ForestWind Siberian Cats

One of the adoption questions we are asked a lot is about predicting allergy levels  in Siberian cats. Folks would like to know if there is any relationship between coat color and allergen level. The short answer is "no." Folks would like to know if there is any relationship between sex and allergen level. The short answer is "sort of." Folks would like to know if there is any way to predict allergen level in a litter if both Siberian parents are tested low allergen. The short answer is "statistically, yes; for a given, kitten, no"

So, let's talk more about allergen levels in Siberian cats. First, it is important to remember that there is actual published research that documents that some Siberian cats inherit one of a few mutations that results in a lower production of fel d 1, the protein all cats make that some people are allergic to.This research was conducted at University of California Davis Veterinary School by Dr Leslie Lyons.

Second, it is also important to note that not one other breed of cat,  including domestic cats ("moggies"), have the genetic mutation that some Siberians have that results in a lower level of fel d 1 production. Not sphynxes, not rexes, not ragdolls, not any of the breeds that some breeders claim are "hypoallergenic." Not one breed other than the Siberian Cat.

Now that we know there is a scientific basis for some Siberian cats to cause little  or no allergic reactions in some people, let's look at other research that purported to connect a cat trait to lower (or higher) allergen levels.The biggy is coat colour.

At least weekly we get questions about coat colour and allegen levels: "We read that white cats have lower (higher) levels of fel d 1." "We read that dark cats have lower (higher) levels of fel d 1." "What colour cat has the lowest level allergen?"

Unfortunately there is no good science to indicate any correlation between coat color and allergen production level in any cats.

No, light colored cats are not less allergenic.

No, dark colored cats are not less allergenic.

No, silver cats are not more allergenic.

No, black cats are not more allergenic.

Causing this confusion are two situations. One is a set of now debunked research claiming a connections between coat colour and allergen level. The first is a much quoted (and very wrong) study that: light coloured cats were less allergenic AND a second study that indicated that dark coloured cats were less allergenic.

Both of these studies researched allergen levels in mixed breed (stray / domestic) cats. None of the cats tested had genetic mutations (like about 50- 60 % of the Siberians do), resulting in a  lower production of fel d 1 for those cats. However, all cats have differing levels of fel d 1 production, and these different levels also carry according to time of year, diet, and sexual maturation of the cat.

The other contributing confusion to the coat colour and allergen level association is that light haired cats who are related to the Siamese tend to have higher allergen levels, as the Siamese breed over all does. The Siamese cats have a light coat, as do many of the breeds derived from them, so the light colour became associated with a higher allergen level. This can be seen in the Neva - or "colourpointed Siberian" who was created by planned matings between the original Siberians and both Ragdolls (a Siamese x breed) and Himalyans (another Siamese x breed). Until there were enough matings between the breeds to pass on the Siberian low allergen mutations, Neva cats tended to be high allergen.

Like coat color, there is no connection between the Siberian cat's genetic mutation and sex of the cat. With regular domestic cats, a male cat who is not desexed typically produces top levels of allergen, while a desexed female typically produces the least amount allergen.

Before laboratory testing for fel d 1 level became available, we woudl recommend females be adopted to allergic and asthmatic families based on the odds of a desexed female having a lower allergen level than a desexed male. Now that the research has been done at University of California Davis Veterinary School, we know that the lower alelrgen production in some Siberian cats is caused by one of several possible genetic mutations (there are severalin the Siberian breed) and furthermore that the protein production levels are individual to each cat - not related to the sex of the cat.

While allergen level testing is now available for Siberian kittens, it is extremely expensive and the kittens must wait to be adopted until they are older.  ForestWind does provide this option to adoptive families, but most of our families decide to adopt successfully by implementing several of the anti-allergy, anti-asthma strategies we recommend - from air filtration to bathing to feeding guidelines. To date, we have only rehomed three our of Siberians due to allergies. The most recent rehoming was this winter, 2012, and in that situation a family member became cat allergic several years after adopting, and no one had been allergic prior to the adoption taking place.

As a cat allergic and asthmatic family ourselves, we are well aware of the needs and interests of the allergic family and work closely with you to ensure your successful adoption.

Bathing your ForestWind Siberian kitten or cat is simple. We start our babies young at ForestWind, and it's important for you to continue their bathing routine.

You can easily split up the nails, ears, and actual bath over three days when you start. Since so many of our families adopt two kittens, this description explains how to do two kittens at the same time. 

First, clip nails: press gently on paws, clip off the "hook" at the end of each nail. Siberian cat nails are most often whitish like ours, no fear of cutting into the tender quick!

Second, clean ears: with cat safe ear cleaner - squirt fluid in ear canal, fold over flap of ear, rub gently. Let kitten shake head. Use soft towel or strong kleenex to wipe out outer ear. 

Third, comb out coat: using a metal comb, remove all tangles, and extra fur. If left in the coat it makes it hard to dry and the tangles get set and really pull your Siberian's soft skin. 

 This is a photo of our bathtime tools

Fourth, prepare bath: Set out several thick paper towels, a warm fluffy towel and a thick absorbent hand towel for each kitten, a brush, a metal comb with close tines, a quiet hair dryer and a terry washcloth each for faces/heads. Fill two deep buckets with bath temp water. Put Dawn detergent in one and white vinegar in the other. Thoroughly soak the two terry cloth washclothes and leave to the side.

Fifth, give bath:

Start with soapy bath: Scruff kitten, put other hand under butt, lower butt first into soapy water. Shampoo your Siberian starting with the neck area / under chin (do head later with the terry wash cloth). Finish up by cleaning haunches and butt.

If necessary, use the metal comb to remove any stuck poop and place on the paper towels (to throw out, of course). Finish soaping - check under tail and the 'feathers' on the legs.

Remove as much soapy water as possible:  Lift Siberian from  her soapy ,and squeegee the soapy water from her fur. Once the soapy water has been squeezed out of coat, lower your Siberian into the vinegar water tub.

Rinse coat in vinegar water: Using the hand that was supporting the butt, rinse the fur carefully and thoroughly rinse the neck and haunch/bottom areas. Use the washclothes to wash off the face and head. Again squeegee the kitten's fur.

Begin to dry kitten: Wrap kitten in the towel and blot her dry. Give to a helper to hold while you wash kitten # 2.  While your partner is holding kitty # 2, take kitty #1 and "scruff" off the wet as much as you can with a thick terry hand towel.  Do this for both kittens.

Fifth, Blow dry your kitten: As you are learning, we are leaving blow drying to last. Turn your quiet hair dyer on low heat and low air. You might want another stack of towels nearby to set the hair dryer onto now and then in order to free your hands up to do more towel drying or brushing out. This is very helpful if you are drying solo.  If you are solo drying takes a bit longer. If you have an assistant, one person can wield the blow dryer while the other uses the brush on the cradled kitten to lift and fluff her coat. Fluffing the coat allows quickest dry time, since the warm air is most easily able to reach all her fur.

Working together, move around the kitten's body over and over so that no one area gets too hot and starts to sting. When you think you are done drying kitty # 1, let her play in the room while begin to dry # 2. Once you've completed Kitty # 2, go back and dry #1 some more - you will be surprised at how damp that thick Siberian coat can still be!

Keep your Siberian warm post-bath: Ensure the room is warm through the next day and there are dry cosy blankets to sleep on (we always make sure to have clean wool pads available at this time).

Bathing can actually get to be routine! As you become more confident, you will learn that you can "quick bathe and dry" your Siberian in less than 20 minutes

By taking the proper steps you can inimize allergens in your home. Many allergens existinside the home, but you can lessen their impact with these strategies.

Hidden Home Allergens

When pollen counts are high, many people with allergies maybe tempted to bolt inside and close the door. Most people associate allergy symptoms with outdoor triggers like pollen from ragweed, grasses, trees, andthe like. But running inside may not be the solution: Numerous allergens flourish indoors — from pet dander and dust mites to cockroaches, mold, and, yes, even pollen. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, many people with allergies have more than one type of allergy. Here are steps you can take to minimize or eliminate allergens in your home

Dust Mite Management

Dust mites live in just about every home. These microscopic,spiderlike creatures feed on dead human skin cells and love to take upresidence in bedding, upholstery, and carpets. In people who are allergic, dustmites can trigger such symptoms as sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy eyes, and coughing. You can control dust mites by washing bedding regularly in hot water (130 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter), using hypoallergenic covers on pillows and mattresses, having wood floors wherever possible, and vacuuming regularly with a machine that has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

Pet Dander

Pet dander is not the same as pet hair. Dander is flakes of your pet's skin, and exposure can cause sneezing, watery eyes, wheezing, and a runny nose in susceptible individuals. But a pet allergy doesn't necessarily mean you have to bid farewell to your little pal. Ways to minimize symptoms include vacuuming regularly with a HEPA filter–equipped vacuum, strictly keeping pets out of your bedroom and off of furniture, and washing your pet weekly. Don't bathe animals too frequently, though, because this can dry outt heir skin and coats and cause irritation.

Kitchen and Bathroom Mold

Mold is another common household allergen, and one that can be particularly persistent in humid environments. It tends to thrive in temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels over 50 percent.To minimize the growth of mold, run a dehumidifier, and clean bathrooms and kitchens regularly and thoroughly. Don't leave damp towels around, and don't allow kitchen or bathroom surfaces — including sinks, tubs, and showers, and areas around them — to stay wet or damp.

WhiteVinegar is a natural, safe, and effective cleaning substance. Here is how to make a variety of effective your own White Vinegar Cleaners at home.

White distilled vinegar is a popular household cleanser, effective for killing most mold, bacteria, and germs, due to its level of acidity. Cleaning with white distilled vinegar is a smart way to avoid using harsh chemicals. You’ll also be glad to know that it is environmentally friendly and very economical.

Indoor Pollen

Yes, pollen is a major outdoor allergen, but it can also follow you indoors, especially if you leave windows and doors open and have flowering indoor plants. When the pollen count is high, wash up and change clothes on coming back inside and, if you are particularly sensitive you may even want to wash your hair after being out on high-count days. At a minimum, keep windows shut when pollen counts soar, and move offending house plants outside. Also, dust regularly to mop up pollen that may have sneaked in, and use an air conditioning system with a properly fitted and regularly changed filter.

Dust Control

Dust can irritate your sinuses and respiratory tract and thereby exacerbate allergy symptoms (regardless of what you're allergic to).Keep your house free of dust, especially in the bedroom, living room, and other areas where you spend a lot of time. Again, a vacuum with a HEPA filter helps eliminate any allergens that might be lingering in the dust. If household cleaners irritate you, you can dust just as effectively with a damp cloth.

Clear Away Clutter

Allergens and irritants are like bugs: They love places where they can hide! The more clutter you have in your home, the more opportunities you give dust mites, pet dander, mold, and other allergens to glom onto objects undetected. So keep your home as free of clutter as possible and be sure that everything is cleaned and dusted routinely. Carpets are also a favorite domain of dust mites and pet dander. If possible, choose hardwood floors and area rugs over carpets.

Eek! Cockroaches

Cockroaches — ew! We'd rather not discuss them either, but the fact is, they're found all over the world and are present in many homes and apartment buildings. If you see a roach in your house, chances are many more are lurking out of sight. Symptoms of cockroach allergy can include a skin rash, a scratchy throat, and itchy eyes. The biggest problem posed by cockroach allergy, though, is that it's associated with the development of severe asthma, and it can significantly worsen attacks in people with existing asthma. If you've seen roaches, call an exterminator. Keep all kitchen surfaces clean —countertops, sink, around the fridge, the stove, on and under tables — and be especially vigilant if you have children, who are more susceptible to developing asthma.

Off-Gassing and Household Chemicals

While very few people are technically allergic to tobacco smoke or to chemicals in household products, those chemicals can serve as irritants that in turn can trigger or worsen allergy symptoms. New products, including computers, televisions, carpets, and children's toys, can chemically emit fumes. This off-gassing can cause a runny nose or itchy eyes — and it can bother you even if the offensive chemical is odorless. If you find that new products irritate your sinuses or respiratory tract, or if you get headaches or other symptoms, take any new products out of their packaging and leave them ina garage or a well-ventilated room for a few days before moving them to their permanent spots. And don't you or anyone else smoke in the house.

HVAC System Maintenance

Allergens of many types can take hold in your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, meaning that your exposure is multiplied every time you turn on the heat or AC. In particular, mold can grow in HVAC systems (again, this is a higher likelihood in warm, moist climates). Check vents for signs of mold. If you think you have mold or other allergens inyour HVAC system, call a company that services them.

Remember: Allergy prevention may be a lot of work, but it is fa easier to avoid instigating a reation than it is to calm reactions down once started.

We have two golden teenagers who are not happy as queens, and will need time to be brought out of their shells. These girls are from low allergen lines and are beautiful looking. They are just over one year old. Siberians live between 12 and 18 years. We are placing these girls for only the cost of desexing and microchipping. If the family wants to, we can arrange to have fel d 1 testing done at the time of desexing. Needless to say the fel d 1 level would rapidly reduce within months of desexing, so the level would be at its highest point - which is a great marker  

Abby at nine months showing her gorgeous pattern.

Adoption restrictions: No other pets. Non smoking home. No children under 10 years old. 

Old enough to have a reliable allergy challenge in person with, Katya is available now. 

This is Katya (on right) at a day old. Katya is a pretty brownish - silver girl  

Living With Pets When You Have Asthma

You don't have to give up your pets if they trigger your asthma symptoms – but you will have to take precautions to avoid asthma attacks.

By Madeline Vann, MPH

Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH

For people with asthma, many seemingly innocent things in the home can trigger an asthma attack, including dust mites, mold, and pollen from the outdoors. Unfortunately for animal lovers, pets can also trigger asthma. It can be devastating to find out that your family pet is the cause of an asthma attack, but rest assured, there are ways to live with pets and prevent asthma attacks caused by pet dander.

Asthma Attack: Keeping the Pet While Managing Asthma

"We see a lot of patients who have been told they have to get rid of their pet, and they ask us to help them find a home," says Lucy Tan, DVM, a veterinarian at Laingsburg Animal Hospital in Laingsburg, MI. Tan has struggled with her own allergies to dust mites and some foods, so she understands the bind her clients find themselves in. And while she believes people should work with their doctor to find out how to manage pet-related asthma attacks, she says veterinarians have an important role to play as well.

"Most primary care physicians are not trained in how people and pets can live together," she says. "I think for quite a few families it’s a big deal to be told you have to get rid of your pet. It’s worth looking at whether you can live together healthfully."

How to Live with Pets and Reduce Risk of an Asthma Attack

As a veterinarian, Tan says she tries first to work with clients to change the way they live with their pets and reduce their risk of asthma attack. Steps that Tan recommends include:

Vacuuming frequently. Vacuuming can control pet dander and hair inside the house.

Practice good hair removal. Grooming your pet regularly and keeping your home and furnishings free of hair will help.

Try “liquid dosing” for cats.* Diluted doses of the sedative Acepromizine (Atravet or Acezine 2) have been shown to reduce the proteins in cat saliva that are responsible for many cat allergies, says Tan. However, she cautions that the effectiveness of this approach varies widely depending on the cat and the owner’s specific allergies.

Try shampoos and sprays that neutralize dander.** Dander consists of tiny scales shed from your pet’s skin. Because these stick to a pet’s hair, many people focus on the hair itself. In fact, it is the proteins in your pet’s saliva that get attached to the dander when your pet grooms that are the true source of your asthma attack. Some products claim to be able to neutralize dander. Tan recommends these products to her clients on a trial basis, but says she is still waiting to hear success stories.

Control pets’ access to bedrooms. The best way to prevent an asthma attack is to avoid the allergen, says Tan. Keeping pets out of the bedroom or limited to certain rooms in the house are ways to coexist and still create an allergen-free space for yourself.

Keep bedding clean. Dust mites love to eat pet dander, says Tan. "It’s one of their favorite foods,” she says. Tan recommends dust-mite covers on beds and cleaning pet beds often.

... "The first thing is always to make sure whether or not the pet is contributing [to the allergy] and to what extent it is contributing," says Miles Weinberger, MD, professor of pediatrics and director, Pediatric Allergy & Pulmonary Division at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA. "I think it's important that we not create homeless cats and dogs just on the theory that they may be contributing to asthma."

Dr. Weinberger says that while sometimes it is obvious that a person has a strong allergic reaction to a pet, most cases are not clear cut. He will test a patient for a cat or dog allergy and determine what proportion of their asthma is due to a pet allergy before making any recommendations.

ForestWinds's notes:

* We asked our Vet about this approach and it was not recommended as effective.

** The Allerpet Rinses and wipes have worked effectively for many of our cat-allergic adopters.

In our Blog Posts, Forum Topics, and personal emails we exchange with our Kitten Families, we support your asthma / cat allergy adoption with sever of the above suggestions, as well as additional strategies for keeping your home - and your cat - allergy and asthma friendly.

Remember that adopting a Siberian kitten or cat is not a magic bullet - you still have the responsibility to use allergy friendly house keeping steps, and keep your cat healthily fed and bathed weekly in order to suppprt the most successful adoption possible.

Happy Snuggling!

ForestWind Siberians

Who Benefits From Allergy Shots?

One of the questions ForestWind Siberians asks prospective adopters who are cat-allergic is whether they have had, or will consider, allergy shots. We do this because it indicates an effort to take singificant long terms steps to address and alleviate allergy symptoms. This willingness to be responsible, and to employ a range of strategies to combat allergy reactions bodes well for the considered allergy adoption.

First, let's look at what allergy shots are and what they are designed to do.

Allergy shots not a cure for allergies, but are a form of immunotherapy. That is, they are a treatment designed to alter one’s body's natural defenses, the immune system.  Allergies cause the immune system to inappropriately rev up around irritants like dust and pollen, that don't bother all people. Allergy shots help make one’s system less sensitive to the substances that trigger allergy symptoms.

Allergy shots are an incremental series of vaccinations containing larger and larger amounts of an allergen given by injection over the course of several months or years.  Allergy shots have been shown to be helpful in reducing allergy symptoms and in preventing the progression from seasonal allergies to asthma. Nevertheless, allergy shots are not for everyone.

Which Allergy Sufferers Benefit Most From Allergy Shots?

 * Patients who experience allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis (allergies leading to nasal swelling or inflammation), allergic conjunctivitis (eye irritation), or an insect sting allergy.

* People with allergic rhinitis find allergy shots particularly beneficial because they can prevent the progression of the allergy to a more severe condition, such as asthma.

* People with major allergies that persist for most of the year, or ones with severe allergies symptoms.

* Patients who are having negative reactions to allergy medications, or who find it difficult to control their symptoms with medication.   

* Patients who are committed to the long term process of having the allergy shots. Treatment can last several years.  Allergy shot regimens require in-office injections one to two times a week for three to six months, and then every two to four weeks for another one to three years.

Having allergy shots to help lessen reactivity to cats is a great step to explore while waiting to adopt a Siberian kitten. In addition, you will want to research and implement complementary strategies to help support your successful Siberian kitten adoption. When you return your completed Kitten Inquiry Form, ForestWind Siberians suppoorts your allergy adoption by sending you feedback specific to your own sitjuation - type of allergy, strength of reaction, and home situation.

Could You Have Pet Allergies?

It's important to learn whether you or a family member or room-mate are allergic to cats before you decide to adopt.

Taking the time to discover any pet allergies before you take on the responsibility of a Siberian is wise for you - and for the kitten or cat you are considering welcoming into your home.

Many adults are already aware — or have a sense — that they are allergic to dogs or cats (or both), but others people may be in the dark, not sure that their ongoing mild allergies are truly due to the cat or dog dander they are exposed to through friends, family, and coworkers.

There are two strategies for discovering your allergic status:

1. Get tested. “Testing is readily available for assessment of whether or not one has allergic sensitization to certain animals, including cats and dogs,” says asthma and allergy researcher Gregory Diette, MD, associate professor of medicine and epidemiology at the Center for Global Health at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, MD. “The test is a measure of a specific antibody response (specific IgE) directed at the relevant allergen.” You will need to make an appointment with an allergist to get tested. Interestingly enough,  Diette states that it is possible to have a positive allergy test result but never have allergic symptoms.

2. Get a reality check. Another good way to find out if you may be allergic to a specific animal is to spend some time with it. If you are considering adopting a certain breed of cat or dog, try to arrange an hour or more when you can play with the animal, paying attention to your body’s reactions.

What happens if I am allergic and am exposed to a cat? You will be likely to experience itchy, red eyes, runny nose, a skin rash or hives (swelling) reactions. 

Diette also offers this caution: Just because you do not have cat or dog allergies today doesn’t mean that you may not develop them in the future. This is why it is important to follow our allergy friendly care suggestions with your Siberian cat. Not only will these routines help keep your home comfortable for even the most alelrgic of your friends and family members, but by minimizing your own exposure to allergens,  these steps will help ensure that you do not become reactive to your Siberian cat over time.

For more information about managing allergies in your home, read our ForestWind Siberian's Blog post on "Tips for Reducing Indoor Pollutants in Your Home."

Happy Hugging!

Kate