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My husband Mark and I adopted our two Siberian kittens, Suzy and Samson (Xelena & Xeno), almost 4 years ago, and they have been the biggest blessing to us! We didn’t dream that we’d be able to have cats, as Mark is highly allergic to them. He had owned a couple of sweet kitties himself, before we met, and after suffering for a few years with continuous allergy symptoms, along with asthma, allergy testing revealed that cats were at the top of the list for him as an allergen…meaning his cats had to be given away.
When we married 17 years ago, I had to give away my own two precious and fluffy rescue cats. He had not exhibited any adverse reactions to my cats while we were dating, but we just couldn’t take any chances of keeping them once we married. Mark was terrified of his asthma resurfacing, after having some challenging bouts in the past, and he didn’t want to take allergy shots for the rest of his life, which I could understand. Giving away my kitties broke my heart, as I have loved and owned cats practically my entire life. I gave them to a loving home, but the sadness of missing them was eased by the joy of marrying my soul mate.
Thirteen years later, we discovered that a family member whose husband is highly allergic to cats, had adopted a Siberian kitten…a breed that we discovered are known to be hypoallergenic for many allergy sufferers…and seven years later her husband still has no allergy issues with their kitty. Mark’s niece has worse allergies than Mark himself, but she took a chance and adopted a hypoallergenic puppy several years ago, and she has had no allergy issues at all with him.
Mark was highly encouraged by the success stories our own family members adopting hypoallergenic pets, and he suggested we try hypoallergenic kittens, since he knew how much I missed having pet cats. I really wanted some fluffy kittens, and after some research, I landed on Charis Siberian Cats & Kittens. We adopted Suzy and Samson just before Thanksgiving 4 years ago, and we couldn’t be happier! Mark has had zero allergic reactions to them, and he absolutely adores them. They are sweet, beautiful, and loving – the perfect additions to our household!
Tammy
High Point, NC
August 31st, 2026
When we married 17 years ago, I had to give away my own two precious and fluffy rescue cats. He had not exhibited any adverse reactions to my cats while we were dating, but we just couldn’t take any chances of keeping them once we married. Mark was terrified of his asthma resurfacing, after having some challenging bouts in the past, and he didn’t want to take allergy shots for the rest of his life, which I could understand. Giving away my kitties broke my heart, as I have loved and owned cats practically my entire life. I gave them to a loving home, but the sadness of missing them was eased by the joy of marrying my soul mate.
Thirteen years later, we discovered that a family member whose husband is highly allergic to cats, had adopted a Siberian kitten…a breed that we discovered are known to be hypoallergenic for many allergy sufferers…and seven years later her husband still has no allergy issues with their kitty. Mark’s niece has worse allergies than Mark himself, but she took a chance and adopted a hypoallergenic puppy several years ago, and she has had no allergy issues at all with him.
Mark was highly encouraged by the success stories our own family members adopting hypoallergenic pets, and he suggested we try hypoallergenic kittens, since he knew how much I missed having pet cats. I really wanted some fluffy kittens, and after some research, I landed on Charis Siberian Cats & Kittens. We adopted Suzy and Samson just before Thanksgiving 4 years ago, and we couldn’t be happier! Mark has had zero allergic reactions to them, and he absolutely adores them. They are sweet, beautiful, and loving – the perfect additions to our household!
Tammy
High Point, NC
August 31st, 2026
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We also have another amazing testimony.
Jade had to let her beloved pet cat go due to allergies and constant sickness. She then got
better, but still longed for a cat. Through much internet searching, our website was discovered
and finally a Siberian kitten, Wrecks (London) became her new friend.
(For Allergy Tips Scroll Down)
better, but still longed for a cat. Through much internet searching, our website was discovered
and finally a Siberian kitten, Wrecks (London) became her new friend.
(For Allergy Tips Scroll Down)
Hey, Colleen! Here is a reflection on our recent allergy visit:
Nov 2015
My daughter, Jade, is 15 years old. She had a cat for many years and was chronically sick with what I thought was colds, and sinus infections throughout that time. Then, one day a doctor finally recommended we have her tested for allergies. She tested positive for cat allergies, and dog allergies, along with mold, and dust. I remember them saying she was not allergic to horses. It was a heartbreaking moment when we had to find another home for her beloved pet cat. But, she could hardly be in the same room as him anymore. Jade's reaction to cats is visible, and audible. I knew that if I were to take her for an allergy visit with the Nevaland Siberians, she would not be able to sugarcoat her reaction. During our visit with the Siberian cats, Jade had no reaction that I could see. No rash, no congestion, no coughing, no itchy eyes. No sneezing! I was amazed! And delighted, to be honest, because we had been convinced that she could never own a cat again. She is a cat lover. I am so grateful to have discovered these adorable, hypoallergenic cats!
Hazel
Hey Colleen!
March 2016
They are both doing fantastic. Wrecks is the best cat ever. And Jade has pretty much stayed well all winter long. Which is unusual. Even without pets, she would get colds more often on account of the allergies.... Wrecks even sleeps in the bed with her... and she's always putting her face in his fur! So funny... He is the best behaved cat. I'm always bragging on him.
Hazel
Nov 2015
My daughter, Jade, is 15 years old. She had a cat for many years and was chronically sick with what I thought was colds, and sinus infections throughout that time. Then, one day a doctor finally recommended we have her tested for allergies. She tested positive for cat allergies, and dog allergies, along with mold, and dust. I remember them saying she was not allergic to horses. It was a heartbreaking moment when we had to find another home for her beloved pet cat. But, she could hardly be in the same room as him anymore. Jade's reaction to cats is visible, and audible. I knew that if I were to take her for an allergy visit with the Nevaland Siberians, she would not be able to sugarcoat her reaction. During our visit with the Siberian cats, Jade had no reaction that I could see. No rash, no congestion, no coughing, no itchy eyes. No sneezing! I was amazed! And delighted, to be honest, because we had been convinced that she could never own a cat again. She is a cat lover. I am so grateful to have discovered these adorable, hypoallergenic cats!
Hazel
Hey Colleen!
March 2016
They are both doing fantastic. Wrecks is the best cat ever. And Jade has pretty much stayed well all winter long. Which is unusual. Even without pets, she would get colds more often on account of the allergies.... Wrecks even sleeps in the bed with her... and she's always putting her face in his fur! So funny... He is the best behaved cat. I'm always bragging on him.
Hazel
What I have personally learned concerning allergies and Siberian Forest Cats:
1. Buy a good HEPA filter vacuum cleaner and vacuum once a week. Clean out the filter when needed. If you start getting allergy problems, check the filter. We have a Dyson Pet Vacuum (color purple). Highly recommended. Love it! I won't buy anything else. We did own a blue Dyson one for 10 years, but then I ran over it when vacuuming out the car. LOL
2. Don't pet the cat and then touch your eyes. However, you should be able to put your nose in their fur.
3. When you get a head cold you may be more sensitive to the protein in the cat's dander.
4.. If the cat sleeps on your bed like a couple of ours, regularly wash your bedspread.
5.. Siberians have a smaller amount of the Fel d1 protein that causes the allergic reaction, but this protein can accumulate
over a period of time, in the cat's dander, and cause a reaction. I vacuum twice a week, This works well for three or four cats.
6.. Wear a mask, or cover your face when you scoop out or clean the litter box. There is more of the dander in this place.
7. If the cat goes through a very stressful time, such as a spay, they will release more of the Feld1 protein. I take an allergy pill when I sit with my queens when they are birthing the kittens. I suggest that the best thing you can do for their stress is to play with them after the stressful event, such as when you get back from the vet's office.
8. It's fine to kiss the cat and cuddle. They can even sleep by your head. Andy sleeps with us every night.
9. Their Fel d1 levels will lower when they get fixed.
10. I have never bathed any of my cats or kittens. This may be stressful for them and cause them to produce more of the protein. In fact, I have never used any of the wipes either.
11. There are some lines in the Siberians that have higher Fel d1 levels. I bought a male adult once from Russia like this. We were so allergic to him that we arranged for him to live elsewhere. We had one litter with him and retired him. (His kittens went to homes that did not have allergy problems).
12. Siberians are truly hypoallergenic and these are definitely the pets for those with allergies!
2. Don't pet the cat and then touch your eyes. However, you should be able to put your nose in their fur.
3. When you get a head cold you may be more sensitive to the protein in the cat's dander.
4.. If the cat sleeps on your bed like a couple of ours, regularly wash your bedspread.
5.. Siberians have a smaller amount of the Fel d1 protein that causes the allergic reaction, but this protein can accumulate
over a period of time, in the cat's dander, and cause a reaction. I vacuum twice a week, This works well for three or four cats.
6.. Wear a mask, or cover your face when you scoop out or clean the litter box. There is more of the dander in this place.
7. If the cat goes through a very stressful time, such as a spay, they will release more of the Feld1 protein. I take an allergy pill when I sit with my queens when they are birthing the kittens. I suggest that the best thing you can do for their stress is to play with them after the stressful event, such as when you get back from the vet's office.
8. It's fine to kiss the cat and cuddle. They can even sleep by your head. Andy sleeps with us every night.
9. Their Fel d1 levels will lower when they get fixed.
10. I have never bathed any of my cats or kittens. This may be stressful for them and cause them to produce more of the protein. In fact, I have never used any of the wipes either.
11. There are some lines in the Siberians that have higher Fel d1 levels. I bought a male adult once from Russia like this. We were so allergic to him that we arranged for him to live elsewhere. We had one litter with him and retired him. (His kittens went to homes that did not have allergy problems).
12. Siberians are truly hypoallergenic and these are definitely the pets for those with allergies!