Allergies - History - FAQ
Allergies
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FEL d1Allergy to cats is quite common and results in a streaming nose and eyes and sometimes in wheezing. The allergy is to one or more proteins that cats produce - especially in their saliva. When washing themselves, this is transferred to their fur; once the protein has dried out it can become airborne.
In Latin, the house cat is known as Felis domesticus. The most important cat allergen is termed Fel d1. It is carried on very fine particles which can be found in the air of most homes, even those where there is no cat. The same particles can be found on clothing, on soft furnishings in the home, and even on bus and cinema seats. The particles are very fine, and as a result, they remain suspended in the air for a long time; people with allergies to cats often experience symptoms immediately. |
If a cat is removed from a home - for one reason or another - it takes around six months for the allergen to disappear completely. You come into contact with these microscopic particles every day. Once, they are on your skin or inside your airways, the allergens run into a group of specialized cells and organs, called the immune system. The cells in this system search out and destroy any microbe that could be dangerous to the body. A nonallergic person's immune system recognizes that allergens are harmless as they do not cause disease, and are subsequently ignored.
But when an allergic person comes into contact with an allergen, such as Fel d1, their immune system has a different response. They may sneeze, get a rash, or even have breathing difficulties. An allergic person's body is attempting to protect them from something it really doesn't need to, but having allergies isn't a sign of a faulty immune system. If anything, it means the body's immune system works too well, like an over-protective bodyguard. When an allergy-prone person is first exposed to an allergen, such as a cat's, their immune system produces millions of IgE anti-bodies. These Y-shaped molecules are trained to recognize a specific allergen and alert the body's defenses. A person who is allergic to cats has a stockpile of anti-bodies specified to target cat allergens. Someone who isn't allergic to these furry felines does not make as many IgE antibodies. If someone is allergic to cats you can measure volume of the antibodies against cats with a skin test. The more allergic antibodies in the person's blood, the greater the likelihood is that the person will have an allergic reaction when they meet a cat.
* Scientists think that cats may use their Fel d1 proteins as a scent marker--male cats produce more of the protein than female cats.
* Why would the immune system attack a harmless particle? Scientists hypothesize that the part of the immune system that responds to allergens originally evolved to protect people against deadly parasitic worms. "Nowadays we don't have a lot of these parasites around," says allergist Steven Kernerman. But the proteins on parasites recognized by the immune system look similar to what's recognized on the allergen.
But when an allergic person comes into contact with an allergen, such as Fel d1, their immune system has a different response. They may sneeze, get a rash, or even have breathing difficulties. An allergic person's body is attempting to protect them from something it really doesn't need to, but having allergies isn't a sign of a faulty immune system. If anything, it means the body's immune system works too well, like an over-protective bodyguard. When an allergy-prone person is first exposed to an allergen, such as a cat's, their immune system produces millions of IgE anti-bodies. These Y-shaped molecules are trained to recognize a specific allergen and alert the body's defenses. A person who is allergic to cats has a stockpile of anti-bodies specified to target cat allergens. Someone who isn't allergic to these furry felines does not make as many IgE antibodies. If someone is allergic to cats you can measure volume of the antibodies against cats with a skin test. The more allergic antibodies in the person's blood, the greater the likelihood is that the person will have an allergic reaction when they meet a cat.
* Scientists think that cats may use their Fel d1 proteins as a scent marker--male cats produce more of the protein than female cats.
* Why would the immune system attack a harmless particle? Scientists hypothesize that the part of the immune system that responds to allergens originally evolved to protect people against deadly parasitic worms. "Nowadays we don't have a lot of these parasites around," says allergist Steven Kernerman. But the proteins on parasites recognized by the immune system look similar to what's recognized on the allergen.
History
This beautiful strong breed comes from the Siberian Taiga, and are a Russian natural breed. Taiga is the part of Siberia where you will find the biggest area containing pine, fir and lark trees in the world. This area is situated between the borderline of the tundra in the north and the plains in the south. (Red.anmrk) At the end of the 1600's, the Russian immigrants brought the cats with them to Siberia. In the harsh Siberian climate these cats developed as time went by, and they mated themselves with the wild cats that were already there. Since then, the breed has continued to develop, and are altogether a "healthy" and natural breed. These cats had to adapt and only the strongest survived in the cold winter climate that Siberia provided. When the breed eventually came back over the mountains of Ural, to Moscow and St. Petersburg and the breed clubs discovered the fantastic qualities of the Siberian Cat. Genetically and geographically, these cats have been separated from European cats for more than 100 years. The Siberian Cat is somewhat similar to the other "forest cats"; such as the Maine coon and Norwegian forest cat. What separates them from their western relatives is first and foremost the compact solid build and the unique overcoat which feels a bit rough and oily when you touch it. The coat effectively protects the cat against the extreme cold. The cat’s round shape with its rounded ears, and compact body is an adaptation to a cold climate. It is more compact than the Maine Coon, and have a rounder head than the Norwegian Forest Cat.
About the breeds temperament and physical appearance:
These cats are very territorial. It has been said that they have chased away deer, and other animals from their territory. They are good hunters, and fishers, and will dive after the fish in the water. They like the water, and therefore it is no problem to give them a bath or a shower. A lot of them love to swim and will stay close to water sources, like spring's and fountains etc... In Russia, these cats are sometimes used as circus cats, since they are easy to train, and many of the cats will respond to commands. The head tends to be larger in size, and a bit longer than it is wide. The forehead is wide, and quite round, it has oval and rounded cheekbones, and a broad nose. The profile is leaning a bit inwards, and the cat does not have a stop. The ears are medium to small, and tend to be round. There is a good distance between their eyes, and they tend to be big and oval, preferably a bit tilted. The color of the eyes vary as a result of their coloring. The cats have a heavy set bone stem, the legs are medium in size, and forms a rectangle with the body. The paws are big and round, and have got fur underneath. The tail is long with a rounded tip and fur throughout. The fur tends to be full, and is not too close to the body. The overcoat is water repellent, and can feel a bit hard to the touch.
The Siberian cat is a non-allergy giving cat. (Hypoallergenic)
It has been seen throughout several years, and from all over the world that the Siberian cat does not bring forth an allergic reaction. The reasons for this can be a number of things. Both fur, dandruff, secretes and saliva an animal has can give people an allergic reaction. With cats the thing that most commonly causes an allergic reaction is the saliva. When the cat cleans it’s fur, the saliva dries, and is transformed to dust. This dust is what people breath that most commonly causes the allergic reactions. In the feline saliva there is a protein called FEL-D1, and this is a large component that contributes to allergies. The Siberian cat does not have this protein in them, which means that a lot of people who normally would have an allergic reaction towards cats, may not react to Siberians. But, I have to underline that every person needs to be tested with the cats individually. When people are exposed to a house with cats, if they are allergic, they often have an immediate reaction. When they visit a home with a Siberian cat, they quickly find out if they have a tolerance for the cat or not. People who are allergic can react different to the same cat. There is no guarantee.
About the breeds temperament and physical appearance:
These cats are very territorial. It has been said that they have chased away deer, and other animals from their territory. They are good hunters, and fishers, and will dive after the fish in the water. They like the water, and therefore it is no problem to give them a bath or a shower. A lot of them love to swim and will stay close to water sources, like spring's and fountains etc... In Russia, these cats are sometimes used as circus cats, since they are easy to train, and many of the cats will respond to commands. The head tends to be larger in size, and a bit longer than it is wide. The forehead is wide, and quite round, it has oval and rounded cheekbones, and a broad nose. The profile is leaning a bit inwards, and the cat does not have a stop. The ears are medium to small, and tend to be round. There is a good distance between their eyes, and they tend to be big and oval, preferably a bit tilted. The color of the eyes vary as a result of their coloring. The cats have a heavy set bone stem, the legs are medium in size, and forms a rectangle with the body. The paws are big and round, and have got fur underneath. The tail is long with a rounded tip and fur throughout. The fur tends to be full, and is not too close to the body. The overcoat is water repellent, and can feel a bit hard to the touch.
The Siberian cat is a non-allergy giving cat. (Hypoallergenic)
It has been seen throughout several years, and from all over the world that the Siberian cat does not bring forth an allergic reaction. The reasons for this can be a number of things. Both fur, dandruff, secretes and saliva an animal has can give people an allergic reaction. With cats the thing that most commonly causes an allergic reaction is the saliva. When the cat cleans it’s fur, the saliva dries, and is transformed to dust. This dust is what people breath that most commonly causes the allergic reactions. In the feline saliva there is a protein called FEL-D1, and this is a large component that contributes to allergies. The Siberian cat does not have this protein in them, which means that a lot of people who normally would have an allergic reaction towards cats, may not react to Siberians. But, I have to underline that every person needs to be tested with the cats individually. When people are exposed to a house with cats, if they are allergic, they often have an immediate reaction. When they visit a home with a Siberian cat, they quickly find out if they have a tolerance for the cat or not. People who are allergic can react different to the same cat. There is no guarantee.
FAQ
Q. What is an Akila Siberian?
A. Akila Siberians originate from Russia. Those imported cats then begin to breed and raise wonderful lovable kittens at our pet nursery. We never refer to our nursery as a "cattery".
Q. What is the difference between an Akila Siberian and another Siberian?
A. Akila Siberian lines were hand picked from inside Russia and hand carried each of the purebreed Siberians into the US.
Q. What are their physical characteristics?
A. Akila Siberians are healthy, agile, strong and powerfully built. They are densely muscled. All their physical characteristics fall under the guidelines of medium. Although, their general overall appearance is powerful and thick rather than dainty. They are not the largest domestic cat breed in America. Siberians are well proportioned, ears are medium in size, legs are medium in length though thick. The body and tail are proportionate to one another. This is a well balanced cat that has heft.
Q. What are their personalities like?
A. Akila Siberian kittens are extremely intelligent, playful and affectionate. They are easily trained, travel well, and have dog-like loyalty.
Q. What is their fur like?
A. Akila Siberians are wrapped in plush, low-matting, hypo-allergic fur. Most Siberians shed twice a year very quickly, like a molting period. They shed in the spring and they shed in the fall.
Q. How big do they get?
A. The females average 8-12 pounds. The males average between 12-16 pounds. Full maturity takes 4-5 years. Most of the size is reached in the first year and a half. The muscles continue to develop and strengthen and they will add weight years 2 through 5. They are densely muscled so they are heavy whatever their size.
Q. Why should I buy from you rather than another Siberian Breeder?
A. Because I am not a hobby breeder. Webster defines a hobby as "An activity or interest pursued outside one's regular occupation and engaged in primarily for pleasure." I am not a hobby breeder, though I take great pleasure in breeding Siberians. I am a professional breeder. Most "hobby" breeders neglect to mention that they spend over 40 hours away from home working.
Q. I heard that males are friendlier than females?
A. In my opinion, there is no difference in personalities when comparing males to females. As a general rule, the only difference from male to female is the size.
Q. I read on another web site that Females carry less dander is that true?
A. No it is not true. It is a Myth. Though there are tests out there comparing dander levels of the female to the males, most if not all, of these tests were done on regular domestic cats NOT Siberians. There is no substantial difference in dander levels versus the sex of the cat.
Q. I read on another web site that lighter colors were better with persons with allergies.
A. Again NOT true. There is no difference in the level of allergens of lighter versus darker color.
Q. How can I meet other Siberian pet owners that have allergies?
A. Please join our friendly chat group http://www.facebook.com/groups/asiberianmessageboard/ knowledgeable breeders and pet owners, that have allergies to *regular* cats, make up the membership. Collectively there is a wealth of information to be had just for the asking.
Q. I bought a Siberian from another breeder and I am dissatisfied. What can I do?
A. I cannot help much except to direct you to a List for Siberian complaints https://www.facebook.com/groups/1374387469557048/
A. Akila Siberians originate from Russia. Those imported cats then begin to breed and raise wonderful lovable kittens at our pet nursery. We never refer to our nursery as a "cattery".
Q. What is the difference between an Akila Siberian and another Siberian?
A. Akila Siberian lines were hand picked from inside Russia and hand carried each of the purebreed Siberians into the US.
Q. What are their physical characteristics?
A. Akila Siberians are healthy, agile, strong and powerfully built. They are densely muscled. All their physical characteristics fall under the guidelines of medium. Although, their general overall appearance is powerful and thick rather than dainty. They are not the largest domestic cat breed in America. Siberians are well proportioned, ears are medium in size, legs are medium in length though thick. The body and tail are proportionate to one another. This is a well balanced cat that has heft.
Q. What are their personalities like?
A. Akila Siberian kittens are extremely intelligent, playful and affectionate. They are easily trained, travel well, and have dog-like loyalty.
Q. What is their fur like?
A. Akila Siberians are wrapped in plush, low-matting, hypo-allergic fur. Most Siberians shed twice a year very quickly, like a molting period. They shed in the spring and they shed in the fall.
Q. How big do they get?
A. The females average 8-12 pounds. The males average between 12-16 pounds. Full maturity takes 4-5 years. Most of the size is reached in the first year and a half. The muscles continue to develop and strengthen and they will add weight years 2 through 5. They are densely muscled so they are heavy whatever their size.
Q. Why should I buy from you rather than another Siberian Breeder?
A. Because I am not a hobby breeder. Webster defines a hobby as "An activity or interest pursued outside one's regular occupation and engaged in primarily for pleasure." I am not a hobby breeder, though I take great pleasure in breeding Siberians. I am a professional breeder. Most "hobby" breeders neglect to mention that they spend over 40 hours away from home working.
Q. I heard that males are friendlier than females?
A. In my opinion, there is no difference in personalities when comparing males to females. As a general rule, the only difference from male to female is the size.
Q. I read on another web site that Females carry less dander is that true?
A. No it is not true. It is a Myth. Though there are tests out there comparing dander levels of the female to the males, most if not all, of these tests were done on regular domestic cats NOT Siberians. There is no substantial difference in dander levels versus the sex of the cat.
Q. I read on another web site that lighter colors were better with persons with allergies.
A. Again NOT true. There is no difference in the level of allergens of lighter versus darker color.
Q. How can I meet other Siberian pet owners that have allergies?
A. Please join our friendly chat group http://www.facebook.com/groups/asiberianmessageboard/ knowledgeable breeders and pet owners, that have allergies to *regular* cats, make up the membership. Collectively there is a wealth of information to be had just for the asking.
Q. I bought a Siberian from another breeder and I am dissatisfied. What can I do?
A. I cannot help much except to direct you to a List for Siberian complaints https://www.facebook.com/groups/1374387469557048/