Are you allergic to cats, Siberian cats may be the answer for you
Cat lovers, good news. If your allergic to cats, and have the common effects that cats give (wheezing, sneezing, hives, watery eyes), then we just might have a fix for you. The Siberian cat has become the talk around town. Some breeders and allergic owners say that many people who have a reaction to other cats can get into direct contact with a Siberian without trouble.
Why many allergy sufferers can own Siberians without the allergic symptoms remains ultimately a mystery. Some veterinarians say that the Siberian cat lacks the allergy-triggering Fel d 1 protein usually found in feline saliva and skin secretions. (Cats spread the allergen around mostly via their dander).
Some veterinarians disagree with this the whole idea that they produce less Fel d 1. Other vets offer some theories like, Siberians produce less dander than most cats, probably due to their oily base fur. Since dander is just dry skin, the oils in the fur keep the skin from drying out.
There has been many studies that have been conducted that have people who normally have an allergic reaction to cats are fine near and around Siberians. But there are some skeptics. Some of the skeptics have put together some possibilities why there are no allergic reactions.
· People have done 'challenge' studies where allergy sufferers are given allergen solutions to inhale. With suggestion, you can markedly influence that response. If you believe strongly enough that you won't be allergic, you may still have symptoms. They just won't bother you as much.
· There’s data that shows at higher levels of cat allergen exposure, you may actually have less sensitization.
What ever the case may be, if you or someone in your home wants to own a pet then considering a Siberian Is possible. One suggestion might be to go and spend some time with a person who owns one or to go to a breeder and spend a few the days there. I would recommend spending more then one day because some illnesses such as asthma are worse at night, so even a negative daytime trial might not be definitive.
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