Hypoallergenic cats could be a welcome option for people who want a cat but are allergic. If you are a cat lover allergic to cats, you might be in luck. You may be able to adopt a hypoallergenic cat to love. You may not find entirely hypoallergenic cats. However, there are types of cats that may prompt fewer allergic symptoms.
Cats that shed less may have less of an allergenic effect. Also, there are cats with less of a prevalence of a protein that induces allergies. People worried about allergies could consider rex cats, sphynx cats, and Siberian cats. Any of these cats may be the hypoallergenic cat of your dreams.
What Makes Hypoallergenic Cats Hypoallergenic
According to The Spruce Pets, there are “anecdotal reports” of cat choices for allergy sufferers. A cat may cause fewer allergy woes partly “thanks to… lower-than-average shedding.” Cats with coats that shed intensely can prompt the onset of allergy symptoms. However, there is an even clearer indicator of a cat’s allergenic potential.
This indicator is the amount of protein Fel d 1 that a cat produces. This protein is the main cause of cat allergy symptoms. The Spruce Pets states: “When cats groom themselves, Fel d 1 gets on their fur and dander.” You may then come into contact with the Fel d 1 protein and experience allergies. Generally, cats that are “referred to as hypoallergenic have lower levels of the Fel d 1 protein.”
Choosing a Hypoallergenic Cat
For people with cat allergies, there are many possibilities for hypoallergenic cats. PetMD advises interacting with a promising cat breed “to determine how your allergies react.” In addition, it is essential to interact with the specific cat you want to adopt. “Getting to know the cat in person” can provide necessary information. You can see how your allergies fare when you are around the cat. Hopefully, you will meet with success and find yourself an adorable new feline pal.
Some Hypoallergenic Cats to Consider
Rex cats could be an option if you are looking for hypoallergenic cats. Three breeds of rex cat are the Devon rex, the Cornish rex, and the Selkirk rex. According to The Spruce Pets, the playful Devon rex cat “has a wavy coat.” The wavy coat’s minimal shedding reduces the chances of allergens being dispersed. The coat of the energetic Cornish rex cat is wavy and short. Compared with cats with longer or denser hair, Cornish rex cats shed little. The Selkirk rex cat is “much more laid-back” as compared to the other rex cats. Their wavy coats, though, are similar to those of the other two rex cats discussed.
The sphynx cat could be another good cat choice for people concerned about allergies. Sphynx cats are generally not thought of as having a coat of hair. The Spruce Pets states that sphynx cats can have “a fine, downy fuzz.” This fuzz can feel “almost suede-like.” According to PetMD, sphynx cats “produce fewer allergens than fluffy cat breeds.” Therefore, a sphynx cat could be a hypoallergenic cat possibility.
Siberian cats may also be hypoallergenic cats worth considering. Siberian cats are friendly in temperament and are considered good pets for families. The Spruce Pets states that Siberian cats have a “triple coat.” Therefore, people may be surprised “that the Siberian is considered” hypoallergenic. However, “compared to other cats,” Siberian cats are thought to produce “little… Fel d 1.” Also, their “thick coats” rarely tangle and only need to be brushed once a week.
Some Cat Allergy Relief Tips
Finding a hypoallergenic cat that does not prompt allergy symptoms is an exciting moment. There are also other steps you can take to lessen cat allergy symptoms. Consulting a medical specialist who focuses on allergies can be a step toward allergy management. You may even want to consult an allergy specialist before adopting a cat.
PetMDÂ states that an allergy specialist “can help you determine the severity of your symptoms.” The Spruce Pets states that a specialist can provide advice about how “to prevent reactions.” You can also make sure to clean your home of allergen-containing cat hair. In addition, you can make sure your cat is brushed as needed. This can ensure that the cat’s hair does not disperse and accumulate.
