We provide test test kits and instructions, and review the lab results from InBio. Our tests use a proprietary salivant and very specific methods, and our charts are based on those results. Tests using older methods or single samples cannot be compared to our charts.
Our tests measure the level of Fel d1 in the saliva. Kittens below 16-20 weeks have unstable (or very low) levels. The salivant and our test methods release Fel d1 from the cells into the saliva, usually allowing testing beginning at 12 weeks.
Using our methods, a review of hundreds of cats shows most Siberians over 6 months old have salivary Fel d1 levels ranging from 1.75 – 7.0 mcg. The full scale for adult cats is 0.12 – 32.0 mcg.
We have catteries note reactions occurring during testing, and we correlate the notes to the test results. Variation can be caused by panic reactions, stress, illness, inconsistent technique, or sample dilution (accidental or deliberate).
These errors are consistent with biological samples. By taking three independent samples, we can usually identify the cause. The following are problems that may occur with saliva testing.
1. Excessive Variation: Individual kittens show wide test variations
Just as dilution causes errors on the low side, panic reactions cause abrupt release of Fel d1. The maximum variation between samples should not exceed 3x. We often recommend deleting the lowest results or retesting the kitten when variations exceed 3x.
2. Dilution errors: Single Tests below 0.12 mcg
Sample dilution can be caused by excess salivant on the swabs, allowing kittens to drink water just before testing, use of drugs or sedating foods (including tryptophan diets or Purina LiveClear), bruising the upper cheek during testing, failure to fully swab the mouth, and possibly breed lines that mature later.
3. Lack of Stratification: Distinct levels, but all extremely low
Results where there are distinct differences between the kittens but all are Exceptionally Low is a sign of immature kittens or consistent dilution. We recommend the cattery tests at an older age, retest the litter, or sell the kittens at a level higher than the test indicates.
4. Results below threshold: Multiple tests below 0.12 mcg
Large scale testing adult cats test 0.12 – 32.0 mcg – with 15% testing in the lowest two allergen levels. When tests are below 1.0 mcg, we are concerned with the possibility of dilution errors or immature kittens, and recommend the cattery retest when the kittens are older. When we (or the pet owner) retest kittens with tests below 0.12 mcg, they always test much higher. These errors are limited to a small number of catteries – none we are currently working with.
Sample Report
Below we have attached a test from our own cattery (Lundberg Siberians) from an Exceptionally Low dam and Very Low sire. You can see there are no severe dilution errors. There is good stratification between levels, test results are stable, and there is a single obvious panic reaction with Helina. Our notes are typed into the margin.
