Siberian cats

Question
How true is it that this breed is hypoallergenic?  I've always wanted a cat but
sadly, I am allergic.

Answer
Hi Marie

Some people feel that Siberians are hypallergenic but in reality every cat has the potential to cause an allergy to occur. For instance I have a cousin who is allergic just to Burmese but is fine with all other cats.

My suggestion would be that if you think you want a particular breed of cat, you find a breeder that has only that breed and then go and visit and interact with the cats for an hour or more.  If the breeder has any other cats be they pedigree or moggie and you do react, then you will never know if it is those other cats that have set you off.

Depending on the severity of your allergy there may be things you can do to help yourself.  If your allergy is not severe, then you may find that you have a kitten, suffer your allergy and then if you persevere, your body may well adjust itself to just that cat.  I know of a Siamese breeder who is allergic to cats and her body has become used to her own cats.  If she brings in a new one, then she has to go through the allergy again until her body becomes used to that new one.

I have homed a Birman with a couple where the husband was allergic.  He was so desperate to have the cat that he underwent accupuncture and herbal treatment which did work for him.

Do investigate the possibilities and if you find Siberians do in fact make you react then have a look at other breeds that you are attracted to and check out your reactions to that breed.

Good luck and I do hope that you find a cat you can live with - I can't imagine being without mine.

Marcia.