Nikarl Maia of Shadowlawn Black/Golden Mctabby Female

Information on Hypo-Allergenic Fur

How is it that the Siberian is non-allergic?

Scientists have named the protein in the feline saliva, FEL D-1. When the cat cleans itself, the protein then dries on the fur leaving dander. The dander particles are small and air filters cannot remove them from the air. The Siberian is void of the FEL D1 protein, therefore no dander. However if the allergic party suffers from the IgE late trigger' antibody reaction, their chances of compatibility of owning a Siberian are lowered.

Are studies being done on the non-allergic fur?

No official study has been commissioned to date. Someday Science will be interested in this wonderful anomaly. But for now we have empirical analysis. After hundreds of sales to people with “cat allergies” over an 8 year period, I already know what you must find out, that most people with cat allergies can in fact have a Siberian. In the beginning, I sold two Siberians to an asthmatic named Ernie Sherman. Ernie had a severe allergy to cats and reacted to them by showing asthmatic symptoms. Because of his asthma, Ernie made regular visits to the Mayo clinic. At one point he informed them that he was now the proud owner of two male Siberians. In disbelief the Mayo clinic in Jacksonville Florida began testing Ernie with regular cat dander and Siberian cat dander. Ernie knew which was which almost immediately. The regular cat test on one arm produced a baseball size welt while the arm with the Siberian particles had no reaction.  The Mayo clinic had been using Ernie as their guinea pig, running test after test to try and make him react to Siberian dander. They failed miserably. The doctors still find it unbelievable but are now convinced that there is something very special and different about the Siberians. EIGHT years later Ernie is going strong and is the proud owner of FOUR Male Siberians.

How was the non-allergic fur discovered?

In 1995, I made the acquaintance of Gregg Neill, a gentleman who was working on marketing a biodegradable litter from citrus rinds. I asked him if I could try a sample. He said yes, and along with his fiancée', Debbie brought some product to my home. I became aware of his product because I read an article in a trade paper. He mentioned in the article that he didn't have a cat because his fiancée was severely allergic. Once at the house, Debbie remarked that she was not having an allergy attack. I thought it was because she was standing near an air purifier. On her second trip to my house, she remarked again about her lack of reaction. I thought she was standing too close to an open door. I was skeptical. After her third visit, Debbie insisted that there was something uniquely different about the Siberians. Again I wouldn't believe her and she remarked rather vehemently, " Look, I know my allergies!" I agreed to test her "scientifically." I placed her in a room with more than twenty Siberian adults and told her to pet the cats and then rub her eyes. After about 30 minutes, she left. I had envisioned itchy, watery eyes that had swollen shut. I called several days later to check the results. She was fine. I asked her if she wanted a Siberian, though I already knew the answer. She was so delighted, and has owned one of these beautiful cats since February 1996.

Breed Standard

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.

ALLOWANCES: Buttons, spots or lockets.

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.