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Cat got your nose?: Siberians may be
the answer for some allergy-riddled pet lovers By Steve Steinberg / The Dallas Morning News Cat lovers, this is nothing to sneeze at. The Siberian breed has become hot news among allergy sufferers who have always wanted a cat but feared the resulting wheezes, sneezes, hives, watery eyes and other problems. But some breeders and allergic owners say that many people who react to other cats can cuddle a Siberian without trouble. Melissa Young of Arlington has a 2 1/2-year-old nephew, Keegan, whose immunodeficiency disorder makes him allergic to dogs and cats. He's even been hospitalized a couple of times after reacting to cats. Yet Keegan, who spends a lot of time at the Young house, plays with the Youngs' 6-month-old Siberian without any problem. "[Keegan] loves the cat, and he cries when he has to leave," Ms. Young says. Or take 6-year-old Zach Mays of Wylie, who would normally react strongly if he held a cat. But he can play with his 3-month-old Siberian kitten with nothing more than occasional slightly reddened eyes, says his mom, Denise Mays. Allergy sufferers don't love their Siberians just for the non-sneezy benefits. Siberians are handsome, round-faced, shaggy cats, and breeders and owners even ones without allergies cherish the cats for their affectionate natures. Pet Lenhard of Melbourne, Fla., said her Siberian, Grigori, seemed "to know I'm sad right now" after her husband died in May 1997. Writing to Florida breeder Lynda Nelson, who sold her Grigori, Ms. Lenhard said: "He washes my arm or face and gives massages in the early hours of the morning when I can no longer sleep." A Nelson client who does have cat allergies, Ernie Sherman of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., wrote in 1997: "It is still somewhat difficult to explain how these beautiful creatures have changed my life. They have provided me with a special feeling of companionship and responsibility. They have all the qualities associated with cats, yet show traits usually attributed to dogs. They exhibit a loyal and protective behavior which other people also notice." Mr. Sherman, who has had lifelong asthma and could not have pets before, now owns four Siberians. The cats are said to have regal bearing; they also carry a pretty majestic price tag. Breeders charge , depending on age and other factors. However, that price may include not only the cat's basic vaccinations, but spaying and neutering too. Why many allergy sufferers can own Siberians without swelling like the Goodyear blimp remains a mystery. Ms. Nelson says the 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.) Not likely, says Dr. James R. Richards, director of the Feline Health Center at Cornell University's highly regarded veterinary school. "I am unaware of any studies that show that any one breed is less allergenic than another, or that one breed produces lower levels of Fel d 1," he says. A prominent immunologist agrees: "In every cat species that's been looked at, there's been this major allergen [Fel d 1] lions, tigers, Sphinx [hairless house cats]," says Dr. Peyton Eggleston, a researcher in pulmonary immunology and urban asthma at Johns Hopkins University's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Center. The fur is flying Georgia breeder Kathy Wade cites tests done by an independent Virginia laboratory in 1999. Indoor Biotechnologies, which does sophisticated tests for the presence of allergens, sampled fur from four cat breeds sent to the lab. Ms. Wade says the tests revealed much lower levels of Fel d 1 among Siberians and Abyssinians than typical house cats. Not so fast, the lab says. In its most recent Web posting, the lab says breeders have misinterpreted the test results and that the Siberian fur actually showed high levels of allergen. "The company would not provide recommendations on pet ownership based on the results provided under these circumstances," the lab states. "The results do not provide convincing scientific data that Siberian cats are 'hypoallergenic,' and it is unfortunate that they have been widely disseminated on the Web and used by breeders of Siberian cats to promote the breed." Minnesota's Dvorovoi Cattery offers another theory: "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." "Interesting thought, but it still seems far-fetched to me," says Cornell's Dr. Richards. And Dr. Eggleston flatly rejects the notion: "One of the sources of dander is the sebaceous glands, which produce the oil." Some breeders, such as Audrey Oliver of Arizona, scoff at the whole nonallergenic business: "There's no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat. ... It's something that has created a lot of problems for those of us who are trying to be very honest with people." She advises allergic customers to bathe the cat at least once a week, bar it from the bedroom, vacuum and dust religiously and comb the cat frequently to reduce shedding. Dallas allergist Dr. Gary Gross further suggests using air cleaners with HEPA filters (and using a HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner as well). He also suggests calling the Allergy Control Products toll-free line (1-800-422-DUST) for detailed information on allergen reduction. So what's happening? Can anything, then, explain why Ernie Sherman can have four Siberians and still draw a breath? Dr. Eggleston offers a couple of possibilities. "There's a very significant emotional component to allergic disease," he says. "It's not that people are crazy, but in any therapeutic trial for asthma, there's about a 30 percent placebo rate. "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, he says, you may still have symptoms. They just won't bother you as much. He warns, though: "We see a lot of people who are attached to cats who have lots of chronic illness that we are absolutely sure is related to their ownership of cats." Dr. Eggleston also cites research done by Tom Platts-Mills of the University of Virginia medical school. Dr. Platts-Mills' data shows that "at higher levels of cat allergen exposure, you may actually have less sensitization. He's suggesting that maybe this is why people say they can tolerate their cat. ... I'm not sure about this, but the data is there." To help allergic prospective customers decide, some breeders will send them a snip of Siberian fur to put inside their pillowcase for a few nights' trial if they can't visit the breeder. But Dr. Gross calls the pillowcase trial "ridiculous." "The best way would be to go and spend some time with a person who owns one or to go to a breeder and spend the day there," he says. "Unfortunately, some illnesses such as asthma are worse at night, so even a negative daytime trial might not be definitive." It may all boil down to this: If you hang around a cat for a few days and it doesn't make you sneeze and wheeze, that's all you need to know. "If it works for you, it's fine," says Dr. Eggleston. "You don't need lots of explanations." It worked for Lynda Nelson's client Georgi Brochstein, who sent the breeder this e-mail about his family's new Siberian: "She has fit in beautifully and
has such a place in our hearts. Everyone who comes in contact
with her is charmed by her friendly manner and patience around
small children. One small child in particular is my 2-year-old
grandson, Logan, who has had problems with asthma since he was
an infant. The look of pleasure on his face when he has the
kitty in his lap and pets her gives us such joy because he couldn't
understand before why he couldn't be around animals." Siberian Cat History 1000 Siberians first appeared in recorded history. Siberian Cats from the unforgiving climate in Siberia first appeared in recorded history around the year 1000. 1700 Siberians at first cat show in England. The Siberian cat was one of the three longhairs represented at the first cat shows held in England in the 1700's.
First entry into USA found in a book. First entry into USA, found in a book -- originally published in 1900 by Helen M.Winslow entitled "Concerning Cats," "Mrs.Frederick Monroe of Riverside Ill. owns a remarkable specimen of a genuine Russian cat, a perfect blue of extraordinary size. The Russian long-haired pet is much less common even than the Persian and Angora." 1960 First feral pointed patterned cats found. Russian People had thought that long ago the feral pointed patterned cats and the feral Siberian cats "got together" along the banks of the Neva River in Leningrad (which is now named St. Petersburg) in the 1960s. 1987 The first cat show in the city of Leningrad, Russia. It was organized by two cat clubs ‘Kotofei’ and ‘Kis’. This is the actual date of the beginning of breeding of Siberians in St. Petersburg. The Soviet Felinological Association registered the Siberian breed. It included both the traditional colors and the Siberian color point (Neva Maskarade). 1990 06/28/90 Siberians First Arrived in
USA. The first breeding Siberians were introduced in the United
States in 1990. Elizabeth Terrell imported the initial kittens.
They arrived on June 28, 1990. Their names were KALIOSTRO VASENJKOVICH
OF STARPOINT, OFELIA ROMANOVA OF STARPOINT and NAINA ROMANOVA
OF STARPOINT. 1991 WCF accepted a working Siberian Standard
1992 02/23/92 ACFA granted Siberians probationary
status. ACFA semi annual approved the standard and granted probationary
status 1993 AACE new registry formed Siberian Accepted
Russian Standard Official standard was
accepted by the expert commission of WCF in 1994 1995 Russian Standard published 1996 01/01/96 Siberian accepted in Italy
1997 02/28/97 Color point introduced in the
US First color point was imported by Dana Osborn. 1998 02/24/98 1st litter of colorpoints born
8 babies - Dana Osburn 1999 02/20/99 ACFA accepts breed for Championship 2000 05/01/00 Accepted in CFA as MISC Accepted for Misc. Class in CFA. 2001 04/30/01 Siberian is TICA International Cat of the Year "IW,SGC Treskuchiy Sibirskiy Moroz Mur Owner: Dan & Judy Chappetta" 2002 05/01/02 CP advances to championship
in CFF Welcome to Exotic Siberian Cats.com, where we breed quality exotic siberian cats, the world's best breed of cat! Our Siberian kittens are loving, playful, energetic, full of purr-sonality and waiting to be new family members of loving homes. Siberian cats are known for their uncanny "dog-like" personality, and hypo-allergenic fur.
Our passion to breed the Siberian cat a hypo-allergenic Cat All of our lives, my wife and I had been severly allergic to cats. I had family members who had cats who's homes I could never visit. I could not go over friend's houses as a child if they had a feline companion. I always was fascinated by cats, and thought it was horrible that I could not even be around a cat for more than 15 minutes, without my throat closing up and my eyes wattering and itching, acompanied by bouts of sneezing. The same was for my wife. When we were in our 1st apartment, a friend gave us a kitten, so we thought, let's give it a shot. Needless to say, 1 hr later, I was returning the kitten to my friend, while my wife was in the shower, washing her RED eyes out... Than, one day, I was perusing the internet, and discovered the Siberian Cat. I thought, this must be a hairless cat... and than first saw a beautiful long haired siberian kitten. I thought, it could not be true... that there would be a long haired pure-bred cat that could possibley be a member of our family. It was than that I had some fur sent from a breeder, to put in my pillow overnight. After a week with no reaction at all, I decided to give it a shot, and I ordered a kitten. We purchased our 2nd Siberian Cat shortly thereafter, since siberians love to play with each other so much, we thought 2 or more cats would be best for them. 3 Years later, my wife and I both semi-retired, decided to dedicate our home and our time to helping make this wonderful breed, who was first brought to America in 1990, available to people who were allergic to cats, but always wanted to enjoy the companionship of a feline friend. Our siberian cats and siberian kittens are from the best possible Siberian Cat Breed Stock, and all were parented by international grand champions, imported from Russia. Our male, Nicolai "smokey" was bred from Gray Black, and internation grand champion, and Nastya Black, a Champion russian import. We invested nearly $2000.00/cat in our Siberian Cat Breed Stock, and raise wonderful family members, who are raised in our home, not in a kitten mill. We firmly believe that our kittens meet the highest possible breed standards, and many have the potential to be international champions. Our kittens receive tender loving care, and constant human interaction, which is why we beleive we produce the world's best Siberian Cats and Siberian Kittens, sure to warm your heart.
Our Siberian Cats also love Dogs! Our siberian Cats and Siberian Kittens are raised with our 2 golden retrievers and our bernese mountain dog, "Mr. Bear"
BREED STANDARD The Siberian Cat is one of the 2 Largest Cats, and is very similar in size to a Maine Coon, just cuter and more "dog like" in personality! It's large rounded head, a modified wedge, is one of "circles" rather than "triangular" like the Maine Coon. In our opinion, the Siberian Cat is the most beautiful, loyal, affectionate cat on the planet. The breed standard with TICA ( The International Cat Association) as follows: RECOGNIZED CATEGORY / DIVISIONS/COLORS: Traditional Category, all Divisions, all colors. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Siberian is a large, strong cat which takes 5 years to mature. The females weigh less than the males. They are extremely agile and great leapers. Their muscles are mighty, outstanding and powerful. The back is long and very slightly curved or arched, but appears horizontal when in motion. Convex muscular waist and round, compact belly develop with age. The hind legs, when straightened, are slightly longer than the forelegs. The paws are round, big and quite powerful. The overall appearance should be one of great strength, force and size with an excellent physical condition and alertness; the facial expression is quite sweet. The general impression is one of roundness and circles, rather than the rectangles and triangles of similar breeds. HEAD: The head is a modified wedge of medium size with rounded contours, broader at the skull and narrowing slightly to a full rounded muzzle with well-rounded chin. There may be a slight muzzle curvature, but the transition between the side of the head and the muzzle is gentle and inconspicuous. The cheek bones are neither high set nor prominent. There should be a good distance between the ears and eyes. The top of the head is flat, with a slight nose curvature before the tip. The neck is medium-long, rounded, substantial, and well muscled. TAIL: The tail is medium in length, wide at the base, blunt at the tip without ticking or kinks, evenly and thickly furnished. EARS: The ears are medium-large, wide and set as much on the sides of the head as on the top; ideal position is 1 to 1-1/2 ear width apart. The tips are rounded and the ear tilts forward. Lynx tipping is desirable. Hair over the back of the ears is short and thin; from the middle of the ear, the furnishings become longer and cover the base completely. EYES: The large, almost round eyes are set wide with the outer corner slightly angled toward the lower base of the ear. There is no relationship between eye color and coat color/pattern, however, the typical adult color is yellow-green. COAT:
This is a moderately long to longhaired cat, with hair on the
shoulder blades and lower part of the chest being thick and
slightly shorter. There should be an abundant ruff setting off
the large, impressive head. There is a tight undercoat, thicker
in cold weather. Allow for warm weather coats. The coat gives
the impression of lacquer and oil when ungroomed. The hair may
thicken to curls on the belly and britches, but a wavy coat
is not characteristic. The skin may have a bluish cast. Clear
strong colors and patterns desirable, but are secondary to type.
PENALIZE: Adult cats not having substantial weight. Straight profile. Narrow or fox-like muzzle. Almond shaped eyes. Very long legs. VARIETIES: The Siberian Cats come in a variety of colors and markings. Taken from CFA (Cat Fanciers Breed Standard) All colors are genetically possible. In the traditional class all colors and combinations are accepted with or without white. In the tabby group white or off white is allowable on the chin, breast, and stomach area. Buttons, spots or lockets are allowable in all colors. The pattern/color descriptions are the same as the Persian. In the colorpoint class, mitted, bicolor, lynx and tortie patterns are allowed. The pattern/color descriptions for the colorpoint, mitted and bicolor are the same as the Ragdoll. The pattern description for lynx points and tortie points are the same as a Birman. In the traditional colors, description for the blue golden is the same as the golden except tips are blue rather than black. No outcrosses are allowed for this breed. COLORPOINTS:
Russians have had the colorpoints as a part of their breeding
program since records were kept by the various cat fancy clubs
in Russia. People had thought that long ago the feral pointed
patterned cats and the feral Siberian cats “got together”
along the banks of the Neva River in Leningrad ( which is now
named St. Petersburg ) in the 1960’s. Russian breeders
soon noticed the festive pattern of these cats and began incorporating
them into their Siberian breeding program. The Russians use
the nickname “Neva Masquerade” for this breed- Neva
for the river and Masquerade for the coloring. Neva Masquerade
is not a separate class of the Siberians but is a Siberian.
According to breeders no outcross has ever been used to produce
the colorpoint Siberian. They say that being a natural breed
of cat anything is possible in any line of the breed. Three
breeders in United States soon noticed that there were not any
of the colorpoints here. When the kittens arrived controversy
began on acceptance of the colorpoint. After much debate the
colorpoints are now an accepted part of the Siberian standard
in the United States. Many other countries still do not allow
the colorpoints into their breed standards of acceptance.
More Siberian cat Breed Information
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