Anyone have a purebred Siberian cat?

[Anonymous]

What has your experience been with allergies and such since they are supposed to be hypoallergenic? We just got a Siberian kitten since our son is allergic to cats, and he hasn't had as much of a reaction to the kitten as he usually does to other cats, but he is still sniffling a little bit after playing with her/spending time in her 'safe room' for over an hour at a time. He had a bit of a reaction the second day we had her, but now he doesn't get hives , and only sneezes once a day, doesn't have itchy eyes but does get a little bit of a runny nose. What do you think? Is he still considered allergic? Is it worth it to keep the cat?

[Anonymous]

I have no idea about cats, but my boyfriend is allergic to dogs. He moved in with me and my dog about 10 months ago and was taking Benadryl for his allergies for about 3 weeks at the beginning, eased off of it and is now absolutely fine around the dog but still gets flare-ups when he gets really cuddly with the dog (like face to face exposure for an extended period of time) but this is rare. I believe each animal's allergens are specific to that animal, and enough exposure will build up your son's immunity. My boyfriend is still allergic to other dogs, but mine doesn't bother his allergies at all.

[Anonymous]

My allergist said that the hypoallergenic breeds are a bunch of hype- there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat or dog.

[Anonymous]

We have a pure bred Siberian. I'm extremely allergic to cats, dogs, basically everything. I've always had sniffles and am on allergy medicine in general b/c of pollen, dust, etc. However, when we got the Siberian, there was no change in my normal reaction level. In fact, this is the first time I can have a cat basically sit right up near my face while I'm in bed or on the couch with NO reaction. Everyone comments on it. If I go to someone else's house with a normal cat, I DO have a reaction.

I've also had DC's friends over who are very allergic to cats, and we've had no reaction by them either. A very small percentage of people allergic to cats will also be allergic to Siberians - but we're talking less than 5%. The reason a few people are still allergic is because the protein that cat's produce in their saliva is still present in Siberians, but at such a low to almost non-existent rate, most people normally allergic will not be. The 5% are still getting small amounts of that protein. I would give it another week or two.

[Anonymous]

We just got a Siberian kitten a little while ago - I am EXTREMELY allergic to cats. I can enter a room and tell you own a cat without ever seeing one. I will get hives, sneezing, watery eyes, just absolutely miserable. I'd say my allergies are way better with our Siberian. Hypo-Allergenic means LOWER allergy, not NO Allergy - this breed has a lower amount of a protein in their saliva called Fel D1(cats lick their fur, the fur sheds after this protein dries on it, and gets into the air, creating dander which is what people are allergic to) - If your cat is spayed or neutered, it also helps lower the allergen. I'd say your son will be okay. BUT it depends from person to person. He'll probably build quite a bit of immunity over the next few weeks to that one cat. He won't be able to around ALL cats, but he'll be able to tolerate the one that he's around all the time. Make sure you have a HEPA filter, and vacuum your home/wipe down surfaces at least once a week. Also make sure your son washes his hands after playing the cat, and teach him not to touch his face after petting the cat. This will probably lessen his allergies until he possibly builds immunity. Good luck!

[vander]

I have never had a purbred but a part Siamese. I would say that you should weigh out your options and see what is best for your family.