Hypoallergenic Cats

A prospective cat owner who suffers from cat allergies may try searching for a hypoallergenic cat. However, there are no true hypoallergenic cats. Even hairless cats can trigger cat allergies. This is because cat allergies are not only triggered by cat hair. Allergies are typically triggered by a protein in the cat’s saliva. When a cat grooms itself, much of the protein in the saliva is deposited on the cat’s skin and hair. As the saliva dries, the protein remains coated on the hair and skin. This same protein is also secreted by the cat’s oil glands of the skin.

Some attempts have been made to generate hypoallergenic cats by selectively breeding cats with low levels of this protein. At least one company has specialized in providing cats with low allergen levels. They breed cats that have low levels of the allergen as indicated by scientific testing. The offspring of these cats are also tested to ensure that allergen levels are low and can therefore be sold as hypoallergenic kittens. These cats are typically sold for thousands of dollars. The validity of the claims of some such companies has been disputed. A person with a cat allergy looking to purchase a hypoallergenic cat from a company should do research on the company first.

Some cat breeds may be less likely to trigger allergies due to lower levels of allergens. Siberian cats and Siamese cats are thought to be two such hypoallergenic cat breeds. Generally, cats with shorthair coats are considered to be less likely to trigger cat allergies since long hair means more hair that is coated in the allergen. A cat with a very short coat such as the Devon Rex or Cornish Rex may be beneficial.

Prospective cat owners with allergies should spend time with the cats prior to purchase to judge the effect of the cat on the buyers’ allergies. The cat owner can take measures to reduce the amount of allergens in the house. The allergic cat owner can keep the house and laundry clean to help limit exposure to any allergens. Wipes are sold to wipe the cat’s fur to clean it. Allergic cat owners can also seek advice from their physicians to treat the allergy medically.