About 10% Of The Population Is Considered Highly
While no cat breed is completely non-allergenic , there are many breeds of hypoallergenic cats. Hypoallergenic means that these breeds create fewer allergens overall, making certain cats less likely to cause allergic reactions unless your pet allergies are very severe.
Like dogs, all cats produce dander. They also create a protein, Fel d 1, present in their saliva, that is suspected to be the root cause of many cat allergies. Since cats spend so much time licking and grooming their coats, its easy to see both how dander and this protein attach to the fur, creating big problems for those with allergies. Cats that are considered hypoallergenic either produce fewer allergens or shed less fur to carry the saliva and dander.
The good news is, whether you prefer a short and velvety coat, a long, fluffy coat, or no coat at all, theres a hypoallergenic cat breed for you. There are even several hypoallergenic breeds that look similar to the popular siamese cat. Here are several breed categories to consider:
Cats That Dont Shed To Save Your Couch And Possibly
All cats shed but the certain breed has a thin hair coat that doesnt shed that much compare to others. And yet, thats not the whole answer.
10 cats that dont shed to save your couch and possibly. A variety of cats produce fewer allergens and make it easier to be a cat owner.
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15 low shedding dog breeds hypoallergenic breeds low. All cats have some level of allergens
15 low shedding dog breeds hypoallergenic breeds waggy. All cats shed but the certain breed has a thin hair coat that doesnt shed that much compare to others.
5 mostly hypoallergenic cat breeds for people with. And yet, thats not the whole answer.
6 cat breeds for people with allergies and why theres no. Are there really hypoallergenic cats or dogs that we can have in our home?
6 cat breeds for people with allergies and why theres no. As a matter of fact, there is no hypoallergenic cats or dogs.
6 cat breeds for people with allergies and why theres no. But less attention has been paid to cats, even though cat allergies are twice as common as allergies to dogs, according.
Are any dogs really hypoallergenic dogs low shedding. But to understand that, we must first understand what causes a cat allergy in the first place.
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The Saddest Fact About Cat Allergies For Cat Lovers
There has been a lot of attention given to the idea of breeding a hypoallergenic dog, but allergies to cats are actually twice as common as allergies to dogs.
When a person is allergic to a cat, even a tiny exposure can cause an avalanche of symptoms. Each allergic person is an individual so its possible that one allergic person could hold a cat for a short amount of time and endure only mild symptoms, while another person may only have to step foot into a home containing a cat to have a full-blown asthma attack.
Allergens dont tend to deteriorate very quickly, either, so an allergy suffer could have a dramatic allergic response even months after a former cat resident has left a home.
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Is There Such A Thing As A Hypoallergenic Cat
You love cats and want to have a furry companion, but whenever you get close to one you find yourself with itchy, watery eyes and a severe case of the sneezes. Is there such a thing as a hypoallergenic cat that will not trigger an allergic reaction? Read on for more info or contact your Staten Island animal doctor.
Are Siamese Cats Hypoallergenic
As explained above no cat is truly hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, this includes our friend the Siamese. However, as the Siamese is not a heavy shedder, this breed could be a good pick for someone who is usually allergic to cats.
In 2009, the biotechnology company based in Delaware called Allerca claimed to have bred a perfectly hypoallergenic cat. The results were less than stellar.
It seems unlikely that gene editing will produce such an animal at any time in the near future.
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Other Tips To Avoid Allergies
Anita Kelsey, a feline behaviorist and author of the book Let’s Talk About Cats, told Newsweek: “Keeping on top of cleaning fur around the home can help but it will not stop a cat licking her fur and depositing saliva on her coat/skin. Grooming a cat’s coat can also help reduce the fur build-up, but it still won’t stop a cat licking themselves.”
The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine offers advice to allergy sufferers to keep flare-ups at bay, including keeping your pet out of your bedroom. Every few days it’s worth cleaning and hoovering your home to get rid of any cat hairs that may set you off.
Leave windows open to keep air fresh and well ventilated. You should also be keeping your cat healthyit will shed less and produce less dander.
Bathe your cat regularly, removing allergens from the animal’s coat. If you can, get someone who is not allergic to cats to brush the cat regularly and discard hair straight away. Make sure to wash your hands consistently, especially after playing with the cat.
Anatomy Of An Allergy
People with cat allergies react to a protein in the animal’s saliva, skin, and urine. The allergen collects on the cat’s fur when the animal licks itself and comes off in tiny flakes of skin that glom onto walls, carpet, and furniture or stay in the air. A cat’s lick or scratch can cause skin welts or itchiness. In the nose and lungs, the protein causes itchy, watery eyes and nasal congestion and can lead to asthma.
The allergens are so powerful that they can hang around for months, causing effects long after the cat is gone.
Some cats secrete less of the protein, some cats put out less saliva, and some cats produce less dander. But all cats make the allergen in some form — and a tiny amount can cause a lot of symptoms, depending on how clean you keep your house and how often you’re around the animal, says Robert Zuckerman, MD, an allergy and asthma specialist in Harrisburg, Pa.
“Even a cat that has a little bit of allergen can cause allergy if you have enough exposure to it,” Zuckerman says.
The other variable is your immune system. Maeve O’Connor, MD, an allergy, asthma, and clinical immunologist in Charlotte, N.C., says one person can hold a cat and have no symptoms, while another has an asthma attack standing near a person with cat dander on their clothes.
Continued
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Never Completely Allergy Free
While there are a few cats that are known to be much less irritating for people with allergies, there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic cat. If you are allergic to cats, you are actually allergic to the protein Fel D1, which is contained in cat saliva. When the cat licks its fur and that spit dries and becomes airborne you breathe it in and react to it.
The cat breeds that are considered to be hypoallergenic are those that produce less of this protein than others. Listed below are a few examples, but you can also ask your Staten Island animal doctor for more help as to which breed would be best suited to your lifestyle.
How To Have A Pet Cat With Allergies
In the United States alone, as many as three in 10 people with allergies have reactions to cats or dogs, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Cat allergies are almost twice as common as dog allergies. While the absolute best treatment for both cat and dog allergies is avoiding cats or dogs, as well as the places these animals live, some folks who already own pets find it difficult to get rid of them even after finding out about their allergy. After all, many people out there consider pets like cats to be part of the family.
If your allergies arent serious or life-threatening, you may be considering keeping your pet as an option. If so, be aware that you may need to make some sacrifices for that to happen. The Humane Society of the United States suggests creating an allergy-free zone in the home such as your bedroom and strictly forbidding the pet from entering it. Installing HEPA air cleaners throughout the entire home including the allergy-free zone is also a helpful step for many families in this situation.
Keep in mind that youll probably also need to up the ante on your house cleaning if you decide to keep the cat. This can include removing some of the cats favorite furniture , scrubbing all the walls and woodwork, steam-cleaning any carpets in the home, and even wearing a dust mask to vaccuum.
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Does Hypoallergenic Mean The Cat Wont Shed
Quick, put your lab coats on, its about to get sciencey up in here.
Allergy sufferers generally think that they are allergic to the fur of an animal. Thats why cat breeds which lack some or all of the normal layers in their coat are often believed to be hypoallergenic. Almost true.
In most cases, people are really allergic to -adjust your spectacles- the Fel d 1 protein present in the skin and saliva of cats.
So what does that mean for you?
Its likely that your allergy comes from being in contact with the Fel d 1 proteins in your cats saliva and the oils from their skin. And you arent alone. About 10% of the population of people allergic to cats are likely allergic to this protein.
Its not just the nature of a cats coat or shedding levels that are responsible for allergies.
Have you watched a cat recently?
Most spend a great deal of time licking their fur clean. If youre allergic to the proteins in cat saliva, the amount of hair in the cats coat, or its shedding levels, make no difference to your allergies if it licks itself like theres no tomorrow!
Best Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds
Many people are allergic to cats. There is no cure, as such, but there are several breeds that, in most cases, dont trigger the sneezing and wheezing associated with such allergies. These breeds are called Hypoallergenic, and the key fact is that they dont shed very much fur and dander the usual cause of the problem.
Many people have a violent allergic reaction to cats
It starts with a sneeze and ends with a wheeze It may surprise you to learn that its not actually the hair itself that most people are allergic to. Its down to certain proteins secreted onto the hair via the cats skin , and via its saliva .
These are among the top hypoallergenic breeds – the one that most people won’t be allergic to:
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Nearly Bald Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds
11. Cornish Rex
This hypoallergenic cat is originally from Cornwall England They are bred to have a curved spine and a curly down undercoat, giving them an extremely unique appearance and a very soft coat.
Cornish Rexes can have long lifespans and rightfully so, as they are known to be very affectionate companions. They need regular baths as they have no outer coat to absorb the oils from their skin.
Theyre hypoallergenic though, because they do not shed very much at all and regular bathing will limit the allergens secreted by the skin. All and all this is a great cat and an excellent option for someone in need of a hypoallergenic feline friend.
12. Devon Rex
This lovely little elf is not related to the Cornish Rex contrary to first impressions. This hypoallergenic weirdo is known for its curly hair, triangle face shape, and large ears.
They have three coat lengths, guard , awn and down. This feline has a huge personality and is known for stealing your food and your heart. Devons are playfully mischievous and attention-seeking and are famous for being up in your business!
They are considered hypoallergenic because their hair absorbs the oils containing the Fel d 1 protein and they do not shed very much. With proper grooming, they are less likely to irritate your allergies. Well suited for allergic families seeking a furry goofball.
Can Black Cats Be Hypoallergenic 5 Important & Helpful Topics
Can black cats be hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, there are no truly hypoallergenic cats as all cats produce dander.
Some cats produce more dander than others, making certain breeds more favorable to people suffering from allergies.
There Is No Magical Hypoallergenic Black Cat
Lets start with the cold truth and that is there is no such thing as a 100 percent hypoallergenic cat, be it a black cat or any other color.
You see, Fel d 1 protein is what causes people to have an allergic reaction to cats. This protein comes from saliva, skin, and urine.
When a cat cleans itself, this protein gets all over their fur, which in turn gets all over your house and this is what causes your allergies.
So technically it is not actually your black cats fur that is making your eyes water and causing you to sneeze up a storm!
An Oriental Shorthair Black Cat Could Be The Way To Go
The most obvious answer here for those who want a hypoallergenic black cat is to go for an Oriental short hair.
They have a very fine coat they do not shed much and with regular grooming, they can be as close to hypoallergenic as you can get.
Big Spenders May Like A Sphynx
A Sphynx is most certainly an acquired taste, but there is something very captivating about a black sphynx cat.
A black sphynx cat is very close to being hairless, but they are one of the most expensive breeds out there. It is not an exaggeration to say you could spend up to a grand!
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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 breath.
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.
What Causes Cat Allergies
Allergies are the immune systems abnormal response to otherwise harmless substances called allergens. A person with cat allergies has a hypersensitive immune system that triggers a reaction when the body comes in contact with, or proximity to, cats.
While many people think that a cats fur is the primary allergen, this is actually a widespread misconception. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, the allergic potential of cats is not driven by their fur, but rather by the presence of a protein in the animals saliva, dander, and urine. Although the fur itself is not an allergen, it can collect saliva, dander, and urine in addition to other allergens like dust and pollen, which means that cats with less fur may be less likely to collect allergens and easier to keep clean.
One of the reasons cat allergies are so common is that the size and shape of the Fel d 1 protein molecule is conducive to remaining airborne for long periods of time, subsequently sticking to fur, carpets, fabrics, and other surfaces. This is why highly sensitive people can experience cat allergies even when an animal isnt present. Research has shown that cat allergens can even appear in relatively high concentrations in public places without cats, such as schools and libraries.
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How To Deal With Cat Allergies
Some people choose to use prescription medication to help with their allergies. However, if youd like to avoid this there are some steps you can take to help reduce your allergic reaction to cats.
- Step one: Grooming your pet on a daily basis can help reduce the amount of fur that they shed around the house. Less fur means less dander around your house! Plus, your cat will enjoy the social bonding time with you.
- Step two: Carpets and floorboards have a habit of collecting lots of fur, so a daily clean/hoover can make a huge difference
- Step three: Air purifiers have been known to help reduce allergens floating in the air
- Step four: As people spend a lot of time in the bedroom and come into contact with bed linens which can harbour dander, keeping cats out of the bedroom should greatly reduce your reaction
The good news is that research suggests that some people build up a natural tolerance for their cat over time. However, if you are unfortunate and find yourself in a position where you have to consider rehoming your pet because of your allergies, please contact Blue Cross or another animal charity who will find your cat a new, loving home.
Page last updated 10/09/2019
Sphynxno Hair Don’t Care
When people think of hypoallergenic cats, the first one they tend to bring up is the Sphynx. Since people assume hair is the issue, the hairless Sphynx seems an obvious solution.
In truth, though, the Sphynx’s hypoallergenic nature comes from the fact that they must be regularly bathed to remove the excess oils that fur would usually absorb.
This also removes the dander and dried saliva that would cause a problem for people with allergies.
Because of their unusual look and loving, attentive personalities, they’ve been growing in popularity as both show animals and family pets.
They do need a little extra attention because of their hairlessnessthey’re indoor-only cats since they risk frostbite, sunburn, and other exposure-related issues if they were to go outside.
They also need plenty of warm places to snuggle during the day. It’s risky to put sweaters on cats because they may get caught and injure themselves trying to get free. A blanket in the sun will do just fine.
What do you think? Have you found your next cat breed? I love how they all have such unique personality traits in addition to looking so different.
I’d like to find a playful cat, so I think we’ll look into getting an Ocicat…or maybe a Russian Blue…or maybe both!
We’ll have to see which breed works best for us, check out the nearby shelters, and see if there are any breeders nearby.
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