BONNINSTUDIO / Stocksy
So, you’re keen on cats. However they make your eyes water and itch, and also you sneeze your head off each time they stroll right into a room. You’re not alone: Allergy symptoms to canine and cats have an effect on 10 to twenty p.c of the inhabitants. Sadly, analysis reveals that almost 19 p.c of pet dad and mom who’ve relinquished a cat reported doing so due to allergy symptoms.
Right here’s the excellent news: Cat dad and mom (or aspiring cat dad and mom) with allergy symptoms who’re decided to convey a feline good friend into their lives, and maintain them for a few years to return, can efficiently achieve this.
Do Hypoallergenic Cats Exist?
The reality is, there’s no such factor as a totally hypoallergenic cat (or every other pet, for that matter). However some breeds have a tendency to supply decrease ranges of the protein Fel d 1, which contributes to inflicting fewer allergy signs. Low-shedding cats will also be higher for these with cat allergy symptoms, as much less shedding means a cat is much less prone to shed their allergen-inducing proteins round the home.
What Are Cat Allergy symptoms?
Cat allergy symptoms are brought on by a response to the proteins present in a cat’s saliva, dander, urine, pores and skin, and feces. Some cats may produce much less of those proteins or are much less prone to shed them, however all cats lick themselves when grooming, making it straightforward for them to unfold these allergy-inducing proteins to your physique and trigger a response. Allergens are additionally carried on cats’ hair or dander after which choose carpets, furnishings, and even an individual’s hair or clothes.
Can Hypoallergenic Cats Nonetheless Trigger Allergic Reactions?
Simply because a cat breed is taken into account hypoallergenic doesn’t assure that each particular person cat of that breed might be allergy-friendly or that they received’t trigger an allergic response for you. Selecting a cat that doesn’t set off your allergy symptoms will take some trial and error, however there are steps potential cat dad and mom with allergy symptoms can take to assist scale back the impact of their allergy symptoms earlier than adopting a cat.
For instance, age, neuter standing, and intercourse all have an effect on allergen ranges. All feminine cats and neutered male cats have a tendency to supply decrease ranges of the commonest allergen (Fel d 1) in contrast with unneutered males, so these with allergy symptoms would do higher to undertake a feminine cat or neutered male cat. Folks with allergy symptoms must also take into account adopting an grownup cat as a result of kittens produce fewer Fel d 1 proteins and should offer you a false studying on how your allergy symptoms will react as soon as they develop into adults. You’ll be able to and must also do trial petting periods earlier than committing to adoption and know precisely the way you’ll react.
There are additionally exams that may decide a cat’s allergen ranges utilizing solely their saliva, however they’ll value lots of of {dollars}.
Are There Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds That Produce Fewer Allergens?
Some (however not all) cats inside sure breeds, deemed “hypoallergenic” breeds, have been discovered to supply decrease allergen ranges, however, once more, not all cats throughout the similar breed produce the identical ranges of proteins. What’s extra, any cat can have decrease allergen ranges, together with these of “non-hypoallergenic” breeds comparable to Maine Coons, Persians, Savannahs, Bombays, and Home Shorthairs. Allergen ranges are particular person to every cat — you simply could also be extra prone to discover a match with a “hypoallergenic” breed.
Simply word: A cat’s coat colour, sample, and size don’t have an effect on their stage of allergens.
Finest Cat Breeds for Allergic Folks
Along with taking the entire steps and precautions above, cat lovers with allergy symptoms ought to take into account the next hypoallergenic cat breeds.
Siberian
Regardless of the Siberian’s lengthy, dense coat, some researchers counsel that this breed is probably the most allergy-friendly cat as a result of it produces completely different ranges of Fel d 1 protein, the primary protein that causes allergy symptoms, than different cats. These Russian home cats, typically referred to as Siberian Forest Cats, have very calm inclinations, are fairly pleasant, and are good with children and different animals, however they’ll typically choose one particular person within the family to be particularly near.
Balinese
The Balinese, together with the Siberian, is one of some cat breeds that produce much less Fel d 1 protein than different breeds. This long-haired breed has the purpose coloration because the Siamese and are bred to be very pleasant and outgoing — they’re talkative and can let in the event that they’re not getting sufficient pets.
Devon Rex
The Devon Rex has a really notable coat: it’s quick, smooth, curly, and resembles hair greater than fur. These cats shed lower than many different cat breeds and may even typically be patchy or partially bald. This breed requires common bathing to forestall the build-up of oil on their pores and skin (which additionally helps forestall the unfold of allergens). They’ve a definite look, with outsized ears and eyes and a slim chin, and are sometimes on the smaller facet. They want psychological stimulation and may take pleasure in studying new tips.
Sphynx
Sphynx cats are most likely probably the most well-known of the “hypoallergenic” cats as a result of their hairlessness makes them immediately recognizable. These cats nonetheless produce allergy-inducing dander, however they shed far lower than different cats (for apparent causes). Due to their hairlessness, this breed wants assist regulating their physique temperature in chilly climate however they’re typically keen to put on enjoyable outfits, in order that’s a bonus. They require a skincare routine that the majority different cats don’t as a result of their oily pores and skin just isn’t protected by fur. These cats want constant upkeep from their pet dad and mom, together with common baths and being checked for recurring zits. Yup, these cats get pimples.
Oriental Shorthair
The lithe and muscular Oriental Shorthair cat could produce fewer allergens because of their quick low-shedding coats. They self-groom however prefer to be brushed often and respect targeted consideration from their pet dad and mom and the corporate of different cats. These clever felines have batwing-like ears, lengthy tapered noses, and meow with a particular honk.
Ragdoll
The Ragdoll’s plush coats are as smooth as a cloud, making them irresistible to snuggle up with, however their semi-long coats shed minimally, so allergy victims could discover that they’ve a milder response to this breed. These cats have a mild and affectionate nature and are all the time desperate to be by your facet and bathe you with love.
LaPerm
With quick, low-shedding, curly coats, LaPerms are usually not very excessive upkeep and could also be perfect for some allergy victims. They’re a hardy breed and aren’t related to any explicit well being issues exterior of what one would usually anticipate from any pet. Brushing them as soon as per week or extra throughout excessive shedding seasons will assist maintain them freed from mats.
Russian Blue
The Russian Blue generally is a cool grey or a vibrant silver shade and infrequently appears to be like like a extra elegant home cat in measurement and muscularity. They’ve excessive cheekbones and massive, spherical eyes which might be often a beautiful inexperienced shade. Although they’ve thick coats, they don’t shed very a lot and should produce low ranges of the protein allergen most individuals react to. They like to speak however aren’t terribly loud, so you possibly can take pleasure in many quiet back-and-forth convos collectively.
Bengal
Bengal cats not solely look completely different than most different cats because of being a hybrid cross with an Asian Leopard Cat, however additionally they don’t shed as a lot as different breeds. Additionally they solely have a single coat, so common brushing ought to assist include their fur, and they don’t self-groom as a lot as typical home cats, so they might unfold fewer allergens. These robust, excessive jumpers have fantastically distinct, noticed coats, striped tabby-like bellies, and enormous pointed ears.
Javanese
Javanese cats have quick coats, no undercoats, and usually shed lower than different cats, which leads them to supply fewer allergens than different cats. Associated to the Siamese, this breed could be very loyal to their folks and good-natured however has a critical demeanor. They prefer to snuggle and sleep by your facet and could be all completely different colours.
Burmese
Burmese cats are additionally associated to the Siamese and have quick low-shedding coats, which is perhaps appropriate for some allergy victims. This breed is usually in comparison with canine as a result of they love studying tips and playfulness. They will even speak your ear off; Burmese cats like to meow to get your consideration and be cuddled. They have an inclination to love different cats and even canine, so that they’re good for a house with a number of stimulation and out there consideration.
Are there any grooming or upkeep tricks to scale back allergens within the house?
Bathing your cat as soon as per week reduces allergens, however bear in mind — not all cats are bred to be bathed, and most are usually not into it. For finicky cats, attempt cat wipes. It’s all the time a good suggestion to examine along with your vet earlier than adopting a bubble bathtub routine.
How can I handle cat allergy symptoms if I need to personal a cat?
There are a number of methods you possibly can make use of to attenuate a response to cat allergens. Often cleansing your house, together with ceaselessly vacuuming and utilizing a high-efficiency particulate air cleaner or HEPA filter on your HVAC will go a great distance towards serving to scale back allergy signs. So will washing your palms after petting or taking part in along with your cat.
You can too take into account conserving not less than one room cat free; the bed room is an efficient alternative since you spend hours at evening respiration closely along with your mouth open there. At the least conserving your mattress off limits to your cat is price contemplating, as permitting them to roll round on it spreads allergen proteins the place you place your face for hours.
To cut back allergens round the home:
- Vacuum ceaselessly
- Put money into HEPA filters
- Maintaining not less than one room cat free
- Wash your palms ceaselessly
- Groom your cat exterior of the home
Hypoallergenic Cats FAQ
Are there hypoallergenic cat breeds that produce fewer allergens?
There are hypoallergenic cat breeds that are prone to produce fewer allergens together with the Siberian, Balinese and the Russian Blue.
How can I handle cat allergy symptoms if I need to personal a cat?
To assist handle your cat allergy symptoms, select a low-allergen cat, create a cat-free zone, do frequent grooming of your cat, clear your house commonly, and wash your palms after petting your cat.
What particular traits make sure cat breeds higher for folks with allergy symptoms?
Folks with allergy symptoms ought to search for low-shedding cat breeds which scale back the unfold of dander. Grownup cats are a good selection as a result of they’ve steady allergen ranges and spay or neuter your cat as a result of it reduces allergen ranges.
Can hypoallergenic cats nonetheless trigger allergic reactions?
Sure, hypoallergenic cat breeds nonetheless produce Fel d 1 proteins and should trigger allergic reactions.
Are there any grooming or upkeep tricks to scale back allergens within the house?
To cut back allergens within the house vacuum ceaselessly, groom your cat exterior of the home, use an air air purifier, and maintain not less than one room cat-free.
Are there over-the-counter or prescription drugs to assist with cat allergy symptoms?
Sure, there are a number of over-the-counter and prescription drugs that may assist handle cat allergy symptoms together with antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops and allergy pictures. Seek the advice of your physician to find out the most effective therapy choice.
Citations
