Siberian cat for household with cat allergies?

[RealHousewivesOfTaunton]

I love cats, adored my childhood moggy and would love to own cars as an adult. Unfortunately, I developed a cat allergy in my teens and DH and the DC are also allergic to them. It's unbearable when triggered so antihistamines and hoovering, mopping and damp-cloth cleaning wouldn't cut it for living with cats long-term.

I've read that Siberian cats are hypoallergenic and cause little to no reaction in allergy sufferers. Has anyone struggled with cat allergies but been ok with a Siberian?

Don't risk it.

As someone who loves cats but is wildly allergic, just get over it. You can’t have a cat. It’s ok.

There's no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat.

Siberian cats are often recommended for households with cat allergies since many produce lower levels of the Fel d 1 protein, which causes most allergic reactions. However, they are not entirely hypoallergenic, and sensitivity can vary between individuals. It’s best to spend time with a Siberian before adopting—learn more in this guide on Siberian cat allergies.

We have a Siberian and we have allergies.

She is definitely lower allergen than some other cats, but she’s not zero. So it really does depend on how allergic you are

That’s a really valuable perspective to share — thank you! You’re absolutely right: Siberians often produce fewer allergens, but they’re not completely allergen-free. For some people the lower Fel d 1 levels make a big difference, while for others even a small amount can still trigger symptoms. It really comes down to individual sensitivity.

I see this thread has been resurrected so an update: I took the DC for an allergy sitting in January and had no reaction at all, so got a 4 month-old kitten. Then decided he needed a friend, so now we have two. The little one likes to sleep on my pillow at night or tucked between me and DH. No reaction from any of us and they're adorable. We've applied to adopt two more from a rescue, might be going up to 4!

As PP have said, I've learned that it very much depends on the individual person and cat. I'm thrilled that it's worked out for us and our house is full of all things kitten.

Goodness, hope you enjoy grooming!

I really would think hard about introducing lots of cats all at once.

Kitten tax.

They're pretty good, although the older one loves covering himself in seeds and dried leaves when he goes out, so that's fun.

They’re gorgeous 😻 Do you allow them outside as I’d always worry about pedigree cats being stolen??

Yes, they go outside. I'd planned for them to be indoor only, but DCat1 made it very clear that he wasn't an indoor cat. We back onto scrubland so we spent a couple of months exploring it with him on a lead, then let him go on his own. He's got a tracker so we can see where he goes - it's not far and he's got a routine to patrol his patch. DCat2 is only just 6 months old and only goes out when we're at home to supervise. She doesn't go further than the garden but we have a tracker on her too just in case she decides to get adventurous!

My stress levels would prefer them to be indoor cats with access to our cat-proofed garden. However, DCat1 loves his freedom and his moggy friends and it feels selfish to coop him up just to make me feel easier. DH and I decided it was better for him to have the life he wants, even if it is shorter, than to keep him in for a longer, less happy life for our peace of mind.

No judgement to anyone who chooses differently though. It looks like DCat2 is going to be a happy homebody.

glad it all worked out @RealHousewivesOfTaunton 😻😻

Wow they are gorgeous and so nice that despite your concerns you let the cat lead the life he wants and deserves 💙

That's SO encouraging to hear as an absolute cat lover who is desperate to get a cat (last had one as a teen.. After a lifetime of begging my parents for one but developed a horrid allergy six months in), now as a thirty something year old with three children who all adore cats.. I've been seriously considering getting a Siberian but terrified of getting my hopes up. Stunning kitties by the way, what did you name them??? X

I hope it works for you @Utterlybananas333. Many breeders will let you go and visit their litters to see if you have a reaction before committing.

I'd tell you but they're a bit Yu-Neek so easily traceable online.