Is there really a such thing as a hypo-allergenic cat? In order to answer this question accurately, we must first understand that the word hypo simply means less then. Hypo-allergenic does not mean non-allergenic. In the case of cats, there are several breeds considered hypo-allergenic. These claims are supported by a significant number of testimonials and recent college lab studies of FEL D1 (a small glycol protein molecule) concentrations in cat dander. This glyco-protein is responsible for the human reaction and is found on all felines. Fortunately, a few cat breeds have shown to be hypo-allergenic cats.
In the mid 1990’s the Siberian Forest Cat was introduced to America. This breed of cat has existed in Russia for over 1000 years and is Russia’s National Cat. This large, long coated, lovable cat immediately gained the attention of American families. This Forest cat’s popularity grew exponentially when cat allergy sufferers started reporting no allergic reaction was experienced in the presence of the Siberian Forest Cat. Breeders of the Siberian Forest Cat started documenting family testimonials of not experiencing any allergic reactions to this breed of cat. The curiosity grew to Medical Universities where they conducted studies of FEL D1 concentrations in the dander of various breeds of cats. The Traditional Siberian Forest Cat showed the lowest concentrations of this allergen, many test showed levels 10 times lower than those measured in other breeds of cats found in America.