Wondering if there’s a cat out there that won’t make you sneeze? Check out this article for a list of hypoallergenic cats.
Hypoallergenic Cats…?
by David Stone
The issue of hypoallergenic cats comes up since, whereas most people adore cats, some have allergic reactions when they are near. Some families may not be able to keep pets because of this, and visitors will face difficulties. As a result, hypoallergenic cats may be a fantastic option for cat lovers.
Allergic reactions to cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including the proteins in their saliva and fur. Other factors that can contribute to allergic reactions include the dander shed by cats and the ammonia in their urine. The cause may be hard to determine, and some reactions may suddenly pop up with people who never had them before.
The most common allergic reactions to cats are:
- Sneezing
- Itching
- Watery eyes
- Rash
Can you live with a cat, even if you’re allergic?
There are several successful treatments for allergic reactions to cats. Some people may need to take antihistamines or other medications to control their symptoms. But others may need to avoid contact with cats altogether.
In some cases, people benefit from desensitization therapy, which involves being gradually exposed to small amounts of cat allergens. The goal is reducing the severity of the reaction.
Hypoallergenic cats, more or less
There’s no such thing as a cat that can’t cause an allergic reaction, but there are some breeds that do cause fewer reactions than others. The British Shorthair, Oriental Shorthair and Siberian have been reported as being less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Full list of potentially hypoallergenic cats:
- British Shorthair
- Oriental Shorthair
- Siberian
- Snowshoe
- Turkish
- Van LaPerm
- Ragdoll
- Balinese
- Javanese
- Bengal
- Savannah
- Ocicat
- Serengeti
- Singapura
- Maine Coon
- Sphynx
- Persian
- American Wirehair
- Tonkinese
But don’t throw caution to the wind
It’s a good idea to take care of issues with cat allergies before adopting a new feline friend. Remember, even the most hypoallergenic cats can cause an allergic reaction in some people, so it’s important to be proactive to control allergies from the beginning.
You may not have thought of…
Be sure you’re allowing your cat enough space to do her own thing. Provide plenty of litter boxes throughout your home in quiet areas. Don’t allow your cat to have access to carpeted areas, which are harder to keep clean and will cause more allergens over time.
Keep long hair trimmed or groom it regularly, so it doesn’t fall on surfaces where someone could pick up the hair when they pet the cat.
Finally, if you’re able to manage the issues that cause allergies from the beginning, it will be much easier for everyone to enjoy life with a furry feline friend.
Quick tips
If you want a specific breed of cat but have allergies, make sure you visit the breeder or shelter before making your decision. Talk to the staff about how their cats are cared for and keep notes on your reactions to any cats that interest you. To make sure that the cat is the right one for you, visit it at different times of day. Pay attention to how it smells, how much dander it produces, and how you feel around it.
If you have allergies but still love cats, check with your doctor for medication that can help reduce your symptoms. Your doctor may also be able to recommend a certified hypoallergenic cat. But every cat is different, and it’s vital to visit with them if you’re concerned about allergies.
In every case, if you’d like to adopt a cat, consider adopting two. Cats are very social animals and typically do better when they have a buddy to play with. If you’re worried about allergies in a home with two cats, limit the space they have access to together and make sure they each have enough toys and scratching posts.
Hypoallergenic cats conclusion
If you have allergies but still love cats, there are a few breeds that tend to cause fewer reactions. However, it is important to be proactive and not wait until after adopting a cat before addressing the issue of allergies with your doctor. Finally, if everyone agrees on getting hypoallergenic cats as pets- take care of issues with cat allergies before adopting a new feline friend.
It’s terrible to fall in love with a cat that you are compelled to give up due to allergies. However, taking deliberate measures beforehand significantly lowers the danger.
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