The Cause Of Cat Allergies
Youre not actually allergic to cat hair.
What youre reacting to is actually a tiny, lightweight protein called Fel d 1. This protein is found in a cats saliva, urine, and dander.
While cat fur doesnt cause allergies in and of itself, it is a key way that saliva and dander are shed throughout the environment. When cats groom themselves, their fur sheds, and it carries the allergy-causing protein with it.
EVERY cat produces this protein, but some people have found that they seem to have less of an allergic reaction to certain cat breeds, including Bengals.
Nomnomnow Fresh Food Delivery
If your cat suffers from food allergies, you need a high-quality cat food that will provide for his nutritional needs without triggering symptoms. Fresh cat food made with a limited number of high-quality ingredients is an excellent option which is what makes NomNomNow so perfect. This fresh food delivery service sends a months worth of fresh cat food right to your door in perfectly portioned packages suited to your cats age and weight. NomNomNow allows you to choose from two protein options in two recipes made with fresh fruits and vegetables as digestible sources of carbohydrate, fiber, and essential nutrients. This food is packed with protein, limited in carbohydrates, and rich in moisture to support healthy digestion and recovery from food allergy symptoms. Plus, you can work with the company to customize your cats food according to his unique needs and preferences.
- Pros: Fresh food delivered monthly, high in protein, low in carbohydrates, grain-free, rich in moisture and fiber for digestion, pre-portioned for your cats needs, customizable diet
- Cons: Only two recipes , expensive to feed as a staple diet
I And Love And You Lovingly Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Cat Food
Our Top Pick for the Best Cat Food for Sensitive Stomach and Allergies: If your cat has food allergies and a sensitive stomach, you need to be doubly careful about what you feed him. A limited ingredient diet is a must to reduce the risk for triggering allergies, but you also need to focus on the quality and digestibility of the recipe to avoid digestive upset. This I and Love and You Lovingly Simple LID Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Cat Food is a great choice for a number of reasons. First, it is specifically designed for cats with sensitivities and it is made with a low number of primary ingredients. Next, it features novel proteins like salmon and menhaden fish meal without the use of any chicken ingredients. It is rich in healthy fats, including a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It also contains digestible grain-free carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and chickpeas. All in all, this recipe provides high-quality nutrition that will be gentle on your cats stomach.
- Pros: Gentle on sensitive stomachs, limited number of ingredients, novel proteins, no chicken ingredients, blend of omega fatty acids, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, probiotics
- Cons: Expensive to feed as a staple diet, not a single-source protein recipe
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Symptoms Of Severe Cat Allergies
People with minor cat allergies tend to develop minor symptoms. But for some, Carver says, exposure can cause serious symptoms, such as major breathing problems. “Highly sensitive people might begin coughing, wheezing, and experience shortness of breath within 15 to 30 minutes of inhaling allergens like dander,” she says. “Sometimes highly sensitive people will get a serious rash on the face, neck, and upper chest.” Cat allergen exposure can also cause asthma attacks, or severe periods of asthma symptoms when it can become very difficult to breathe.
Dr. Zeldin points to a study he contributed to, in which high levels of cat allergens in the bedroom caused 30 percent of asthma attacks in participants with cat allergens.
Best Cats For People With Allergies
Want to adopt a cat, but suffer from allergies? Some feline breeds are considered “hypoallergenic,” which means they produce fewer allergens than others. Cats do produce pet dander, a common allergen, but the culprit for the estimated 10 percent of the population who are allergic to cats may be a protein, Fel d 1, that is present in cat saliva.
Technically, there is no such thing as a 100 percent hypoallergenic domestic cat . If your allergy is not severe, these breeds should come pretty close. The following is a guideline which petMD recommends for people who want to adopt a feline, yet feel their options are limited due to allergies.
Image:Dani/Flickr Creative Commons
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Where To Get A Hypoallergenic Cat
When considering getting a new cat, its vital to think about where youll get it.
Because so-called hypoallergenic cats must be purebreds to posses the qualities that make their breed less likely to cause allergies, some people think they need to get their cat from a breeder or pet store.
But countries like the United States have a major feral and homeless cat problem. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals , an estimated 6.5 million animals enter animals shelters annually throughout the country.
Private breeders can also run their operations with few or no standards, meaning pet care can be minimal, if not abusive.
Ethical acquisition of your pet is important, says Dr. Hodges. Obtain your purebred cat from a breed rescue group. Virtually every breed has their own rescue groups, generally run by breed aficionados or from a reputable breeder.
Heres one website dedicated to rescuing purebred cats and finding them forever homes.
First Do Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds Exist
Hypoallergenic breeds do exist, and some even come in long hair, says Sasha Gibbons, DVM at Just Cats Veterinary Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the hair that people are allergic to but rather proteins in the saliva that are introduced onto the fur through grooming or dander throughout the fur. Certain breeds produce less of the proteins that cause a reaction, making them easier for people with cat allergies to tolerate.
Though no cat is 100% hypoallergenic, were about to give you the lowdown on a handful of hypoallergenic cat breeds known for producing fewer allergens so the two of you can live in harmony!
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Taste Of The Wild Canyon River Grain
Our Top Pick for the Most Popular Cat Food for Allergies: When you cant decide what to feed your cat, you can always go with a popular brand like Taste of the Wild. Though this brand doesnt offer any limited ingredient cat food options, this Canyon River Grain-Free Dry Cat Food checks many of the same boxes. First, it is made with novel sources of protein and grain-free carbohydrates. The first ingredient is fresh trout, followed by ocean fish meal. Youll also find smoked salmon as a supplemental protein source, but the recipe does not contain any chicken ingredients. Digestible grain-free carbohydrates include sweet potatoes, potatoes, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for key nutrients. Overall, this formula contains 32% protein and 16% fat with 3% fiber. It is supplemented with chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption as well as dried fermentation products for probiotic support.
- Pros: No chicken ingredients, novel protein and carbohydrates, grain-free carbohydrates, blend of essential fatty acids, rich in fiber, chelated minerals, probiotics for healthy digestion
- Cons: Not a single-source protein recipe, could be higher in protein
Russian Blue Cats For Adoption
The Russian Blue cat is quiet, shy, very affectionate and devoted to its owners. The healthy easy to care for Russian Blue is an elegant cat. Its origination is the northerly regions of Russia and Scandinavia..
The Russian Blue has a long, muscular body with fine bones. Its legs are long and slender with fine bones. He has a double coat that is short, thick and luxurious. No other cat has a coat like the Russian Blue the silver tipping gives the coat a beautiful, silvery shine. Russian Blues are a tame and loving cat breed. They are playful and get along well with children, and other pets. Russian Blues are quite smart many have been trained to fetch like a dog, and even open doors.
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Natural Balance Lid Turkey & Chickpea Grain
The Natural Balance brand is known for providing a wide variety of limited ingredient formulas. You should be mindful of which you pick, however, because a few of them list green peas as the first ingredient rather than a source of animal protein. This Natural Balance LID Turkey & Chickpea Grain-Free Formula Dry Food is a good choice because it is nutritionally balanced, made with a limited number of ingredients, and features fresh turkey as the first ingredient. It is made with grain-free carbohydrates like chickpeas and potatoes with a blend of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It also contains chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption and vitamin supplements for balance.
- Pros: Single source of animal protein, novel protein, grain-free carbohydrates, limited number of ingredients, highly digestible, chelated minerals, rich in fiber for digestion
- Cons: Contains some plant protein , could be higher in protein content
Oriental Shorthair Cats For Adoption
Take the colorful personality and sinewy grace of the Siamese cat, and cross it with the unique characteristics of other popular cat breeds and what do you get? The delightful feline companion known as the Oriental Shorthair Cat!
These beautiful, graceful cats have the elegant, svelte Siamese body type and come in over 300 colors including solid, tabby, smoke, parti-colored and bi-color. A wedge-shaped head and great big beautiful ears give these adorable cats a true Oriental appearance. Orientals are very gregarious! They love attention and can be counted on to help you out with all your daily tasks, from brushing your teeth to making the bed, and they love a good cat nap on your lap or nuzzling your chin.
The short, sleek coat requires minimal grooming. For those of you who are looking for a cat to love and a cat that you will love to look at the Oriental Shorthair is an excellent choice. They make a wonderful addition to the family. They require a strict daily regimen of play, hugs and kisses!
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Blue Buffalo Basics Lid Grain
Our Top Pick for the Best Grain-Free Cat Food for Allergies: When it comes to the best dry cat food for allergies, Blue Buffalo offers a variety of different options in their Basics line of limited ingredient diets. This Blue Buffalo Basics LID Grain-Free Duck & Potato Recipe Dry Food is a great choice for your cat because not only is it made with a limited number of ingredients, but it features a novel source of protein and carbohydrate. Fresh duck is the first ingredient followed by duck meal and there are no chicken ingredients in this recipe. Grain-free carbohydrates like peas, tapioca, and potato provide carbohydrate energy and fiber while fresh berries and herbs provide natural sources for key nutrients. This recipe is rich in fiber for healthy digestion and contains dried fermentation products for probiotic support. Youll also be glad to know that it contains Blue Buffalos LifeSource Bits which contain a proprietary blend of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants to ensure complete and balanced nutrition for all cats.
- Pros: Single-source protein, novel protein and carbohydrate, grain-free carbohydrates, rich in fiber, supplemented with LifeSource Bits, dried fermentation products for probiotics, fresh berries
- Cons: Could be higher in protein content , contains plant protein
Dr Elseys Precious Cat Classic Litter
This Dr. Elseys cat litter is similar to our overall top pick. The granules are larger and thick, so they wont get stuck on your cats paws, reducing tracking of bacteria and litter throughout your home. Of course this litter is dust free and hypoallergenic, and it doesnt contain any plant proteins. Hard clumps form to contain odor and moisture for simple cleanup and maintenance. We recommend this classic hypoallergenic kitty litter for any size kitty crew.
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Other Quick Facts About Siamese Cats
These fluffy buddies are very playful and extremely loyal. Families with kids should not worry about the friendly approach of Siamese to children. Some owners even state that the behavior of felines of this breed has a dog-like behavior. It means that your fluffy buddies can even execute some commands and be totally obedient.
Note that in comparison with other cat breeds, Siamese extremely loves peoples attention. They are not as independent and stubborn as Disney cartoons show us. If you are going to adopt a Siamese cat, be ready to provide your small pet with much love, care, and ways for entertainment with you and your family members.
Hypoallergenic Cats: Solution For Cat Allergy
$3,500 Cat Might Still Cause Cat Allergy, Experts Say
Oct. 28, 2004 — For $3,500, you can own the world’s first hypoallergenic kitten. Yes folks, the kitten is due off the “assembly line” in 2007 and promises to solve the dilemma of cat lovers suffering from a cat allergy.
Allergy specialists, however, have their doubts.
The cat in question is no clone. It’s also not fur-free. It’s the product of animal genetic engineering, which will “silence” the gene that produces the Fel d 1 protein produced by a cat’s glands. The protein is very prevalent in a cat’s saliva and skin and causes a cat allergy in cat-loving humans.
When the cat allergy gene is suppressed, the cat produces very little of the allergen protein, explains Simon Brodie, president of ALLERCA Inc., of Los Angeles, the biogenetics company developing this special cat.
“Many people think they’re allergic to cat hair or dander, but they’re really allergic to the protein,” Brodie tells WebMD. “And the nice thing about this process, it doesn’t completely suppress the protein production. If the cat still needs this protein, it’s still expressing it, so it can produce the protein, but in such tiny amounts that it won’t cause problems.”
It’s not allergy-free, but it produces much less allergen, he explains. “It’s like hypoallergenic makeup. The allergens are still there, but in very small amounts that don’t trigger allergic reactions.”
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Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds For Cat Allergy Sufferers
Love cats but have never been able to share your humble abode with one due to the dreaded A word: allergies? Youre not alone! According to the American College of Allergy, 10 percent of the population is allergic to household companions, with cat allergies being twice as common in Americans than canine allergies. So, is there a solution to the problem? Kinda-sorta. Hypoallergenic cat breeds. They sound more fiction than anything else, but hypoallergenic cat breeds do actually exist making co-existing with cats a dream come true for allergy sufferers!
Hairless Sphynx Cats For Adoption
The Sphynx cat has to be the most unusual breed in existence, as, unlike other cats, the Sphynx is hairless. The Sphynx is said to be named so because early breeders felt that there was a similarity between their cats and the Egyptian cat sculptures in the British Museum and the Louvre. The Sphynx is also known as the Canadian Hairless Cat. First bred in Canada, the Sphynx cat originated from a mutant hairless kitten that was born in a litter of shorthaired cats in 1966.
Sphynx cats of today are highly affectionate, sociable and intelligent. They get along well with other animals in the household. Sphynx cats have an alert, affectionate and inquisitive nature that makes them a truly wonderful pet. They were described in TICA 86 Show program as the most loving cat it is possible to meet. Sphynx cats come in a variety of colors. The skin and down can be any recognized color and pattern, and the eye color should harmonize with the coat.
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Quick Tips For New Pet Parents
Adopting a hypoallergenic cat may not be a total cure-all but you can hopefully relax and breathe a bit easier. Try spending time with a cat of the same breed youre interested in and see if your allergies remain in check.
Once you have a cat, there are steps you can take to minimize allergens whether you have a hypoallergenic breed or not:
Frequent Baths and Brushing: If youre allergic to cats, the process is best left to a groomer or family member. Research has proven that regularly bathing your cat can help remove up to 84 percent of existing allergens and reduce the future production of allergens. Some claim that using distilled water in the bath may also reduce allergen levels.
Wash Toys and Cat Bedding: Washing toys and bedding also reduces the number of allergens floating around your home. Do this at least once a week.
Devon Rex Cats For Adoption Near You
Devon Rex are the true Pixies of the cat world! The Devon Rex came to be due to a genetic mutation causing its unusual coat. It was recognized, along with the Cornish Rex to be a distinct breed in Britain in 1967.
Devon Rex ears are large, and seem oversized in relation to the unique pixie elf head shape. Pixie also describes the breeds delightful personality! Full of fun, the active Devon Rex is definitely a people cat!
Dog-like in personality, many retrieve their toys endlessly. The Devon Rex seems to wag its tail hen happy, and has been nicknamed the poodle cat. The Devon Rex has a velvety soft coat that comes in a wide range of colors and patterns and does not shed harmonize with the coat.
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