed. It may be just what you always wanted.