'low allergy' cats

[mani]

I have found that the Russian Blue produces less allergic responses in both myself and others.  I believe this is something to do with glycoprotein Fel d 1 .  Siberians are also touted as being less allergenic and they have a very different 'look' to the Russian Blue. 

So my questions are:

Is there proof of lower allergic responses to Russian Blues and Siberians? 

And, if so, since they are both originally from Russia, could northern Eurasian cats have less allergens in general?

 

[superkitten]

My kitten is part russian blue and i have noticed that he doesnt bother my allergies as much either. I was also wondering if other people noticed it as well. Glad to see someone else out there has. =)

 

[profleslielyons]

Howdy,

Our lab has done some analyses of the allergen gene and did not find anything conclusive - for now.  I do think that some cats may produce less allergen and perhaps these cats are more common in the Siberian breed.  Never heard this for the Russian Blues, but, I bet if we payed attention, then we may find more low allergen producing cats - as determined by less reaction by those who are allergic.  But be careful - don't want anyone going into a severe allergy response!

 

[lilin]

I would be very curious to know what genes or breeds contribute to low allergens. I have a very mild cat allergy, but I was shocked to find my DSH (bordering on mid-length hair) actually gives me even less allergies than my Cornish Rex did! I have no reaction to my DSH at all. I did have mild, occasional reactions to my Cornish Rex, and still to some other cats I meet.

I have no clue what her genetic history is like, but it's very strange, as I assumed a cat with much longer hair would hold on to more dander, and possibly make more as well.

 

[mani]

Thank you, @ProfLeslieLyons   I am definitely less allergic to my two Russians, and I don't think it's a placebo

 

[profleslielyons]

Howdy,

Yes, as mentioned, there are probably many cats that cause low allergy response.  Cornish or Sphynx are not hypoallergenic - they just produce less hair.  The hair transports the allergen. We know the genes that cause the hair mutations in Cornish and Sphynx, cat specific allergen is caused by FelD1.

 

[tammyp]

Interesting.  Korats are also supposed to be 'low allergen' - not having a cat allergy (luckily) I can't comment personally, but many attest to it and will only ever have Korats.  I guess it must be that less hair thing as they only have one coat.