In 2011, the University of Nottingham published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, revealed that Fel-D1 is a protein found in feline saliva, hair, urine and sebaceous glands.

This protein is transmitted to the hair through saliva when the cat licks himself and then vaporizes once the hair is dry and then easily spreads into the environment. Therefore, despite popular belief, the hair is nothing more than a means by which the allergen disperse the effects and not a cause.

The human immune system recognizes this protein as a potential threat and therefore tries to defend itself by triggering the allergic reaction whose symptoms are recognizable in: itching, asthma, dermatitis and colds.

Many recent studies have shown that the Siberian cat Neva Masquerade produces a very low amount of Fel-D1 and can therefore be safely considered hypoallergenic.

Some important factors to keep in mind for those who intend to adopt a Neva Masquerade kitten are that sterilized cats as well as kittens produce lower levels of Fel-D1 and that those that produce a very low level of them transmit this peculiarity to their kittens, so it would be important to try to stay in contact with a tuft of parent hair for a full day so as to understand whether the chosen kitten is suitable or not.