Hypoallergenic Cats

Hypoallergenic Cats: What You Need to Know

If you love cats but suffer from allergies, you might think that you can never own a furry friend. However, that's not necessarily true. There are some cat breeds that are considered hypoallergenic, meaning they produce less allergens than other cats. In this article, we'll explain what hypoallergenic cats are, how they differ from other cats, and what breeds are best for people with allergies.

What are hypoallergenic cats?

Hypoallergenic cats are cats that produce less of a protein called Fel d 1, which is the main cause of cat allergies in humans. This protein is found in cat saliva, urine, and dander (dead skin cells). When cats groom themselves, they spread the protein on their fur, which then becomes airborne and triggers allergic reactions in some people.

Hypoallergenic cats are not completely allergen-free, but they may cause less or no symptoms in people who are mildly or moderately allergic to cats. However, people who are severely allergic to cats may still react to hypoallergenic cats, so it's important to consult with your doctor before getting a cat if you have a serious allergy.

How do hypoallergenic cats differ from other cats?

Hypoallergenic cats differ from other cats in their coat type, length, and texture. Some hypoallergenic cats have long hair, but they shed less than other long-haired cats. Some have short hair, but they have a finer or wavier coat that traps less dander. Some have no hair at all, but they still produce saliva and urine that contain the allergen.

The level of Fel d 1 protein also varies among individual cats, even within the same breed. Some factors that affect the amount of Fel d 1 include the cat's age, gender, diet, health, and environment. Generally, male cats produce more Fel d 1 than female cats, and intact cats produce more than spayed or neutered cats.

What breeds are hypoallergenic cats?

There is no official list of hypoallergenic cat breeds, but some breeds are commonly recommended for people with allergies. These include:

Siberian cat: This is a long-haired, low-allergen breed that originates from Russia. Siberian cats have a thick, water-resistant coat that helps them survive in cold climates. They are affectionate, playful, and loyal to their owners. 

Siamese cat: This is a short-haired, vocal breed that originates from Thailand. Siamese cats have a sleek, elegant appearance and striking blue eyes. They are intelligent, curious, and sociable with humans and other animals.

Bengal cat: This is a spotted, energetic breed that originates from crossing domestic cats with Asian leopard cats. Bengal cats have a soft, silky coat that sheds less than other cats. They are active, adventurous, and love to play with water.

Russian Blue: This is a calm, shy breed that originates from Russia. Russian Blue cats have a dense, silver-blue coat that gives them a plush appearance. They are gentle, quiet, and loyal to their owners. 

Sphynx cat: This is a hairless, oil-prone breed that originates from Canada. Sphynx cats have no fur, but they still produce saliva and urine that contain the allergen. They are friendly, outgoing, and love to cuddle with humans. They need regular bathing and grooming to keep their skin healthy. 

Devon Rex: This is a curly-haired, intelligent breed that originates from England. Devon Rex cats have a wavy, fine coat that sheds less than other cats. They are playful, mischievous, and love to perch on high places. They need regular brushing and cleaning to prevent oily buildup on their coat.

Cornish Rex: This is a curly-haired, playful breed that originates from England. Cornish Rex cats have a wavy, soft coat that sheds less than other cats. They are lively, acrobatic, and love to chase and fetch. They need regular brushing and cleaning to prevent oily buildup on their coat.

Javanese cat: This is a long-haired, vocal breed that originates from crossing Siamese, Balinese, and Colorpoint Shorthair cats. Javanese cats have a silky, single-layer coat that sheds less than other long-haired cats. They are smart, affectionate, and love to communicate with humans.

Balinese cat: This is a long-haired, trainable breed that originates from crossing Siamese and long-haired cats. Balinese cats have a fluffy, single-layer coat that sheds less than other long-haired cats. They are elegant, graceful, and love to learn new tricks.

Oriental Shorthair: This is a sleek, elegant breed that originates from crossing Siamese and other shorthaired cats. Oriental Shorthair cats have a fine, glossy coat that sheds less than other cats. They are energetic, inquisitive, and love to be the center of attention. 

Burmese cat: This is a short-haired, high-energy breed that originates from Burma. Burmese cats have a smooth, satin-like coat that sheds less than other cats. They are friendly, affectionate, and love to play with humans and other animals. 

How to choose a hypoallergenic cat?

If you are interested in getting a hypoallergenic cat, here are some tips to help you choose the right one for you:

- Do your research: Learn as much as you can about the different hypoallergenic cat breeds, their characteristics, personalities, and care needs. You can use online resources, books, magazines, or talk to breeders and owners to get more information.

- Visit a shelter or breeder: The best way to find out if you are allergic to a specific cat is to spend some time with it. You can visit a local shelter or a reputable breeder and interact with the cats you are interested in. Observe how you feel and if you have any allergic reactions. You can also ask for a fur sample or a saliva swab from the cat and test it at home or with your doctor.

- Consider your lifestyle: Besides your allergies, you also need to consider your lifestyle and preferences when choosing a cat. Think about how much time, space, and money you can devote to your cat. Some hypoallergenic cats are more active, vocal, or demanding than others, so you need to find a cat that matches your personality and expectations.

- Adopt or buy responsibly: If you decide to get a hypoallergenic cat, make sure you adopt or buy from a responsible source. Avoid pet shops, online ads, or backyard breeders that may sell unhealthy or mistreated cats. Look for a reputable shelter or breeder that can provide you with health certificates, vaccination records, and pedigree papers. You should also spay or neuter your cat to prevent unwanted litters and reduce the risk of health problems.

Conclusion

Hypoallergenic cats are cats that produce less allergens than other cats. They are not completely allergen-free, but they may cause less or no symptoms in people who are mildly or moderately allergic to cats. There are many hypoallergenic cat breeds to choose from, each with its own unique features and personality. If you want to get a hypoallergenic cat, you need to do your research, visit a shelter or breeder, consider your lifestyle, and adopt or buy responsibly. With proper care and love, a hypoallergenic cat can be a wonderful companion for you and your family.