What species of cat would suit people with allergies?

Question

I would really like to get a cat. Unfortunately my husband has allergies, and he's allergic to cats. Are there any species that are not allergenic? I don't mean the hairless ones, though I have nothing against them. Does anyone know what these are like as pets? I heard Burmese don't shed as much... is this true? Sadly I probably won't end up getting one (because I love my husband more than pets!) but I was just wondering what are the options for cat-lovers with allergic people in the house. Any information or personal experiences would be gratefully received, thank you.

Answer 1

Hi Greta...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/

People with mild allergies can benefit from Benadryl, Allegra, Singulair, Clairitin, Zyrtec other similar antihistamines. One may work better than one another if your husband is willing to experiment to see which works best.

Answer 2

I am allergic to cats and have been since about age 7.

I have heard (and this theory seems to make sense to me) that it is not hairs that people are allergic to, but the chemicals (like pheromones) that the cats give off. Hence, sometimes I can stay in a room with a cat all day and not be bothered (because the cat is not 'spraying' out chemicals), other times a cat doesn't even need to be recently present and I will be affected. Also, for all those people that think simply shutting the cat out of the room will make a difference, I have found that it generally doesn't. But I feel more at ease with the cat out of the room.

I heard relatively recently that scientists are researching developments into breeding cats that people who are normally allergic will not react to. I suggest it may be worth your while to look into this. Also talk maybe to a GP about anti-histamine tablets - I have found that the higher the levels of histamine in my blood, the more I am affected. I take anti-histamine around hay fever time and have found it beneficial where cats are concerned too.

Hope this is helpful :)

Answer 3

Funny! I was just looking up "hypo allergenic cats" on google last night because I have a similar problem!!!! google the words and see what comes up! VERY interesting information! It's not necessarily the hair your hubby is allergic to! I learned alot about cat allergies and what causes them from the allerca website. Although I doubt we will be paying nearly $5000.00 for a cat anytime in the near future, I'm certainly glad there is so much research going on to find out about the origin of these allergies. I had to give up my cat AND my horse for my BF, but he is certainly worth it! Now we have a dog and a Harley! :-)

Answer 4

Sue said it really. Lots of reasons, including urine can be the cause. In my case I am horribly allergic to some cats of all hair lenght and sizes, and not allergic to their counterparts.
It is a difficult call, but if allergic, a cat could really mess up your husband, and at the least have him miserable all the time.
Sad thing is you won't know if he will react until you bring the kitty home. and alas, it would be horrible to have to give it back or to someone else. Probably better not to. A short haired dog perhaps?

Answer 5

As most of the other answers tell you, cats are not hypo-allergenic. I'd never heard of the new thousand-dollar breed until now, and I seriously would NOT pay that much for a cat. But if you're not averse to dogs, you might try a poodle. People who otherwise have dog allergies can usually deal with a poodle without suffering.

Answer 6

Devon Rex cats are supposedly very low on the allergins. I know this due to research I have been doing due to the SAME problem! I love my hubby too so I prolly wont end up with a cat but id love one and put this kitty on my Christmas list LOL. WHat I was thinking of doing was having a breeder send some of the hair brushed off the cat to see if hubby was allergic... maybe this is something for you. Also Bombay cats are on thsi list as well and the cutest cat I have ever seen! Good luck hun!

P.S. www.chenillerose.com
www.mustangbombay.com

Answer 7

its not the fur that causes allergic reactions. so instead of a cat why not got to a pet store together and pick out a pet that you both agree on. there are more animals out there. dogs, birds, ferrets are fun they use a litter box and you can feed them cat food. they are very playful and like to be held and petted also. they run with there backs arched up. and when you are walking they like to chace you and they are very easy to maintane if you keep the cage and litter box clean the ferret wont have the strong musky smell

Answer 8

Russian Blue/White/Black cats are great for people with cat allergies. They have minimal hair loss. My husband and my best friend have allergies to cats, but not in house. I breed them and have actually had breeders from other breeds recommend their allergic clients to buy a Russian.
Hope this helps.

Answer 9

Cat saliva, cat paw pads, cat scent glands on their faces, all produce allergens same as does hair. Very hard to alleviate.

Answer 10

Hairless cats, blah blah, Im really alergic to cats but I received a minx for christmas and i havent had not one symptom, and I have had her for 1 year, and not only is that good, but she's small and really loving