Seriously, I'd like a pet. My landlord does not allow dogs (I'm more a dog person than a cat person), so I have caved in to the notion of adopting a cat or kitten. HOWever, I tend to have a light allergic reaction (sneezing, but nothing crazy) to cats and was wondering if there was a breed of feline that might be hypoallergenic? Oh and I don't want a hairless cat! :)
2006-07-31 06:37:09 · 30 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Hairless has nothing to do with it. People are allergic to components of the saliva - some cats groom more than others...some cats have been identified as non-allergenic (although they are like $4,000).
Talk to your doctor, perhaps you can get some allergy medication. Once you get a cat, your body will become more used to that individual. I would recommend having a cat-free room in your home (like your bedroom where the cat is not allowed). Also, using pet-wipes to wipe your kitty off often will help.
Go to your local shelter to visit. But only visit with one cat when you go - so pick one you think you are interested in - and really spend some time in the petting room in close contact. Go home and wait 24 hours - that should give you an indication of how much that individual cat bothers you. If you visit with more than one in 24 hours - you will have no idea who you might be able to tolerate.
I would also encourage you to be very serious about this before getting a cat. So many people surrender their cats every year because of allergies - very sad. The cat does not deserve to suffer for this - so I encourage you to do your homework and make sure you are committed for the life of a cat.
2006-07-31 07:19:39 · answer #1 · answered by dvm2b 3 · 5⤊ 1⤋
There really is no hypoallergenic cat, but as an allergy sufferer myself I can tell you that you will become accustomed to the cat after about 2 weeks and will no longer be allergic to that cat. Just make sure to buy lots of allergy medicins at first make sure it is 24 hour kind, take one every day for the first 2-3 weeks and then your body will get used to the cats dander and you will no longer be allergic to that specific cat.
PS it is not the hair that anyone is allergic to, it is the protiens in thier saliva which they leave on thier skin and fur after cleaning themselves, it dries and then flakes off and then floats around the house causing your body to react defensively when it is inhaled because you body does not realize it is not a health threat. That is why you can become used to it because after a while your body realizes the dander is not a threat. Also Hairless cats like the Sphynx still clean themselves with thier tongue, so they still cause allergies!!
2006-07-31 06:51:16 · answer #2 · answered by Kelly + Eternal Universal Energy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've heard sometimes people have less problems with a Manx cat. People usually say they have more of a dog like personality. Also, there fur is more like the fur of a rabbit. If you are worried about the whole tailless thing, usually you can get one with a tail for cheaper. I have two Manx cats and I love them. Whatever cat you decide to get I would be sure to brush them regularly to keep the hair down and if the allergies bug you, you can always get an allergy pill prescription.
2006-07-31 06:45:47 · answer #3 · answered by Sherry 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sister in law has a Sphynx (thats a hairless cat) and he is the sweetest, attention hog you have ever seen. He looks a little funny but his personality makes up for it without a doubt. But other wise I would suggest using Liquid Life. They are liquid vitamins that come in a variety of flavors. My parents have 2 cats (one is a longhaired too) and my stepdad is allergic but since he started taking liquid life he has no problems.
2006-07-31 06:44:23 · answer #4 · answered by angel32984 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rex is like a hairless cat, so you probably don't want one.. No cats that I know of besides hairless that don't affect people with allergies, but there are a lot of good over-the-counter medicines that can cut down on your allergies. Hope this helps
2006-07-31 06:43:11 · answer #5 · answered by ..rae..♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hairless cat. But also you can get any kind of cat and go to your doctor to get allergy medicine. Not sure the name but my sister is REALLY allergic to cats but she has three and is ok because she takes the allergy meds.
2006-07-31 06:44:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can't get a hairless, a short-haired cat would be the best. It's not the cat you're allergic to, it's the dander.
2006-07-31 06:41:47 · answer #7 · answered by Nobody 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spynx are so expensive, like over $1000. A rex has curly hair and little to no danter, they run a little cheaper but will still cost you a pretty penny. I have allergies also, and I find that I'm less allergic to my mom's oriental siamese, his hair is very short and is sleek to his body, it doesn't fluff out and float off everywhere like my other cats. He costed her $500.
2006-07-31 07:14:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Also try a Bengal and Siamese. It's also good to have an air purifier in your bedroom and keep the cats out. Vacuum with a hepa filter will help a lot too.
2006-07-31 06:52:49 · answer #9 · answered by sandand_surf 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im allergic to any cat. Dander is dander to me and if a cat is in the house, I will start sneezing within 5 minutes of my arrival.
2006-07-31 06:40:38 · answer #10 · answered by ♠♣♥Rogue♣♥♠ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋