Hypoallergenic Cats - The Truth About it!

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.