What type of cat is Allergy-friendly? I have allergies, but want a cat.?

Answer 1

the bald cat from austin powers, i dont know what the breed is

Answer 2

I have lots of allergies too- have always been allergic to dogs and dust and cigarette smoke and perfume.. and my allergies have been very unpredictable- I will be allergic to something one day and then not allergic to it another! Anyway, I desperately wanted a cat (and a long haired cat too!) so, I visited the breeder and played with the kitty i was interested in for an hour to see if i got an allergy, and I didn't! So i now have a lovely new persian kitty!
However, I must say that i did develop allergy while at the breeders, after being exposed to his devon rex... so i guess short haired cats are not always allergy proof? I suggest visiting the breeder first to see how you react.

Answer 3

Most people aren't allergic to the hair of the cat, but rather the dander. Some can be allergic to the cat's spit as well...so getting a bald cat may not be the right answer. I would suggest you contact a vet and ask if there are any breeds that are less allergenic than others. They would be able to give you a better understanding of what causes your particular allergy, etc. You may end up having to go on some sort of allergy medication in order to get a cat and live comfortably with him/her. I hope this helps.

Answer 4

Sphinx cats are bald; like the one in the Austin Powers movies. Cornish Rex cats have "wired" fur, which means that it curls very tightly and they feel somthing like the soft side of Velcro tape. Neither of these cats shed, and can help with allergies. It is also possible to buy hypo-allergenic cats, but they cost a small fortune; much more than the two pure breeds I mentioned earlier.

Also, if your allergies are not severe, Allegra can help. If they are mild enough for Allegra to work routinely, you may just become used to having cats around and your symptoms may go away entirely. My boyfriend was mildly allergic, but after spending enough time at my house around my kitties, his sneezing and runny eyes went away. Hope all this helps!

Answer 5

Lilblu's post above was VERY good and informative, especially as to how to deal with having a cat if you're allergic.

I'm also allergic to cats (and other furred animals), but we now have a Cornish Rex girl and it works just fine =)

The usually suggested cats for allergic people (apart from when people tell you "don't get a cat if you're allergic, that's just stupid") are Cornish and Devon Rex (costs approximately $500, has very thin, curly fur (only the undercoat, they don't shed, they just leave.... lint ^^)), Sphynx (costs approximately $1500, has no fur, can get greasy and needs to be bathed approx. once a week), or Siberian (don't know any details about that one). There is also a new, genetically manipulated British Short-hair that is (supposedly) free from the allergenic stuff. That one is expensive though. I think they cost about $2500.

My mum claims to not be allergic to Russian Blue, despite being highly allergic to cats. Both she and my son (who is also very allergic) can stand at least short-term exposure to Cornish Rex (since I'm only a part-time dad, we haven't tested long-term for my son).

I suggest that you contact a breeder relatively close to where you live (search for it online, or ask a vet/shelter if they know), and talk to them if you can come over and "test sniff" their cats. If you know that you react immediately, you'll get a heads-up when you get there, otherwise you might have to wait a day or two after visiting to know anything.
Visit them several times, and also bring a blanket or pillowcase and lend it to them for a while so they can have the cats sleep with it or something, and then take it back and sleep with it for a couple of weeks. If you haven't reacted by that time, chances are great that you'll be able to stand long-term exposure =) Of course, if you DO react, stop sleeping with blanket/pillowcase ^^;;

Sometimes, you don't react until you've been with the cat for several months, sort of like dripping water into a bucket until it finally overflows. So it might be a good idea to talk with the cattery and see if you can make some kind of arrangement with them (maybe that they buy the cat back, possibly for a slightly reduced price, or maybe that they can help you find another buyer) in case you start reacting to your cat.

I wish you all the best of luck, and hope you'll be able to get a cat of your own.

Answer 6

I have always been allergic to cats, but for some reason I am not allergic to Siamese Cats! But, that might just be me. Have you gone to an Allergist? My daughter is allergic to cats and because some of her close friends have cats, she gets allergy shots, and they've helped a lot. But, sometimes she gets an itchy nose but not as extreme as before getting the shots.

Answer 7

well they have cats that were made to be hypo-allergenic! but they dont run cheap! ($7,000 -$10,000) so u can also get a sphynx (cat in austin powers!) lol or a devon rex(but they r also very exspensive)or u can go adopt any cat from a shelter and just get some allergy meds! that what i do and i have 5 cats! (and i work at an animal shelter) =)hope this helps! good luck cat shopping

Answer 8

~There are some cats that are more likely to cause allergies, but if you're allergic to cats, it is usually all cats.~

Find an allergy pill that works for you. Just a note... bald cats still lick themselves.

Answer 9

sorry, but there are no allergy friendly cats. Allergies to cats comes from their saliva and their dander and there's nothing you can do about it if you are allergic to cats. Dark haired cats have more allergens for some reason, and long haired cats are a no no because they trap more dander. If you are allergic to cats, don't get one. YOu'll only be miserable.

Answer 10

Himalayan Cats have actuall hair, not fur. My friend has horrible allergies and the cat is perfect for her, she doesnt even sneeze.

Answer 11

lengthy hair is nice but requires maintenance and u have to grow it out for a long time