You are allergic to cats but a lover of these wonderful felines, so how do you deal with them without getting sick in the process? Did you know that there are hypoallergenic cats? Discover which breeds can accompany you without affecting your health, as well as tips for living with your pet to reduce allergies.
What are hypoallergenic cats?
In theory, this type of cat should be like a kind of anti-allergic stuffed animal, which means that people prone to reactions to them, such as: sneezing, runny nose, cough, skin rashes, itchy eyes, etc; they can share the same space without this happening.
This scenario of hypoallergenic cats is ideal, however, because they are animals, the possibility is not 100% real, but rather these cats generate fewer allergenic substances in their body, whose origin is not precisely in their fur as most think. people, but rather they come from a substance emitted through urine and saliva.
In any case, people will have to discover for themselves which of the breeds of cats It is the one that is best for you to adopt to cope with your health problem, together with the use of tools and strategies at home that allow you to minimize the effect that causes allergic reactions and thus be able to enjoy the company of your adorable pet in a healthy way.
Are there really hypoallergenic cat breeds?
Literally not, but it has been proven that the so-called hypoallergenic cats produce a protein called Fel D1 to a lesser extent, which is secreted through urine, saliva and skin, than when in contact with the cat's hair (through grooming) is impregnated, as well as the spaces where it circulates or drops its dead fur.
Another factor that is taken into account in cats to consider them as hypoallergenic is the amount of hair they shed daily, since this defines the spread (with greater or lesser ease) of the protein that causes pathological reactions in humans.
It is important to know that, at least in the United States, 3 out of 10 people have some kind of allergy to cats and it should be considered that not all of that 30% will be able to live with these friends, even if they are cats that do not give allergies (apparently)
Remember that, with these species, the allergen is still present, but in less quantity, it is only a matter of taking certain measures that allow cohabitation without major complications.
There's no guarantee, and if your allergy level is acute, there's unfortunately a chance that you'll have to give up the idea of bringing a cat home and opt for another type of companion.
Main breeds of hypoallergenic cats
With all the tools to minimize the chances of allergies caused by cats, you can encourage yourself to have your beloved pet at home!
Do not forget that each individual has their own level of tolerance and the approach to cats can affect them with a different intensity, so it is suggested to carry out a test prior to adoption to avoid emotional damage to these felines.
Below, we offer you a list with the Top Ten of the most recommended breeds for allergy sufferers:
Sphinx
Of Canadian origin, this cat has a peculiar appearance that makes it extremely striking due to its absence of hair, which is the consequence of a natural mutation in its recessive genes. This species, also known as the Egyptian cat, is considered by many to be a hypoallergenic breed.
However, as we have seen previously, the allergenic effect of cats is not caused by their fur but by the presence of the protein called Fel D1, which is secreted mainly through urine and saliva.
In this sense, they expose their owners to allergic crises like any other breed, since sphynx cats generate the normal amount of allergenic protein that can trigger an adverse reaction. Likewise, it requires regular baths to strip its skin of oils that store this substance.
Javanese
Also called Mandarin cat or long-haired oriental cat, it is a variety characterized by its sophisticated and elegant profile. He is usually playful and very given to people, showing affection naturally.
It is a pet that can stay alone for several hours. As it is a fairly independent animal, it can be without the constant attention of human beings, making it ideal for those who, due to work or other activities, must be absent from home. In any case, the distance period should not be greater than 12 hours.
The Javanese cat is considered hypoallergenic because it has a single coat of fur, that is, it sheds less hair and in this sense it irrigates less allergenic proteins throughout the house. In addition, it is soft and easy to maintain with frequent brushing and bathing.
Oriental shorthair
It could be considered a subspecies of the Siamese cat, the product of a mix between North American shorthair cats and resulting in more than 300 different patterns.
One of the characteristics of cats oriental shorthair, is that they emit meows that refer to talking because they do so in a much stronger tone than usual. They are quite funny and playful, ideal to have at home.
Like the Javanese cat, it is considered hypoallergenic because it has a single layer of hair and as a point in its favor it is short, reducing the spread of allergens. However, proper maintenance of its cleanliness through regular bathing and brushing is essential.
Devon rex
It is a breed originating in the United Kingdom (Devon) in the year 1960. It is characterized by having a short and slightly curly coat and, together with the Cornish rex, it sheds very little fluff.
This peculiar feline is extremely affectionate, greatly enjoys the company of people, so it tolerates being alone at home very little.
It has been considered ideal to be adopted by allergy sufferers due to its low dose of Fel D1 protein production, located in its urine and saliva. While grooming his fur is impregnated with this substance, but due to his little hair loss his allergen level is substantially low.
conish rex
It is a cat of English origin, also known as Killibunker. It is distinguished by its accentuated musculature and slenderness. It is the only breed that exists with a single lower layer of hair, since most cats have an intermediate layer and another upper or protective layer.
This species is not part of the felines that produce less amount of Fel D1, but they are considered hypoallergenic because their characteristic curly and dense coat makes them shed much less hair than most, preventing the spread of allergens, which, as we have already said, They are found in the saliva and when they clean themselves they fill their fur with this substance.
Testing before adopting these friends is recommended, as they are susceptible to becoming attached to people quickly. If her master's allergic picture is severe and the approach is intolerable, she will emotionally suffer his separation.
Bengali
Considered one of the most striking cats due to its wild appearance and leopard features, the Bengal is of Asian origin and its distribution extends from the Philippines to Pakistan and from Somalia to Mongolia.
Result of the fortuitous cross between a domestic cat and a female leopard cat, this species is one of the most recommended breeds to share the space with allergy sufferers, since its Fel D1 levels are considerably low.
It is extremely active and curious, so it requires a lot of physical activity in the company of its human family. You should also be cleaned frequently to reduce the risks of allergens and take particular care with your ears because they accumulate a large amount of earwax.
Russian blue
Its origin is uncertain, as it is one of the oldest domestic cat breeds in the world. There are indications that it arrived in England on commercial ships from Russia, which is why it was called the archangel cat.
Russian Blue cats are beautiful specimens, internationally recognized as a breed, with their incomparable greyish-blue color and green eyes. They generally have a calm personality, are usually friendly and highly intelligent; perfect characteristics to become the best pet a family can have.
Their thick fur has a double layer that keeps the Fel D1 protein closer to their skin than from contact with surfaces shared with humans. Its ability to generate said allergen is much lower compared to other breeds, making it an ideal option for people intolerant to these pathogens.
Siberian
Coming from eastern Russia, this cat has developed a dense and abundant coat, managing to tolerate temperatures in the Siberian forests of up to 30 degrees below zero. They are very affectionate, loyal and docile cats; assiduous to play for long hours with people.
It is considered the most recommended cat breed for people with allergies, since, despite having a large amount of long and thick hair, it practically does not produce the Fel D1 protein, known as the allergen that most affects humans.
However, a Siberian cat does not guarantee the total disappearance of allergies in people, since for some it can also cause some adverse effect. Like the other hypoallergenic breeds, it is important to keep it clean and brush it frequently, especially to rule out possible tangles.
Balinese
Around the year 1940, the Balinese cat was recognized in the United States, coming from crosses with Siamese cats and long-haired domestic cats, resulting in a beautiful feline capable of living in perfect harmony with human beings.
The Balinese cat is extremely docile, its meow is soft and melodious, it is usually so serene that it looks like an aristocratic cat, it is also playful and faithful, turning out to be an excellent companion for children of any age.
It is also known as the long-haired Siamese and precisely due to its dense and long coat, it can be confused with a highly allergenic cat. However, like the Siberian cat, it generates fewer Fel D1 proteins than other cat species, and therefore reduces the impact it can have on allergic effects in people.
Regarding its maintenance, it is enough to brush them a couple of times a week to remove dead hair and avoid knots.
theperm
Being one of the most recently recognized breeds, the LaPerm cat was discovered in Oregon (United States) in 1997. It arose from a natural genetic alteration in the litter of a cat raised on an American farm, whose kittens were born bald and they developed their curly fur months later.
These beautiful cats, in addition to producing the allergen Fel D1 in low proportions, are considered hypoallergenic because they shed very little hair. Which means that, to avoid allergic processes in humans, laperm cats can be combed with moderate frequency.
Factors to consider in hypoallergenic cats
Cats in general respond to a series of situations that disinhibit the proteins that cause the various allergic processes in people.
This is how we must take advantage of nature in our favor and consider:
- Male specimens, given their testosterone concentration, produce a greater amount of allergens. Castration undoubtedly contributes to the reduction of these agents.
- On the other hand, in sterilized cats the production of progesterone is inhibited and this leads to their Fel D1 levels being reduced.
- The baby kittens they generate allergens at a lower rate than adult cats
- As for the color of the coat, dark cats produce more of this protein than felines with light hair.
Tips for living with a cat being allergic
As we have already said, cats are not totally hypoallergenic, since all felines to a greater or lesser extent produce the Fel D1 protein.
However, we have the possibility of taking actions at home that allow us to improve the conditions to reduce these allergens affecting us:
- Limit the access of the cat to your room, in order to prevent it from spreading allergens that cause you a crisis during the night.
- Perform regular deep cleanings in all areas of your house, especially those that your cat frequents the most. The litter box must always be kept clean.
- Use an air purifier.
- Avoid carpets, as they tend to accumulate a large number of allergens in addition to those generated by your pet. But if you already have them, try to steam them regularly (it is recommended to eliminate these pathological agents)
- Try to brush your cat frequently (if possible daily) and shorten the time between one bath and another.
- Consider neutering (regardless of your pet's gender), as this will significantly decrease levels of allergenic protein production.
- It is always important to have the advice of a veterinarian and, in this sense, you can consult what product you can use on your pet that helps control the spread of Fel D1.
- There are lotions to spray on your cat's hair with an effectiveness around 60%, they are easy to apply. Basically you must comb your pet and apply the product in both directions of the fur growth with the support of a spray bottle and/or a clean cloth. This will remove dandruff from your skin and help neutralize allergy-causing agents.
- As for people vulnerable to the chemical reactions generated by cats, they could try the consumption of some medication that controls the allergy. It is advisable to visit your doctor (allergist) who will advise you on what you should do to live with your pet without negatively affecting your health.
- Additionally, factors (indicated above) applicable to cats (purebred or mestizo) that contribute to the reduction of allergen production should be considered.