Siberian cats produce less of what is known as the "cat allergen" -- scientifically called FEL D1.
FEL D1 is secreted from glands in a cat's skin. It is also contained in the cat's saliva, and this is deposited onto the cat's coat when he grooms himself. The FEL D1 dries and flakes off of the cat's coat, finding its way into the air. The airborne allergen can cause the allergic reactions that many people experience when they are around cats.
Siberian cats have a protein sequence in their DNA that is different from other cats. This causes them to produce less of the FEL D1 allergen. Siberians are therefore hypoallergenic for many allergy sufferers.
Hypoallergenic does not mean non allergenic, however, Siberians usually produce a lower level of the allergen. People with severe allergies should do an allergy test on a Siberian before purchasing one.
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