Approximately around 30% of the population suffers from allergies to cats and dogs, with the former being much more common than the latter. However, the fact of being allergic to one or more animals does not mean that the affected person's body reacts as a result of the presence of the feline, dog, etc., but rather because of the proteins found in the urine, animal dander or saliva, known as allergens.
80% of people allergic to cats are allergic to the Fel D1 protein, produced in saliva, skin and some organs of the animal. In this way, and despite the erroneous belief of many, it is not the feline's hair that causes the allergy, although the allergen can accumulate in it after self-grooming. Likewise, if you are part of the aforementioned 30% but you adore these furry companions and would love to be able to live with one, you should know that there are a number of cat breeds for allergy sufferersthat produce a smaller amount of the allergen, as well as a series of very effective techniques to avoid allergic reactions. Keep reading this article on our site and discover hypoallergenic cats or antiallergic cats and all our tips.
Hypoallergenic cats
Constant sneezing, nasal congestion, eye irritation, ring a bell? These are the main symptoms of allergy to cats suffered by affected people after contact with the feline. However, as we mentioned earlier, the cause of the immune response is not the animal's hair, but the Fel D1 protein. This protein can accumulate in the cat's fur after self-grooming and even be distributed around the home through fallen dead hair. Likewise, the feline expels this protein through urine, so handling its litter box can also produce an allergic reaction. Therefore, reducing the allergic reaction is possible by following a series of guidelines that we will detail later, as well as adopting a hypoallergenic cat.
What are hypoallergenic cats?
100% hypoallergenic cats don't exist. That a feline is considered hypoallergenic, or anti-allergic cat, does not mean that it does not cause any allergic reaction, it means that produces a smaller amount of the Fel D1 protein or the characteristics of your hair makes it distribute a smaller amount of it and, therefore, reduces the immune response. However, it is not a definitive theory, since each body is different and it may happen that a hypoallergenic cat breed does not arouse any reaction in an allergic person, but it does in another. Thus, it is possible that some of the cats affect you more than others and, therefore, it will not be enough to review our list, but you should keep our final recommendations very much in mind.
Other factors to consider
In addition to checking the breed of the animal, or its bloodline in case of looking for a mongrel feline, we can take into account the following factors that reduce the production of the allergen:
- Since the production of the Fel D1 protein is carried out by stimulating a series of hormones, testosterone being one of the main stimulants, male cats castratedgenerate less of this allergen because their testosterone levels are significantly reduced.
- Another of the main stimulants of this protein is progesterone, a hormone produced by the cat during the period of ovulation and pregnancy. Thus, the neutered cats also see their amount of Fel D1 reduced.
Neutering your cat will not only reduce your body's immune response in the event of an allergy, it will also provide many he alth benefits. We explain everything in this article: "Neuter cats - Advantages, price and recovery".
Siberian cat, the most recommended
Although the Siberian cat is characterized by having a dense and long coat, a fact that may lead us to think that it is more likely to accumulate more allergens, the truth is that it is considered the cat most suitable for allergy sufferers This is so because it is the feline breed that produces the least amount of Fel D1 protein. However, as we discussed in the previous section, adopting a Siberian cat does not guarantee 100% that allergic reactions will disappear, since the reduced amount of the allergen that it produces can be perfectly tolerated by some people with allergies, and rejected by others.
In addition to being a beautiful feline, the Siberian is an affectionate, docile and loyal cat, who loves spending long hours with his human companions and playing. Of course, due to the characteristics of its coat, it is advisable to brush its fur frequently to avoid the formation of knots and tangles.
Balinese cat
As it happens with the Siberian, despite having a long coat, the Balinese cat also produces less Fel D1 than the rest of cat breeds shown below and therefore the allergic reaction may be reduced. Also known as the long-haired Siamese, it does not require great care when it comes to maintaining its hair, except for two to three brushings a week to prevent the formation of tangles and knots. Likewise, his friendly, playful and faithful character make him the perfect companion for those who wish to spend long hours with their feline, since the Balinese does not usually bear being alone at home or sharing the company of his human.
Bengali cat
Considered one of the most beautiful felines due to its wild appearance and intense gaze, the Bengal is another of the best cat breeds for allergy sufferersfor the same reason as above, your levels of the allergy-causing protein are lower.
In addition to being extraordinarily beautiful, the Bengal is a very curious, playful and active cat. If you are not willing to dedicate hours of play to your furry companion, or you are looking for a more independent feline, we recommend that you keep looking because the Bengal cat needs to live with a person who can cover all its needs and doses of daily activity. Likewise, although it is a feline that does not usually present he alth problems, it does need to receive proper maintenance of its ears because it tends to produce a greater amount of earwax.
Devon rex cat
Although many tend to think that the Devon Rex is part of the list of hypoallergenic cats because it has a shorter coat than the rest, it should be noted that it was not the hair that caused the allergy to cats, but the Fel D1 protein and, like the previous ones, it is on the list for producing a smaller amount of it. In parallel, the devon rex is one of the cats that sheds the least, so the small amount of the allergen that can accumulate in it is less likely to be distributed by the household.
Loving and very affectionate, the Devon Rex does not tolerate spending many hours at home, so it requires the frequent company of its human to be a happy cat. Likewise, their ears are more prone to excessive earwax production than those of other feline breeds and, therefore, they need more attention.
Javanese cat
The Javanese cat, also known as Oriental Longhair, is another of the hypoallergenic cats because they produce fewer allergens. Unlike the Bengal cat and the Devon Rex, the Javanese is a more independent feline and does not require the frequent company of its human. In this way, it is an ideal cat breed for allergy sufferers, also for people who, for work or other reasons, need to spend a few hours away from home but wish to share their life with a feline. Of course, it is essential to remember that in no case is it recommended to leave the animal alone at home for more than 12 hours.
Oriental Shorthair
With this feline exactly the same thing happens as with the previous one, since the only difference between them is the length of their mantle. In this way, the oriental shorthair cat is also part of the list of cats that do not cause allergies because they produce fewer allergens. However, it is always recommended to perform regular brushing to keep the loss of dead hair and, therefore, the diffusion of protein at bay.
Russian Blue Cat
Thanks to the dense double-layered coat that this feline has, the Russian blue cat has been considered one of the best cats for allergy sufferers not only by producing fewer allergens, but also by keeping them closer to your skin and less from human contact. In this way, in addition to secreting a smaller amount of the Fel D1 protein, we could say that it practically does not distribute it throughout the home.
Cornish rex, LaPerm and Siamese
The Cornish Rex, the Siamese cat and the LaPerm are not felines that produce less of the Fel D1 protein, but they do shed less hairthan other breeds of cats and, therefore, have also been considered hypoallergenic cats. Let us remember that, although the main cause of the allergy is not the hair itself, the allergen accumulates in the animal's coat and its skin, being distributed throughout the home when it is lost or in the form of dandruff. Therefore, cats with thicker or curlier fur like these are less likely to spread the protein. For these cases, before proceeding to adopt one of these cats for allergies, we recommend make a first contact and observe if an allergic reaction occurs or not. If after a few hours nothing happens, or the reactions are so mild that the person in question considers that they can tolerate them, the adoption can be finalized.
It is very important to be completely sure that the cat that is going to be fostered is the right one, since a mistake can not only mean the loss of a companion for the allergic person, but it can have consequences very serious on an emotional level for the animal. Likewise, for people with a very severe allergy to cats, we do not recommend opting for these felines.
Sphynx cat, looks can be deceiving…
No, despite being on this list the sphynx is not an allergy-friendly cat So why are we highlighting it? Very simple, because due to its absence of hair, many people with allergies to cats believe that they can adopt a sphinx and not suffer the consequences, and nothing is further from the truth. Let us remember that the cause of the allergy is not the hair, it is the Fel D1 protein that is produced in the skin and saliva, mainly, and the sphynx does generate the normal amount that can develop an allergic reaction. However, as we have already mentioned in previous sections, this does not mean that there are no people allergic to cats who tolerate this feline, but they will probably be a minority.
Tips for living with a cat if you have allergies
And if you already live with a cat that causes allergies but would like to know some techniques to reduce your body's immune response, don't worry! Although it is not the ideal situation, you should know that you can minimize allergic reactions by following our advice. Likewise, these recommendations are also suitable even if you are thinking of adopting one of the hypoallergenic cats:
- Keep your bedroom door closed. You should prevent your furry companion from entering your room as much as possible to prevent it from distributing the allergen in every corner and thus producing an allergic reaction in you during the night.
- Get rid of rugs and similar household items, as they tend to collect a lot of cat hair. Remember that, although the hair is not the cause, the feline can transfer the Fel D1 protein to the fur through saliva, and this falls on the carpets.
- Make sure someone else brushes your cat frequently to prevent it from losing too much hair and, therefore, spreading the allergen around the house.
- Since cats expel protein through their urine, their litter box must always be clean and, above all, avoid being the one to manipulate it.
- Remember that neutered cats produce less of the allergen, so if yours has not yet undergone this operation, do not hesitate and talk to your veterinarian.
- Finally, if none of the above works, keep in mind that there are medications that can significantly reduce allergic reactions. See your doctor for advice.
