Allergies & Siberians

Allergies are caused by a reaction of the immune system to a foreign substance. When it comes into contact with the allergen, the immune system produces antibodies to identify that substance as harmful and in the process produces symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, stuffy nose and asthma attacks. 

In the case of cat allergies, these people are usually allergic to the Fel D1 protein found in cats’ saliva, hair, urine and dander. Depending on the severity of the allergic reaction, people can usually live with cats at home while managing their symptoms. This may include regular cleaning of their homes, using strong air purifiers, or taking antihistamines medications.

Treatments

Novel approach for the treatment for cat allergies includes immunotherapy whereby the allergens are injected regularly via subcutaneous injection. The dosage is gradually increased until long-term immune tolerance is reached. Research has proved promising results. However, the treatment time is lengthy with some people reporting adverse reactions to the injections.

Other options include vaccinations for cats instead of humans. A vaccine called Hypocat currently still in clinical trials has been developed to be administered to felines. This vaccine uses a virus-like particle to induce Fel d1 response in cats thus allowing them to develop Fel d1 antibodies.

An easier alternative is to consider an allergen reducing cat food. Purina has recently developed a formula for cat food which reduces the Fel d1 protein in the cat’s saliva. A specific protein sourced from eggs is added into the ingredients for Pro Plan LiveClear. This protein binds the Fel d1 and in turns neutralising it. Research by Purina has shown that feeding Pro Plan LiveClear to a cat daily, the levels of cat dander could be reduced by up to 47%.

An article in November 2022 by Scienenews describes new developments in the treatment of cat allergies. A study which combined allergy shots (immunotherapy) and lab-grown monoclonal antibodies called Tezepelumab has produced promising results.

People who had gotten the combination shots for a year had reported lesser allergy symptoms to cat dander. This was in comparison to others who were administrated the regular immunotherapy shots. The reduction in allergy symptoms persisted even after a year treatment had stopped.

Is the Siberian a hypoallergenic cat?

There are no hypoallergenic breeds of cats. All cats produce some amount of dander and hence Fel d1 protein. Breeds of cats who are known to produce less of this protein include the Siberian, Balinese, Bengal, Burmese, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Javanese, Ocicat, and Sphynx, to name a few. 

A study done in 2017 has found that the Fel d1 proteins in Siberians cats have multiple mutations. This may have led to the more allergenic properties of their Fel d1 protein. However, further research is needed to ascertain if the Siberian is indeed a more hypoallergenic breed.