Cats are incredibly cute, soft, and cuddly. So it only makes sense that you want to run out and adopt a feline friend RIGHT MEOW!
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Unfortunately, cat allergies are common in humans, often resulting in signs camp; symptoms like sneezing, itching of the skin, tearing eyes, coughing and wheezing when a cat is close-by. If you are within the 10% of the population with cat-related allergies you might be thinking that this is not an option for you. Well, we are here to tell you there is still hope!
Pets allergies
Before we talk about hypoallergenic cat breeds, let’s delve into what causes your cat allergies in the first place. A pet allergy is not caused by the cat’s fur, hair, or feathers; it’s usually an allergic reaction to the proteins found in their dander (dead skin cells), saliva and urine.
Most people’s allergic reaction to cats is triggered by a protein called Fel D1, which is actually found for the most part in the cat’s saliva. This protein is transferred to the fur when cats groom themselves. Eventually, the Fel D1 dries off and becomes airborne, triggering people’s allergies.
Cat Allergy Symptoms
If you already suffer from allergies, you’re well aware of how you feel in the presence of the Fel D1 protein. However, if you think you might be allergic but are not sure if you’re allergic to cats, these are the typical symptoms of an allergic reaction:
- runny nose
- you find yourself sneezing a lot
- you’re eyes are red, swollen or itchy
- sometimes you cough
- you start noticing skin irritations such as redness, rash or hives
What do you mean by Hypoallergenic cats?
The first point to cover here is that there are not such a thing as 100% hypoallergenic cats. The good news is that hypoallergenic cats are felines that typically produce less allergens than regular cats, however they still produce some allergens.
Another thing you should know is that male cats produce more Fel D1 protein than female cats, especially if they’re not neutered.
So, before taking any decisions we recommend that you visit your preferred allergist and discuss a treatment to control your allergies before purchasing or adopting a cat.
So, what are the best hypoallergenic cat breeds?
Below you will find the 5 most recommended hypoallergenic cat breeds:
Bengal cat
This little guy’s pelts require much less grooming than other breeds, therefore they don’t groom themselves as often and so their fur contains less Fel D1. They also don’t shed much.
Devon Rex cat
Devon Rex cats only have an undercoat of soft, wavy hair, which makes them shed less than other cats.
Siberian cat
With all that long fur, it seems unlikely that these guys are hypoallergenic, right? The truth is that Siberians produce less Fel D1 protein than regular cats. In fact, a significant amount of people with allergies have reported to have no symptoms at all around Siberians.
Hairless Sphynx cat
As the name reveals, hairless Sphynx do not have any fur to trap all that Fel D1
and therefore do not spread this protein nearly as much as other cat breeds.
Russian blue cat
Russian blue cats rarely shed, which makes them a great option for owners with allergies.
Plus, once they warm up to you, Russian blues are some of the most affectionate and playful cats.
If you are ready to become a lucky cat’s human, visit Dr. Pasha to talk about a way to control your allergies around your new furry friend.
