The word hypoallergenic simply means less likely to cause an allergic reaction—and for many families, that small difference makes all the difference.

Siberians are often a wonderful choice for people with cat allergies. While no breed is completely allergen-free, Siberians tend to produce less of the Fel d 1 protein—the main allergen found in cat saliva, skin, and dander. When cats groom themselves, that protein transfers to their fur and into the air, which is what usually triggers reactions.

Research supports what many Siberian owners already know. In one study of 300 Siberians, more than half had significantly lower allergen levels than average cats. A few produced almost none at all, while a small number still showed higher levels. On average, Siberians make about 40–60% less Fel d 1 than most other breeds.

At True North Siberians, we understand that allergies are personal. Each person’s sensitivity is different, and each cat’s allergen level varies too. We’re happy to provide a fur sample or set up a short visit so you can see how you respond before making a decision.

Most people with mild to moderate allergies do well with a Siberian and can enjoy all the warmth, affection, and playful personality this breed is known for. Those with a history of severe allergies should check with their doctor before bringing home a True North Siberian.

Test kits marketed by Kitten Testing are more concise, and can be used  to test allergen levels in kittens. Kitten buyers are welcome to buy test kits for their own comfort of safety.

The Major Cat Allergen, Fel d 1, in Diagnosis and Therapy
Some of the best work in indoor feline allergens has been performed by the Clinical Immunology and Allergy Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

Fel d 4,  A Cat Lipocalin Allergen
Lipocalin may be a major cause of initial sensitization to cat.  This technical study on feline lipocalins is available on PubMed.gov

Many families turn to the Siberian breed because they’ve heard they’re hypoallergenic. While Siberians often produce fewer allergens than most cats, we prefer not to use the term hypoallergenic. It can be misleading, and we believe in setting honest expectations.

Cat allergies are usually caused by a protein called Fel d 1, which is found in a cat’s saliva, skin, and dander. When cats groom themselves, that protein dries on their fur and spreads into the air—so it’s not the hair itself that causes reactions.

Siberians tend to produce lower levels of Fel d 1 due to a genetic variation in their DNA. Some studies suggest they may also have differences in other proteins like Fel d 4, which can affect how each person responds. Because both humans and cats are individuals, reactions can vary widely. Some people who are allergic to other breeds find they do well with Siberians, especially if they aren’t allergic to horses or rabbits, which share similar allergen structures.

Coat color can also play a small role—reds and colorpoints are sometimes found to have slightly higher allergen levels. If anyone in your household has cat allergies, please mention it when contacting us so we can help guide your decision.

If you’re exploring a Siberian for allergy reasons, testing before adoption is a smart step. We offer several ways to do this:

Fur sample testing: For a $10 prepaid fee (via Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle), we can mail you fur samples from one of the kitten’s parents. This gives a snapshot of what you might expect, since kittens naturally produce lower allergen levels than they will as adults.

In-person exposure: If you’re local, we can arrange a short visit with our adult cats at a public location where pets are allowed. Please note, however, that we also have two Labrador Retriever dogs, so if you’re also allergic to dogs, this won’t give you the information you need to determine any allergy response.

Laboratory allergen testing: You may also request a professional allergen test of the parents through a certified lab. We can provide you with the link to order the kit directly.

Please note that all allergy testing is done at the buyer’s expense, and breeding cats tend to produce slightly higher allergen levels than altered cats. For those who want more accurate results, we offer Kitten Allergen Testing through a certified laboratory at your expense. This test measures the specific Fel d 1 allergen levels produced by an individual kitten, giving you a clear, science-based picture of what to expect.

Because every cat and every person is unique, no breeder can guarantee a completely allergy-free experience. But these options help you make an informed and confident decision about welcoming a Siberian into your home.

For additional research and data on Siberians and allergies, we recommend visiting The Siberian Research Website.

If you find you’re mildly sensitive to cats, there are practical ways to reduce allergens while still enjoying life with your Siberian. Even small changes can make a noticeable difference in your comfort at home.

Bathe and blow-dry monthly. Regular baths help remove the Fel d 1 protein from your cat’s coat and keep their fur soft, clean, and mat-free.

Feed a high-quality wet diet. A protein-rich diet supports a healthy coat, reduces shedding, and limits loose hair around your home.

Brush regularly. Routine brushing collects loose fur before it ends up on furniture or clothing.

Keep your cat out of sleeping areas. It’s hard to resist those cuddles, but keeping your sleeping space cat-free reduces overnight exposure to allergens.

Use washable bedding where your cat likes to rest. Wash it weekly to keep allergens under control.

Choose a dust-free litter. Many allergy sufferers find that low-dust or natural litters make a noticeable difference.

Vacuum often. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap dander and hair effectively.

Use an air purifier. The use of an air purifier helps keep the fur down to a minimum and also helps reduce other environmental allergens.

The word hypoallergenic simply means less likely to cause an allergic reaction—and for many families, that small difference makes all the difference.

Make an appointment with your allergist. In some cases, there are pre-emptive shots that your allergist can help administer to reduce your response.

These small habits help create a cleaner, more comfortable home for both you and your Siberian.

We understand how exciting it is to meet your future kitten in person, and we wish it were that simple. But for everyone’s safety—human and feline—we don’t allow in-person visits to our in-home cattery.

There are a few important reasons:

Health and safety for our kittens: Young kittens have developing immune systems. Even brief visits can expose them to germs, bacteria, or viruses that could make them sick. We follow strict sanitation and quarantine protocols to keep them healthy.

Security and privacy: Our cattery is also our home. Limiting visitors helps us protect our family and the animals in our care.

Stress prevention: New scents, voices, and movement can overwhelm kittens and their mothers. Keeping their environment calm helps them grow into confident, well-adjusted companions.

We still want you to feel connected throughout the process. We’re happy to schedule video meet-and-greets (Zoom, Google Meet, Facetime, and Facebook Video work for us) so you can watch your kitten play, ask questions, and get to know their personality. Once you’ve reserved your kitten, you’ll also receive regular photo and video updates as your kitten grows.

Our goal is to make the experience personal, safe, and joyful—for both you and your future Siberian.

If you’re unable to meet us in Centennial, Colorado on pickup day, you have another option. We’re experienced airline nannies, having hand-delivered both puppies and kittens across the US.

Your kitten will travel in-cabin with us for the entire journey, never in cargo. We handle the details, provide comfort and care throughout the flight, and ensure your new family member arrives calm, clean, and ready to settle in.

Here’s how it works:

You cover the round-trip airfare plus a modest travel fee to cover our time and meals on the day(s) of travel. We’ll meet you right at your home airport, introduce you to your kitten, and then head back home on a return flight. We prefer a same day turnaround, but if that’s not possible, we’ll also need you to cover the cost of a hotel room.

We’re also able to deliver your baby internationally when needed. In those cases, you’ll be responsible for all travel expenses, required veterinary requirements, documentation, including import paperwork and health certificates.

Our goal is simple: to make your kitten’s journey as safe, comfortable, and personal as possible.