Are there any types of non-allergenic cats?

Question

I've never been interested in cats (always a dog person) & never really had the chance to because some of my family members are allergic. I live with my boyfriend (who is also allergic to cats), and we've been talking about getting a pal for our puppy. Cats have been growing on me. I understand that a lot of allergy problems have to do with cat dander.... I was just wondering if there were any types that are better for people with allergies?

Answer 1

Hi Kelly...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 to cats can benefit from Benadryl, Allegra, Singulair, Clairitin, Zyrtec other similar antihistamines. One may work better than one another if you are willing to experiment to see which works best. If the allergy is more severe neither a cat born without the Fel D1 protein or the anti-histamines has been successful.

The two least likely breeds which are born without the Fel d1 protein are the Bengal and Siberian cats. However, they too can carry the gene.

Answer 2

Most people aren't actually allergic to cat hair, but to cat dander, which is cat saliva/dried skin. Since even a hairless cat has skin and licks herself, a hairless cat is not going to be non allergenic. A shorthair cat would be better than a longhair for someone with allergies most likely, and yes a hairless cat probably would be an improvement, but they are very rare and expensive

If he isn't allergic to dogs, why not just go to the shelter and adopt a second (mixed breed) dog?

Answer 3

I have read on the internet, and i am NOT making this up, some company made a cat that doesn't cause allergic reactions. They did something to the DNA to stop the dander or something... down side is that the cats cost like $4000!!!
Me personally say if you don't get a longhaired cat and keep it brushed you should be fine, let me mention though that cats love to sleep with you, usually next to your head,

Cats are worth it!! I have 2 of them and i would trade them in for anything!!

Answer 4

When I worked for vets, we had several people who were allergic to cats (but wanted one anyway) that got Bumese & said they had less problems with them. Some people also say the Rex breeds are better...but none are NON-allergenic. It depends on a person's level of tolerance, and maybe injections from their allergy doctor, as to what they can handle.

You can see these & other breeds at www.cfainc.org

Answer 5

Go to your local animal show and purchase a bottle of cat dander be gone, directions on the bottle, treat the cat once a week it works great, tow of my kids are allergic and we had three cats at any given time while they were growing up

Answer 6

They are not the best looking cats in the world but My friend is allergic to cats and she has a breed that is accually hairless!! I know Iknow dose not sound all that great right, well it is a very sweet cat and she love it very much!! Look up hairless cats on the net and take a look for yourselves! Also there is a shampoo you can get at local pet store to help with people that are allergic but it dose not work for everyone.

Good Luck

Answer 7

I don't think so but over time you can build up an immunity to them. I am really allergic to cats and I have been hanging out with my girlfriend's cats for some time now and I hardly get bothered any more.

a

Answer 8

Yes....Siberian Forest Cats. The evidence seems to indicate that their saliva doesn't contain a protein that causes their dander to be allergic causing. That's known as "Hypo-Allergenic". You can read about them at the below link.

Answer 9

Yes there are, the hairless variety which do exsist. You are looking at a pretty steep price though. My friends have a couple... the only cats I really can be around. Just be careful, your puppy may not be too fond of the idea of a kitten for his new best friend.

Answer 10

Siberian Forest cats are hypo-allergenic. They do not produce dander, which is what makes you itchy and such. Cats such as the Sphinx who have no hair still produce dander. Dander is made by the skin so even if they have no hair, they can still make you sneeze.