According to The National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases, between 6 and 10 million Americans are allergic to cats or
other pets. If you're an allergy sufferer who also happens to be a cat lover,
you may be interested in low allergen cats.
What Makes A Cat Hypoallergenic?
Low allergen, or "hypoallergenic" cats are those
that typically produce fewer allergens than "regular" cats. The
operative word here is "fewer." Hypoallergenic is not synonymous with
non-allergenic, and no breed is completely non-allergenic.
A protein (Feel D) is the allergen in the cat's saliva is
what causes problems for allergy sufferers. Once your cat licks her coat, the
allergen-laden spit dries and becomes airborne, seeking a warm home in your
nose and sinuses. hypoallergenic cats Some cat breeds produce less of this
protein than others, making them hypoallergenic.
Several Factors Affect Cats' Allergen Production:
Males produce more allergenic secretions than females
Intact males produce more than neutered males hypoallergenic
cats
Dark cats tend to produce more than light-colored ones (no
one knows why)
Kittens produce fewer allergens than adults
So, hypoallergenic cats a light-colored female cat might
work out better for people with cat allergies.
Cats Good For Allergy Sufferers
Although no cat breed is truly hypoallergenic - all cats
produce at least some allergens - there are seven breeds that produce fewer
allergens than others. This hypoallergenic cats list should not be the only
thing you consider when researching which breed of cat to adopt hypoallergenic
cats, however. Be sure to consider all of each breed's characteristics to
determine which is the best fit for your household.
Hypoallergenic Cats List
Three of the seven hypo-allergenic breeds are Oriental
lines: the Balinese, Oriental Short hair and Javanese. This provides several
options for cat lovers who'd like a low allergen cat with the characteristics
of the popular Siamese hypoallergenic cats.
Balinese: Often referred to as the "long-haired
Siamese," the Balinese looks like an unlikely candidate for a
hypoallergenic cat. hypoallergenic cats But it is one of the few breeds that
produces less of the Fel D1 protein than other cats, thus causing fewer
allergic reactions in allergy sufferers.
Oriental Shorthair: They're hypoallergenic, hypoallergenic
cats but it's still a good practice to groom your cat frequently (brushing as
well as wiping her down) to keep dander to a minimum.
Javanese: Like the Balinese, the Javanese sports a
medium-long single coat that doesn't mat. Because of the lack of undercoat,
they have less fur which translates into fewer allergens.
Two "Rex" cats are on the list: the Devon and
Cornish Rex hypoallergenic cats. Both shed very little fur, which is good news
for allergy sufferers:
Devon Rex: Of the two, the Devon has both shorter fur and
less fur. Your Devon Rex will need to have her paw pads and ears cleaned of oil
build-up frequently, hypoallergenic cats but doesn't need frequent full baths
like the Sphynx or Cornish Rex.
Cornish Rex: The Cornish Rex requires hypoallergenic cats
more upkeep than the Devon because they require frequent baths to mitigate the
oil buildup on their skin.
The last two cats on the list offer you a choice of hairless
or hairy:
Sphynx: The hairless Sphynx is the cat most often associated
with being hypoallergenic. Being hairless does not mean they're
maintenance-free, however. Your Sphynx will need frequent baths to remove the
gummy buildup of oils on her skin, hypoallergenic cats and her large ears will
also require frequent cleanings.
Siberian: Like the Balinese, the Siberian sports a
moderately long coat, but still is hypoallergenic due to the lower-than-average
enzyme levels in their saliva. Some claim that 75 percent of cat allergy
sufferers have no reaction to the Siberian.
After You've Brought Your Hypoallergenic Cat Home
It's important to understand that adopting a
"hypoallergenic" cat may not be the panacea you're expecting. Before
you adopt a cat, spend some time with her or a cat of the same breed to see if
your allergies remain in check.
If you're getting your cat from a breeder, ask if you can
return the cat if your allergies remain a problem (reputable breeders will
allow you to do so).
Even better, adopt from a rescue organization for the breed;
they will always accept returns hypoallergenic cats.
Once you have a cat, there are steps you can take to
minimize allergens whether she's a hypoallergenic cats breed or not:
Frequent Baths and Brushing
If you're allergic, the process is best left to a groomer or
family member.
the truth about hypoallergenic cats
Research has proven that washing your cat 2 -3 times a week
can remove up to 84 percent of existing allergens and reduce the future
production of allergens. Some claim that using cool, distilled water in the
bath may also reduce allergen levels.
hypoallergenic cats Frequent brushing will reduce the amount
of hair and dander loose in your home.
Wash Toys and Cat Bedding
Washing cat toys and bedding also reduces the number of
allergens hypoallergenic cats floating around your home. Do so at least once a
week.
hypoallergenic cats how to.
Don't Touch!
After touching your cat, wash your face and hands.
hypoallergenic cats Never touch your eyes or face before you've done so.
Learn More
If you're an allergy sufferer who is serious about adding a
cat to your household, hypoallergenic cats read, The Sneeze-Free Cat Owner by
Diane Morgan. It provides extensive information on allergy management including
natural and homeopathic treatments for allergy sufferers hypoallergenic cats.