Is it possible to be allergic to only some cats? Long hairs maybe?

Question

I was never allergic when I was younger but after having my first child I became highly allergic and had to send my cat to live with my grandmother. When I visit my grandmother I react very badly with breathing difficulty, watering eyes, sneezing, etc... but she has several long hair cats. I just got back from a visit with my mother and she has a single short haired cat and I didn't notice any reaction, I did try to stay clear of him but he jumped right in my lap and I didn't so much as sneeze. Was this just a one time thing or is it possible that maybe I am not reactive to short hairs? I miss having a cat so bad. Is there a way I could be tested? Thanks for any advise.

Answer 1

My mom is very alergic especially to cat hair. I have a Persian cat, she has long cream hair. We realized that mom is alergic to all, but reacting more to long hair ones. Especially Persians have thinner hair.

Answer 2

It is possible to only be allergic to long haired cats. Each breed has a different dandruff/hair make up that can hold different allergens specific to that animal. I have know people who were allergic to all dogs but golden labs, and some who were allergic to long haired rabbits but not short hair and other that were mixed between all different animals. If you find a nice short haired kitty and you don't have a reaction get it but don't get attached until you've had the kitty a couple months and know it's safe.

Answer 3

It Is Possable Cuz I Think Im Allergic To Short Hair Cats

Answer 4

Yes it is. I'm only allergic to the cats with the long fluffy fur (not the long smooth fur) or cats with a lot of dander. I've been around cats all my life (short hair and long smooth silky hair) but when I get near those fluffy ones I get really watery eyes and start to have a sneezing fit.

Answer 5

The San Francisco SPCA Maddie's Adoption Center would be a good place for you to go as they will have up to 75 cats in their special condos at any one time.

Barring that, you should go to a cat shelter and spend a few hours there visiting with the cats. You can find out pretty quickly if you are allergic to any cat, one type of cat, etc.

Don't look at kittens. It can take a year for human allergies to kick in with a kitten. For some reason kittens are not as allergenic as adult cats.

Answer 6

It is possible to be allergic to certain breeds and not others. I know some people are allergic to siamese, but other cats are fine.

Oh, here's something interesting;

Older books on cats and cat care usually blame the allergy on cat fur e.g. breathing in small particles of the fur itself. Some blame it specifically on the cat’s guard hairs (the long hairs in the cat’s coat) and may recommend keeping a breed which lacks these guard hairs e.g. Devon/Cornish Rex or the hairless Sphynx. Referring to these breeds as hypoallergenic or allergen-free is incorrect as It is not the hair which causes the allergic reaction.

The real culprit appears to be cat saliva which contains an allergen; this allergen is a protein called Fel d 1. When a cat washes itself, saliva is deposited on its fur (or skin in the case of hairless cats). The saliva dries into dust (dander or dandruff) which is released when a cat scratches or moves and when humans stroke or brush a cat.

All cats wash, even those which lack guard hairs or which lack hair altogether. The dust forms on all types of cat hair or directly on the cat’s skin if it lacks fur. Hairless Sphynx cats produce dandruff directly on their skin and though they produce less of it than furred cats, they can still produce enough to trigger an allergic reaction. An allergy occurs when the body over-reacts to a substance (allergen) and produces excessive amounts of histamine. Excessive histamine production leads to the irritating symptoms associated with cat-allergy - itchy eyes, sneezing, skin rash etc.

Although Fel d 1 is the protein most often associated with allergies, humans are very variable and there will be some people who develop allergies to other feline proteins. I have met people who are unaffected by Siamese cats, but allergic to other cats and I have a friend whose cat alergy is only triggered by male cats (even if the cats are neutered).

Answer 7

The hair length isn't the issue, its the dander from their skin that is the allergen. I am allergic to cats as well and I had one for years. A lot of times, you develop a resistance to your own cat because of the repeated exposure. That's how it was for me. It was only when I went to other people's houses that their cats bothered me and for that I tool allergy pills...

Answer 8

Yes - people can be allergic to certain cats. Also - people can because immune to certain cats too! My husband when we were dating was allergic to my cat, but over tiem, built up an immunity. Now my husband cuddles with my cat ALL the time! I think it also depends on the cleanliness of the cat and how much dander the cat produces.

Answer 9

Yes u can get tests for allergies. I had those tests when I was a kid and it turned out I was allergic to all 14 types of allergies. I got treatment and now I am cured. I only sneeze when I smell flowers or I sense a lot of dust or chemicals. My advice go to a doctor and get yourself tested and treated for the type of allergy u have. After that enjoy the company of you beloved pet :)

Answer 10

It's all merely a matter of personal preference. We have short hair and guys such as it. And i prefer a man with short hair over a guy with long hair because long curly hair tends to make guys look too girly.

Answer 11

When you are allergic to animals it is the dandruff that you are allergic to. Some make more than others, so yes you can be more allergic to some types of cats then others.