Abstract
Objectives
Fel d1 is a major allergen that may affect humans sensitive to cat allergens,
and it can be detected in the saliva and on the hair of cats. We studied the
variability of salivary Fel d1 in typical house cats (ie, neutered domestic
shorthair cats) and the factors that could be associated with that
variability.
Methods
Saliva samples were collected from 64 cats, twice daily, every other day, for
a year, at two locations (Missouri, USA, and Ontario, Canada). Salivary Fel
d1 levels were measured using an immunoassay. Correlations and linear
mixed-effects model analyses were run to assess which factors significantly
affected the Fel d1 levels.
Results
Salivary Fel d1 levels varied significantly both within and among cats. Cat
averages over the year ranged from 0.4–35 µg/ml, and a higher average
correlated with a higher SD (P <0.001). The first
collection of the day tended to be higher than the afternoon collection
(P <0.001). Sex, coat color or body size did not
relate to cats’ average Fel d1 production, but older cats tended to have
lower salivary Fel d1 levels (P <0.001). Fel d1 levels
from four samples were reliable in identifying cats producing stable low
levels of Fel d1.
Conclusions and relevance
We observed a wide and continuous range of salivary Fel d1 production in
domestic shorthair cats. In particular, a subset of cats had stable low
levels throughout the course of the year, and they can be identified by
analyzing a few saliva samples rather than their physical appearance.
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