What Type Of Cats Are Hypoallergenic

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TOP Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds – Allergy Friendly Cats!

Adrienne Kruzer is a Registered and Licensed Veterinary Technician in three states and has been writing about pet and vet information for over a decade. She also regularly lectures on pet nutrition to fellow veterinary professionals and works for a major veterinary supplement manufacturer.

She has both a personal and professional interest in pet nutrition and enjoys helping owners solve problems with their pets. Her years of working in various animal hospitals alongside her formal college education and elective continuing education classes have provided her with a wealth of experience and knowledge.

What Is The Number One Hypoallergenic Cat

If you are looking for a truly hypoallergenic cat, consider the Sphynx cat. This cat is fur-free, which majorly cuts down on the chances of them passing the cat allergen onto someone who is allergic. However, getting the number one hypoallergenic cat also comes with its own set of challenges, as Sphynx cats are quite high-maintenance animals even though they do not have any fur.

While you wont be brushing the fur on your hairless cat or picking up hairballs from around your home, the Sphynx cat requires weekly baths. Their skin gets incredibly oily because they do not have any hair to pull the oil away from their skin. Their skin collects oil and dirt, and they need to be bathed in order to prevent build-up from developing on their skin. Hairless cats are also known for getting acne because of their oily skin, so you may need to put your Sphynx cat on a skincare routine.

While getting a hypoallergenic cat solves the problem of a cat giving you allergies, it also creates a bigger problem of having to care for an animal that needs a lot of specialized attention. This is something to consider when you evaluate which type of hypoallergenic cat to bring home. A Lykoi cat is much lower maintenance and still provides some of the benefits of having a somewhat hypoallergenic cat!

Dealing With Cat Allergies The Natural Way

If youve decided that you still want a cat to be part of your family, even with your allergies, there are ways to lessen the allergy symptoms associated with your pet. This is in addition to the medical interventions listed above.

Here are some natural methods for dealing with cat allergy symptoms:

Keep your cat out of your bedroom 24/7
Give your cat their own space and theyll likely spend a lot of time there
Steam clean carpets on a regular basis
Let fresh air in whenever possible
Use anti-allergen sprays
Clean your cats litter box regularly

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Do Lykoi Cats Need Baths

Lykoi cats do not need baths. However, bathing a Lykoi cat can help cut down on the amount of dander and overall shedding which can, in turn, lead to fewer allergies.

Most Lykoi cats can go months without bathing due to their short coat and their ability to keep themselves clean. In certain instances, Lykoi cats can produce more oils and end up needing more frequent bathing.

Important Steps Before Getting Your Hypoallergenic Cat

These Are the Best Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds for People ...

Not all hypoallergenic cat breeds are created equally. If you have sensitive allergies, a certain breed might not be right for you.

Before you bring a cat home, its recommended that you get to know them first.

You could visit them in a shelter or at the breeders location and spend at least an hour together. That way, you give your allergies some time to act up and you also find out what its like to be around that breed.

Once youre satisfied that your allergies are in check, you can make preparations for bringing your new cat home.

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Types Of Cats That Are Hypoallergenic

Cats cause allergies in a lot of people. There are some races which do not induce sneezing and wheezing associated with allergies in the vast majority of cases. These breeds are known as hypoallergenic, and the essential feature is that they dont shed a lot of fur and dander, which is the most common cause of allergies.

It begins with a sneeze and ends It can surprise you that most people are not allergic to the hair itself. This is because of several proteins that are secreted through the skin of the cat and saliva .They are among the highest hypoallergenic races those to which most people will not be allergic:

1.Abyssinian Cat

The Abyssinian is an in-house short-haires cat race in which individual hair is bonded with different colors, with a unique tabbed coat ticking. In terms of nomenclature they are sometimes called as just abysses. The race is called for Abyssinia, from where it is thought to come .

With regard to cat domestication, the Abyssinian was discovered to be one of the oldest varieties of animal, and mummified cats in Egyptian grave studies were conducted by archeologists which appeared comparable to the standards of the present race. Although in the past, the Abyssinian is considered comparably obscure as a breed compared to others, it is today one of the worlds five best-known breeds.

2.Balinese Cat

3.Bengal Cat

4.Burmese Cat

5.Colorpoint Shorthair

6.Cornish Rex

7.Devon Rex

8. Javanese Cat

9.LaPerm Cat

10. Munchkin

11. Ocicat Cat

Medication To Deal With Cat Allergies

In addition to choosing a cat from the list of hypoallergenic breeds above, there are other ways to keep cat allergies at bay and still enjoy the company of these sweet animals.

One way is through allergy medications. If you havent yet explored various allergy medications, this might be a way for you to own a cat and eliminate a lot of the allergy symptoms that you would experience.

Allergy medications are available in the form of doctor-administered injections and over-the-counter medications. Allergy shots for cats, or immunotherapy, can treat your allergies by helping you build a tolerance to the allergens over a period of time.

For those who prefer over-the-counter medications, products such as nasal sprays, antihistamines, and other allergy symptom relievers are possible options. Consult with your doctor to know whats best for your specific allergy condition and symptoms to prescribe the right treatment method.

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No Cat Is 100% Hypoallergenic

Even without fur, hairless cats arent completely hypoallergenic as no cat breed is. The Fel d 1 allergen is always present in the saliva, skin oils, and dander of cats, including hairless ones.

Since a hairless cat still grooms himself even though hes without hair, the allergy-triggering protein accumulates on the animal to trigger mild allergic reactions in people with cat allergies.

Quick Tips For New Pet Parents

ALLERCA Hypoallergenic Cat – Today Show

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.

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Best For Picky Eaters: Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Recipe

Some cats can be really picky eaters, which makes it especially difficult to find a hypoallergenic food that theyll eat. Pet owners give this flavor of Instinct cat food a high rating on flavor, so picky pets may be more apt to give it a go. Rabbit is the novel protein in this food and it contains no grain, chicken, fish, beef, dairy, soy, or potatoes making it less likely to cause a problem for a cat with allergies.

With concerns for the quality control of pet foods and the potential for a product to contain an allergen, trusted companies like Hills and Royal Canin can provide scientific research, high manufacturing standards, and satisfaction guarantees on their products. Hydrolyzed proteins and single carbohydrate sources are the safest option for allergy-prone cats, so foods like Hills Prescription Diet z/d are recommended. Hills Prescription Diet d/d is another quality option to ensure common allergens are avoided.

What Sets Off Those Allergies

Research shows that the main culprit is a protein known as Fel d 1 found in a cats saliva.

So even though you might think the biggest problem is cat fur, the source is really their saliva. As such, when cats lick their fur, the protein becomes airborne and wreaks havoc with your allergies.

Fortunately, hypoallergenic cat breeds produce less of the protein so theyre safer for allergy sufferers.

Other substances that cause allergies are cat dander and urine. These allergens can also land on surfaces in a house and stick around for months.

All in all, hypoallergenic cat breeds are a much safer option for allergy suffers. And in addition to breed, there are several other factors that affect the amount of allergen produced by a cat:

Kittens tend to generate less allergens than adult cats.
Female cats tend to produce less allergen than their male counterparts.
Neutered male cats produce less allergen than those that havent been fixed.
Inexplicably, light-colored cats produce less allergen than darker ones.

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Are There Cats That Dont Cause Allergies

In short, no cats are guaranteed not to cause an allergic reaction. All cats produce some Fel D1 protein. The idea of a completely hypoallergenic cat seems to be a myth. But some breeds are less likely to trigger allergies than others. Many cat lovers have been able to finally adopt a furry friend by finding a breed that doesnt make them sneeze. Below we look at six of the breeds known for causing less allergic reactions.

Important: Never assume a more hypoallergenic cat breed wont cause any allergic reaction at all. The term refers to cats less likely to cause a reaction, but each cat and human is different. Some hypoallergenic cats can still provoke allergic reactions in some people. Anyone with allergies should spend time with their chosen cat breed, and preferably their specific cat, before bringing them into their home. The worst thing for all parties would be to have to give up a kitty due to allergies.

An interesting note on Fel D1 protein levels

Not all cats produce the same level of Fel D1 protein. Kittens produce less of the protein than adults. Female cats and neutered male cats produce less Fel D1 than unneutered male cats. Female cats produce the same levels, whether spayed or not.

Best Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds

Believe it or not, its not actually the hair itself that most people are allergic to, but proteins that are secreted by the skin and present in the cats saliva . While there are no 100% hypoallergenic breeds, there are non-shedding cats that dont shed nearly as much hair and dander as other breeds. These rarely cause allergic reactions, and can often be a great option for people who normally suffer around pets. We would advise spending some time with a cat of the specific breed youre thinking of getting before you commit, to see if it will work for you and your family. Here is a list of our top 7 favourite hypoallergenic cat breeds.

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What Are The Symptoms

Symptoms of a cat allergy might develop in just a few minutes or take hours to appear. They include:

Coughing and wheezing
Hives or a rash on the chest and face
Red, itchy eyes
Redness of the skin where a cat has scratched, bitten or licked
Runny, itchy, stuffy nose
Sneezing

If you are not sure you are suffering from an allergy to cats, you can request an allergy test. This involves either a skin patch test or a blood test.

Choosing A Hypoallergenic Cat For Your Family

Looking into cat breeds with minimal shedding and low grooming needs those that we consider hypoallergenic is a great place to start if you or someone in your family has allergies.

At the end of the day, however, all cats are different and its difficult to say for sure if a certain breed or a certain cat will or wont cause a reaction. Therefore, as youre trying to determine which cat is right for you, it can be helpful to talk to breeders, veterinarians, or other experts for more information and insight into your specific situation.

And, whichever feline you welcome into your family, learn how Pumpkin can help keep your cat healthy.

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The Best Cat Breeds For People With Allergies

Some are furless but all are full of character. These felines are considered hypoallergenic, including the Balinese, Siberian, Devon and Cornish Rex, and Bengals.

Let’s face it, a cat allergy is not pretty. Sneezing, hives, itchy eyes, and even severe asthma attacks can happen when a furry friend is underfoot. To make matters worse, cat allergies are fairly prevalent: As it turns out, people are twice as likely to be allergic to cats than dogs. Does this mean that you can’t bring home a purring cat if you’ve experienced allergic reactions in the past? Simply put, it depends. Common belief is that the amount of hair or fur on an animal is what causes allergies. However, cat geneticist Leslie Lyons, who runs the University of Missouri’s Feline and Comparative Genetics Laboratory, says this isn’t true. “You’re not allergic to the hair you’re allergic to proteins that are in their saliva.” And when people talk about a cat’s dander, what they mean are these proteins.

Here’s the science: Fel d 1 protein is found in the cat’s skin, saliva, and urine. When a cat cleans itself by licking its fur, the Fel d 1-laden saliva dries and turns into an airborne allergen. This is added to the fact that the owner has it on their hands after petting the cat and can spread it to other surfaces plus, cats inhabit almost every nook and cranny of a home, making the allergen widespread.

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Hypoallergenic Cats and Dogs: Do They Exist?

It is a ubiquitous question that should I get allergic to my cat? While a person has cat allergies, he goes for adopting a cat with fewer allergies. Hypoallergenic cats are mostly chosen by many persons who have direct or indirect allergies from cats or cat products. Cats produce a considerable amount of allergens from their body secretions, fur, droppings, and saliva. Many cats are affected by a fungal disease, dandruff, and external parasites.

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Boxiecat Premium Clumping Hypoallergenic Cat Litter

The Boxiecat Premium Clumping Hypoallergenic Cat Litter is the veterinarians favourite choice and equally loved by cats as it is 99.9% dust free and shows quick and effective clumping action.

The litter also helps in eliminating ammonia odor from urine and forms flat top clumps for ease of cleaning and scooping. The packet only comprises of pure and premium clay with no scents, chemicals or artificial fragrances.

Features

Not effective in controlling urine smell and ammonia odor

Can I Adopt A Lykoi Cat If Im Allergic

Whether you should adopt a Lykoi cat depends heavily on the type of cat allergy you have. If cats only mildly bother you and give you a stuffy nose sometimes, then a Lykoi cat would be an excellent choice for your family. However, if you have a fatal allergy when you come in contact with the protein allergen Fel d 1, then it is not advised to adopt a Lykoi cat.

The Lykoi cat carries that allergen in their saliva, skin, and urine. A Lykoi cat is likely to cause way less severe allergies, but it is not going to prevent your allergies from happening at all. The Lykoi cat is ideal for someone who wants a small short hair cat that sheds less and will spread less pet dander in their home.

However, even with cats fully classified as hypoallergenic, they still can bother your allergies if your allergies are severe enough. If you are worried about this, consider talking to your doctor before bringing a cat home to see if they have any advice on the severity of your allergy and whether you should avoid having a cat as a pet at all.

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Cats Pride Fresh & Light Cat Litter

Cats Pride Fresh and Light Hypoallergenic Cat Litter is one the best hypoallergenic cat litter that has no artificial scents or fragrances and is 50% lighter than any other type of litter.

The allergy-free cat litter is known to from hard and firm clumps and offers ultimate performance for a good 35-40 days. It forms around 140 clumps which are firm and strong as well as easy to scoop.