where in the UK can I buy an anti-allergy cat?

Question

I wouild dearly love to have a cat or maybe two and need to know where in the UK I can get them from? any suggestions?

Answer 1

Hi Kerry...I would like to share some supportive information we give to people who suffer from cat allergies as many are unaware that "all" cats regardless of breed or if long, short or no hair breed of cats can cause allergies. Any vet can confirm this fact.

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 within 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 a glycoprotein, Fel d1 which is secreted by the sebaceous glands and is the major cat allergen. This allergen is found in the fur, pelt, saliva, serum, urine, mucous, salivary glands, and hair roots of the cat. The main sources of the allergen, however, are the skin and saliva.

When a cat grooms/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 airborne when a cat scratches or moves and when humans stroke or brush a cat. Fel d1.

All cats groom themselves, even those which lack guard hairs or which lack hair altogether (e.g. Sphynx). 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 d1 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. Some people are unaffected by Siamese cats, but allergic to other cats and some people have reported whose cat alergy is only triggered by male cats (even if the cats are neutered).

Anyhow, please consider reading the following website literature to learn more about the Fel d1 protein and how it affects allergies in humans.

http://allergies.about.com/cs/cats/a/aa013100a.htm
http://www.allergysa.org/pet.htm#cat

Here's a video (located on the webpage on the right side) by a veterinarian about the allergen Fel d1 and how it affects cat allergy sufferers. It's an organization who is is selectively breeding cats without the Fel d1 protein to make available for sale for those who who suffer allergies but would like to own a cat: http://www.allerca.com/

Answer 2

Unless you have a serious allergy, your body will probably learn to tolerate a cat. Get a kitten and persevere with it. Unless it actually makes you ill you will build an immunity to it.

Or, it might be worth getting a rescue cat and asking the assistants if they have one they think may be less allergic - as some cats are worse than others.

You can also buy Petal-Cleans form pharmacists. Again, if not a serious allergy it can help reduce pet allergens. Trouble is, you have to wipe it over that cat once a week.

Answer 3

The majority of people who think they are allergic to cats are in fact allergic to something completely different. Lots of people re-home their cat only to find the allergy problem doesn't go with the cat.

Anyway, if you are allergic to cats, there is no cat that will not affect you. The allergy is caused by cat dander. The dander is produced when the cat grooms itself and comes from the cat's saliva. All cats have dander - even hairless cats - because all cats groom themselves. The dander becomes airborne when you pet the cat or when the cat moves around the house. The dander floats about in the air as microscopic protein particles.

Answer 4

Hi there is a new breed I heard a matter of a few weeks ago that are non alergic...however these cats would be costing into 4 figures if they became available...there is no 100% garentee that any other cat breed would be anti allergenic...maybe a hairless bred might be but the cats that have fur right now could be more problematic....The new breed I forget where they are but if you found out there would be a waiting list as long as your arm & very few kittens at this stage to go around...Regards Jake

Answer 5

when people are allergic to animals,most people be live its the fur,but its actually the dander the animals shed.
but you can actually just get any cat you desire,unless you are deathly allergic.
most people can get over their allergies just by being around the animal for a while,you will get used to its sent.the first week or so you may suffer with the allergies, just get some anti-histamine to fight the worst of it.then you and your cat will be happy together.
however you will still be allergic to other cats,cause you wont have gotten used to them.

Answer 6

My friend used to always be allergic to just about anything furry...she has 3 Siamese...and has no problems. They are more like dogs and play fetch, they are very affectionate but can be very vocal. You will probably have to go for a pedigree breed, this will prove more expensive...if you choose a specific breed there will be a website dedicated to this type of cat...which may even provide resue/or shelter information for that breed.

Answer 7

A veterinary assistant that I know told me that the Bengal breed is one of the least allergy-causing.

http://www.siberiancats.com/news/ This site claims that the Siberian breed is hypoallergenic, as well.

And finally, try contacting the people at http://www.felixpets.com/ , who are developing quite specifically a genetic basis for anti-allergy cats.

Answer 8

I'm not sure. maybe check the back pages in a cat magazine. consult a cat expert also

Answer 9

by two artificial ones then no problem with allergy's

Answer 10

I dont know in the u.k but them freaky american cousins definatley do that sort of thing.