Allergic to cats, but still would want to adopt one. Worried about your family members who may be allergic to cats. You need not worry. You can still adopt a cat and not worry about allergies. Allergies can seriously hamper your life, but that should not prevent you from owning a cat. With hypoallergenic cat breeds you can now not worry about your allergies and still enjoy quality time with your pet without any fear.
A glycoprotein known as Fel D1 is the main reason for allergies to cats. This protein is produced by the sebaceous glands that are under the skin of the felines and to some extent found in the cat’s saliva. A cat sheds minute particles of skin flakes or dander in the air. Whenever cats groom they transfer the saliva on to the coat.
This coat usually sheds on the different surfaces around the house causing allergic reactions to those who are susceptible. People with allergies have an over sensitive immune system. Their bodies consider the dander as something dangerous that has invaded the body and fights them. This internal struggle causes symptoms that are the side-effects of your body’s fight on the allergen. In this case, it is the cat dander.
Common symptoms of cat allergy
Usually, cat allergy symptoms can happen within a few minutes of exposure or even take few hours. So let us identify these symptoms for quick remedial measures.
- Wheezing and cough
- Rash on the chest or face or hives
- Itchy red eyes
- Runny, itchy and stuffy nose
- Skin redness especially the area where the cat has bitten, scratched or licked
- Sneezing
You can get a skin patch test or blood test done if you are not sure you are suffering from allergy to cats.
Allergic to cats, what to do?
If you are sure that the cause of your wheezing or cough or redness is the cat, then there is no need to worry. You can still own a cat or pet one by owning one of the hypoallergenic cat breeds.
Actually, no cat is hypoallergenic. The hypoallergenic cat breeds that are available are known to produce less allergens as compared to the regular cat breeds. Hypoallergenic cats have less Fel D1 protein making them safer because of less reactions. The light-colored female hypoallergenic kittens produce the least of all. Allergies to cats can be still there with the hypoallergenic cats, but the instances may be few.
7 Hypoallergenic cat breeds are as follows
1. Balinese
The Balinese is also known as the long-haired Siamese. This breed produces less Fel D1 protein, which makes it an ideal cat breed for allergy sufferers. Developed in the United States as a breed of its own it is a natural mutation of the Siamese gene. This breed has all the beauty and charm of the Siamese with added benefits like silky angora like coat.
2. Javanese
Javanese are great family pets because of their active lifestyles. A long haired variety of the Siamese breed, these cats are very active and playful. This hypoallergenic cat has a mix of Siamese, ColorPoint and the Balinese cat. This cat has only one of the three layers of coat that regular cats have. They only have the top layer coat that most cats have instead of the down hair. The Javanese cat loves people and will follow you around, but still have strong opinions.
3. Devon Rex
Devon rex is a loving hypoallergenic cat breed. It is a cat breed that will shower you with love and attention. If you want an independent cat breed that is playful and shed very little, then you should take this one home. The Devon rex has dog like qualities with an eye-catching and unique personality. It is a true companion pet with a naturally outgoing personality. Devon rex is an ideal pet for working families and knows how to keep itself busy. Popularly known as the poodle of the cat world because of its personality and its appearance, their hair grows in silky curls with rippling waves an effect called Rexing.
4. Cornish Rex
Cornish rex cat is very good for allergy sufferers as they shed very little since, they only have down hair. They have soft and wavy curls. The Cornish rex needs very little maintenance and they tend to shed less hair. This unusually looking cat has a very pleasing personality and are small to medium in size with an egg-shaped head, large ears and long legs. This hypoallergenic cat breed comes in many different colors. They bond well with their family, but can get naughty when ignored, which also means they need constant attention. Cornish rex is good at playing fetch, a quality you will surely love. To find out more about this gorgeous feline, visit our cat breed centre http://catsincare.com/cornish-rex-cat-breeds/
5. Oriental Shorthair
Oriental Shorthair cat breeds are the perfect choice for those who suffer from allergies; they may be the hypoallergenic cat you have been searching for. Not only do these felines make great housemates, but their non-shedding coats can help alleviate many of the sneezing and irritation associated with pet allergies. The Oriental Shorthair breeds come in a variety of colors and markings, ranging from tabby to calico to pointed.
They will also require regular grooming sessions since they do not shed, as this helps reduce the potential of dander building up on their coats. If you are looking for a beloved companion that is there to snuggle with, but won’t cause an allergy flare-up at the same time – look no further than Oriental Shorthairs!
6. Burmese Cat
Burmese cat breeds are a great option for those looking for a hypoallergenic cat. Hypoallergenic Burmese cats have short-haired coat, which means that their fur isn’t as likely to cause an allergic reaction compared to longer-haired cats. They are also considered quite docile and gentle animals making them ideal companions for households with children or other pets. With their unique personality and good looks, Burmese cats can bring lots of love and joy into any home, even in family’s with allergies!
7. Ocicat
Ocicats are a type of hypoallergenic cat, which make them perfect for pet owners who suffer from allergies but still want to bring a furry friend into their lives. The lovely ocicat is actually hybrid between an Abyssinian, American Shorthair and Siamese cat, resembling their wildcat lookalike, the ocelot. Despite their wild appearance however, ocicats are docile and easy-going cats which love people and other animals.
They come in many different color combinations and patterns like classic tabby Mackerel stripes to distinct spots – making each individual kitten truly unique. Ocicat lovers will appreciate their intelligence and curiosity as these cats love to explore both indoors and outdoors with deep affection for everything that fascinates them – guaranteed to give you lots of fun memories with your feline friend!
8. Siberian Cat
The muscular and agile Siberian cat is a hypoallergenic cat that can easily jump great heights and distances. This highly intelligent cat breed can easily solve own problems. The Siberian loves water and loves playing with toys. The Siberian cats coat is long and heavy and are thought to produce the lowest levels of Fel D1. They are often found in a variety of colors. Even though these cats look big they are perfect for families and get along well with children.
9. Sphynx
The Sphynx is a perfect cat for people with allergies, but even they are not 100 percent hypoallergenic. These cats are bred for their hairless feature and taking into consideration allergies to cat. This medium to large sized cat has good energy levels and performs tricks similar to monkeys. They love human attention and will do anything to get one. Since, they don’t have hair, their body feels warm to touch. Sphynx cats don’t need grooming, but will require regular sponging to remove excess oil from their body. This unusual looking cat is mischievous and intelligent making it a very handful breed at times.
10. Russian Blue
The Russian Blues are a very attractive cat breed with bright green eyes and silvery coat. Intelligent and playful this cat has a wonderful personality. They are sensitive to their owner’s mood, will greet them at the door, fetch toys and even play. Russian Blue cat breed are found in Russia and hence has fur that is suitable for the harsh winters of the region. The double coat is dense and protects you from allergens because it traps more allergens close to the skin rather than depositing on various surfaces. With the lowest Fel D1, the Russian Blue are a good hypoallergenic cat breed.
Other than choosing a hypoallergenic cat breed you can take a few precautions like
- Limiting your cats access and keeping them away from bedrooms
- Vacuuming your rooms regularly
- Proper ventilation
- Keep your cat healthy. A healthy cat will shed less dander
- Bath your cat every two weeks to get rid of allergens
- Get your cat brushed by someone else and discard their fur immediately
- Maintain good hygiene. Wash hands after playing with your cat
Hypoallergenic cats provide the perfect option for people who love felines but may suffer from allergies. Not only are hypoallergenic cats typically relatively low-shedding, but their coats are also composed of very small or different proteins than other cats. Hypoallergenic cats can serve as an ideal pet for those who have allergies but would not be able to be around a typical cat without significant issues; they offer a way to keep the companionship of a beloved pet despite the presence of allergies. Hypoallergenic cats should be more well known and celebrated as they provide a unique way to navigate living with animals while living with sensitivities.
