I love cats but can't have one (or a dog) due to allergies. What animal would be best for a former cat lover?

Answer 1

I know those hairless cats are somewhat ugly but at least it is a cat. I have heard of lots of people who are alergic to cats owning one.

Answer 2

Any animal with fur will have dander and has the potential to cause allergies. Some dog and cat breeds don't shed and have less potential to trigger allergies, but it is not 100% foolproof. Unless you are interested in non-fur-bearing animals, your best bet is desensitization shots to reduce your allergic reactions and then choose a breed that is less allergy prone, and don't have it sleep on your bed. Talk to your doctor and see if this is a reasonable option for you. I know one person who did this rather than give up her cats.

Answer 3

I had the same problem growing up because of my dad's allergies. Because of that, I had tons of "alternate" pets, including fish, hermit crabs, hamsters, rats, a turtle, frogs, and ferrets. For a cat lover, I would try a ferret. They are like kittens that never grow up with their unlimited playfulness and curiousness. Be sure to be tested for them before buying, however.
There are also new hypoallergenic cats supposedly but there is a long waiting list to get them and they are a few thousand dollars.

Answer 4

I'd get a Mexican Hairless Cat...very RARE however and that makes them expensive.
Dog-wise...a Chihuahua loses very little of its SHORT hair but you could have a non-allergic family member brush the dog daily to get rid of the loose (shed) hair.
Dust removal in your usual area of breathing is best with an Ionic Breeze Quadra or similar device to remove airborne house or workplace dust.

Answer 5

Some people with cat allergies can have bunnies without a problem. They can be cuddly if you get them young and handle them a lot. And they can be litter trained. Maybe a chinchilla. A tortoise but they require some special work and aren't cuddly.

Answer 6

There is a breed of "Hairless" cat , they are called Sphynx cats

you can see them here. www.kataracattery.com

But keep in mind, it is a protein in the cats skin not the fur that most people are allergic to.

Answer 7

I always heard,that poodles are suppose to be allergy free,their hair is different,matter of fact,there is this lady that did get a poodle for her daughter,her daughter had the same problem as you do,she was able to handle it,

Answer 8

Poodles are known for being good for people with pet allergies. Which is why they crossed them with Labs for service pets for people allergic to dogs. Might want to talk to your doctor about that. Good luck. I know I couldn't be without my pets.

Answer 9

Hi. Hamsters are nice pets as well as fish. If you are looking for something to play with and cuddle get a hamster or a gunea pig, if you just like to sit there and watch your pet, get a fish. Whatever you get I hope that you are happy. Have a nice day.

Answer 10

If you like cats, there are cats you can get that have no hair. Because usually people who are allergic to cats are allergic to their dandruff stuck in their fur.