THE SIBERIAN, ALLERGIES AND YOU
Sensitivity to animals, especially to cats, is one of the most frequently seen allergies. In fact, millions of North Americans suffer from cat allergies. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, chronic sore throat and/or scratchy throat, coughing, wheezing, itchy skin, red, itchy, watery eyes, nasal congestion, itchy nose and sneezing.
The Siberian definitely provokes less allergic reactions than most other cats and can be termed hypoallergenic (having a decreased tendency to provoke an allergic reaction). The length of the cat’s coat, its colour, sex or the amount of fur has no bearing on the degree of reaction a sufferer will experience. The major allergen of the domestic cat is the FelD-1 substance, produced in the sebaceous glands of the cat’s skin and in cat saliva. Cats are constantly grooming themselves, spreading their saliva across their fur in the process. There, the saliva, including the FelD-1 dries. FelD-1 is several times lighter than air and floats throughout the cat’s environment clinging onto draperies, furniture, etc.
It has generally been found that the Siberian has significantly less FelD-1 than other breeds. Approximately 75-80% of people can live comfortably with this breed of cat. Unfortunately, there is no scientific test to determine who will react and who won’t.
The one thing that might help you understand if a Siberian will work for you and your allergies is to purchase an allergen kit from us. The kit contains the fur of three adult Siberians. By following the instructions for a week or so, most people are able to know whether they will be happy living with a Siberian.
The following are hints on how to help your body adapt to your cat once you have it at home:
- The first few weeks it is highly recommended that the person who is allergic or asthmatic should have as little to do with the cat as possible.
- Do not let the cat into the bedroom and keep the door shut 24/7.
- Dust and vacuum as often as possible.
- Weather permitting, open the windows.
On average, cats spend 2/3 of every day sleeping. That means a nine-year-old cat has been awake for only three years of its life. One reason why kittens sleep so much is that a growth hormone is released only during sleep.
Other options you might consider:
- Purchasing and running an air purifier.
- Restricting the cat to just one area of the house for the first few weeks.
- Washing the cat weekly with a product such as Allerpet.
- Consulting a doctor regarding your allergies for suggestions on what medication is available to possibly help the situation.
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