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Fel d 1 is a secretoglobin protein complex that, in cats, is encoded by the CH1 (chain 1/Fel d 1-A) and CH2 (chain 2/Fel d 1-B) genes. [2] [3] Among cats, Fel d 1 is produced largely in their saliva and by the sebaceous glands located in their skin. It is the primary allergen present on cats and kittens.
The remaining cat allergens are Fel d 2–8, [5] with Fel d 4, a major urinary protein found in the saliva of cats, [6] occurring the most in humans among the other seven allergens. All cats produce Fel d 1, including hypoallergenic cats. The main method of transmission is through a cat's saliva or dander, which adheres to clothing.
Many people believe that the breed produces less Fel d 1, the primary allergen present in cats. [58] In 1999, Indoor Biotechnologies tested the fur of four cats for Fel d 1; a mixed breed, two Siberians, and an Abyssinian. [59] The results showed the Siberian and Abyssinian cat fur as having lower Fel d 1 levels than the mixed breed cat. [59]
Fel d 1 was supposed to be put into two subfamilies: chain 1 in subfamily 4, and chain 2 in subfamily 5. [3] Although it is not mentioned in the 2011 update, InterPro matches suggest that CH1 is similar to 1B and CH2 is similar to 2B. [5] Extra computational research confirms the similarity, invalidating subfamilies 4 and 5 fully. [6]
The major allergen, Fel d 1, is found in the saliva and/or dander of all cat breeds. [31] There have been attempts to breed hypoallergenic cats, which would be less likely to provoke an allergic reaction.
Allergic reactions from cats are not the result of hair length, but from a glycoprotein known as Fel d 1, produced in the sebaceous glands of the skin, saliva, and urine. [9] Most people who have cat allergies are reacting to this protein in cat saliva and cat dander : when the cat cleans its fur, the saliva dries and is transformed into dust ...
There is speculation that the Russian Blue produces less glycoprotein Fel d 1, one source of cat allergies. The thicker coat may also trap more of the allergens closer to the cat's skin. Glycoprotein is one source of cat allergies, but this does not mean that all allergies will be stopped.
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that infects cats.FeLV can be transmitted from infected cats when the transfer of saliva or nasal secretions is involved. If not defeated by the animal's immune system, the virus weakens the cat's immune system, which can lead to diseases which can be lethal.