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Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/13/2008 2:17:40 PM
Posts: 3,
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I have been looking for a Russian Blue (difficult buggers to find) because I have read with some people that if you have cat allergies these cats aren't as bad. I have some cat allergies but my sister has it worse so it is very difficult to find an agreeable breed.
I have asked people and read threads and I get the same response; unsure, don't know, maybe. I understand that even with shorter haired cats you could still be bothered by their mucous/saliva. I also read that female cats produce less allergens. I'm just getting desperate for answers because this is the only cat with fur I'd be allowed to get. I have been around a Siberian, however, and was not bothered at all by itchiness or having problems with my asthma. It was pretty nice considering it had long hair. I was surprised.
Sadly, I am not allowed a Siberian because my mother is worried about the long hairs/shedding. I turned to Russian Blues. I am okay with their personality, but I have friends in and out of my house and worry about its feelings (if it would be too irritating for this breed).
Then perhaps if I'm worried about it's personality then getting a mixed breed, domestic short hair and a Russian blue, might make chances for finding a kitten and having good traits. My mother is worried about this, too, because she thinks that it will bother everyone's allergies more if it's mixed. I am aware about genes, but I don't want to get my hopes thrown down.
What do you think I should do? Do you know anyone with Russian Blues that have allergies?
I am sorry for rambling. I am distressed about what my options are.
Any help would be appreciated! Thanks so much.
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Supreme Being
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Last Login: Today @ 4:12:12 PM
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| You need to take your sister and visit some catteries. Hold and visit with the cats and see how you react to them. Don't get a cat and then discover you are allergic. Siberians (some Siberians not all) do not have the specific dander gene that makes most people allergic to cats. If you are allergic to this specific gene, then a Siberian would be a good choice. My Rusty is a Siberian and friends who are allergic can hold and pet him. He is a big Teddy Bear. He sheds profusely once a year (Spring). They have a thick soft undercoat that they lose and they lose most of their magnificent mane. Rusty sort of goes from a long-hair to a medium hair in the summer. In the winter he loves to sit outside the patio door in his nice warm coat. I do brush him daily so he doesn't lose hair all over the house. He is a very clean cat! Below is a winter picture of Rusty out on the Patio with the snow: 
Here is a picture with a full lion mane: 
Below is a pic. with his mane almost gone: 
SuperCat
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Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/13/2008 2:17:40 PM
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Thanks so much for your information!
I would have thought they shed constantly with all of that beautiful fur. I hope that I could convince my mother that even though they have long hair, they are good with allergies.
I have had wonderful experiences with Siberians, so I hope my sister will too.
Thanks again!
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Supreme Being
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Last Login: Today @ 4:12:12 PM
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| Try before you buy -- just read your last post -- be sure to visit the breeder with your sister and spend some time with the cats. Like I said, not all Siberians are hypo allergetic. And they shed the most once per year, but like all cats, they do shed some all year round. I brush Rusty daily and that seems to take care of his leaving hair all over. If you aren't one to groom a cat on a regular basis, then this might not be for you. Russian Blues are short haired, I've never heard of them being non-allergic -- but that doesn't mean they aren't -- you should research the breed. People are usually allergic to the DANDER not the fur and Siberians usually are without the dander gene that most people react to. I am partial to Siberians because of Rusty -- they are smart, very affectionate and have quite the personality. 
SuperCat
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Junior Member
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Last Login: 11/13/2008 2:17:40 PM
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I would never buy a cat spontaneously. It would be awful for us as well as the cat. A friend of mine a minute or two away has a Siberian which I plan to visit with my mother and my sister. I just have to call him up and hopefully he'll say it's okay.
I would want to brush the cat daily so I wouldn't trouble anyone. I want my parents to feel like they don't have to worry about a long haired cat so I will do everything I can to keep everything clean. I'll be paying the majority for a kitten, therefore it is more my responsibility than anyone else's and I wouldn't have it any other way.
However because of my location I am afraid (if everything checks out okay around my friend's Siberian, with no one reacting harshly or at all) that I will have difficulties locating one. I have researched Russian Blues for a week and found that it was hard to find a breeder and now I am finding that Siberians are just as difficult. I will ask my friend where he got his, how much it was, and everything else a cat owner should know. Most of the states I have found with catteries are around 4 or several hours more away from me, and I will probably spend a good 200+ dollars to get a kitten shipped to me if possible at all. I'd rather not ship it, to meet with it personally, but unfortunately that is a difficult task.
I am not rushing to buy one within the next few days, I hope it doesn't seem that way. I don't wish to come off as some sort of kid that rushes into things. I research mostly anything before I make a major decision like this. Thank you again :]
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Senior Member
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Last Login: 11/17/2008 7:39:58 AM
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I bred Cornish Rexes and would tell people its a 50/50 chance on being allergic. I NEVER say a cat is hypoallergenic cause all cats that have fur can cause a reaction. Even a hairless one can if you are allergic to saliva because the cat does lick itself.
I only had one instance of a family that wanted to adopt but their child was allergic. I had a 3 month old kitten at the time that I was willing to let them keep him for a week to see if any reaction. Unfortunately the little girl was still allergic and while the family did fall in love with the kitten, they had to return him. But I'm glad I could let them "test" out the cat before instead of buying one and finding out later you have to rehome it.
If the breeder is fairly close, this can work out for a "test run". Good luck.
BTW Russian Blues only shed less then most cats, but they still shed a little.
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Member
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Last Login: 11/11/2008 1:18:31 PM
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I have a russian blue that was givin to me by a friend. Unfortuantly knowone here has allergies to cats, so I can't help answer your question. They are very nice cats though. Super cat .. I love your pics of your cat he's so fluffy and cute. I can't figure out how to put a pic in a post.
Mary ~~ 
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Supreme Being
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Last Login: Yesterday @ 6:44:49 PM
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| Miasma - if you're looking for breeders, you might want to check out www.breedlist.com. Many breeders are on that list, from all over the country and representing all breeds. Happy kitty-hunting!
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