Which breeds of cats are best suited for people with slight allergies to cats?

Question

I have slight allergies to cats. i get runny nose and watery eyes. I love cats though and I've heard a lot about certain breeds of cats that are naturally hypo allergenic or at least cause less of an allergic reaction due to carrying less dander. Can anyone tell me which breeds of cats are best suited for people with slight allergies.

Answer 1

Normally ppl that are allergic to cats but no dogs are actually allergic to their saliva. That is why a hairless cat will not do much good for an allergic person, bc they still groom and there is dry saliva floating around.

There is a new breed that was genetically engineered and supossed to be hypoallergenic. I'm a little wary about what the health and longevity of these cats is, coming from a small genetic pool and genetically altered, etc...

Another option is to give a medication that changes the chemistry of the saliva. Is called acepromazine and is given in very small doses. You may want to ask your vet about it and the proper dosage.

Answer 2

The Allerca cats are no longer being produced, and it came to light that they were not genetically altered, but only selectively bred.

The breeds which are suitable for mild allergy sufferers are as follows;
Sphynx (hairless cats like the one in Austen Powers)
Peterbald and Don Sphynx (two other hairless breeds which are rarer)
Devon Rex and Cornish Rex (both have very short wavy or curly fur)
LaPerm (another 'rex' breed with curly fur that comes in both long and short coats).

These rex breeds have a smaller volume of hair to hold the allergens (which are dried saliva flakes) and do not shed in the normal way because of the curled structure of their coats, so allergens are not widely deposited around the home, but mainly limited to their sleeping, grooming areas.

They are not nonallergenic, but are only hypoallergenic, meaning less allergenic than normal cats. It all depends on the level of allergic response in any individual human.

Allergic reactions can be kept to a minimum by use of antihistimines, anti-allergen grooming lotions and wipes which can be bought from pet shops, anti-allergen sprays for soft furnishings (Febreze does one), air filters, vaccuum cleaners with hepa filters, floorboards instead of carpets and no cats in the bedroom. There is also a theory that neutered cats are less allergenic, but all cats should be neutered anyway unless part of a pedigree breeding programme.

Answer 3

I also have allergies same as you describe. I take antihistamines to help fight the symptoms and keep one room in the house -- the bedroom -- where there are no cats. I vacuum the rest of the house often and have HEPA filters in every room. They help a lot. I also keep a window open slightly to bring in fresh air and that helps a lot, too. As far as "hairless" cats are concerned, you'd still be allergic to them because it's the dander not the fur that makes you allergic. I'm fine with most cats, but was most allergic to our Sable Burmese, and I don't know why. If I resist kissing kitties, I'm a lot better, but it's hard -- sort of like an addiction.

Answer 4

I've heard the Siberian or Abyssian cats the best...but, you're right, I've been told it's not the long hair but the dander off their skin. You might talk to a cat "Fancier" or kennel or shelter where there's an Fancier & ask about it. (Aren't Scottish Folds supposed to be without the problems you mentioned?). Brushing a cat daily with a good brush from a petstore helps...but do it outside.
When done, use a fabric softener "sheet" & rub their fur down, to take out the static and make them smell nice. It might help the dander too! ;o)

I've read with interest the suggestions for the scientifically studied ones who are hyperallergenic that have been bred; this might be fine if you can afford $1,300 to $2,000 for it!---PLUS airfare! My son says, they're cute (the Muffin ones) but before he'd pay that, they'd f***ing better be able to mow the law, wash the dishes, vacuum the rug, keep the house clean, and cook his fav meals --- & he says that's just for the FIRST HALF!

Answer 5

People are actually not allergic to cat hair. It is the dead skin cells that cause people to have allergic reactions to cats. There are no such things as hypoallergenic pets. Except pet reptiles or fish. Even a Sphinx (which is the breed of hairless cat) has skin and will produce allergens which will affect you. I don't think you'd enjoy having a Sphinx anyway. They are truly beautiful only to some people.

Answer 6

OK. My husband has allergies to the Cat saliva. We used to have a Male Persian and he was SO allergic, always sneezing, his nose was running and his eyes Bloodshot. we got a female tabby and he doesn't get any symptoms of allergies. I have read that the females saliva doesn't have as much of the Allergic stuff in it as the Male cats. My Husband can cuddle our female and put his face on her belly and he doesn't have any allergic reaction...
When we had the Persian My Husband had to take the allergy medicine all the time. He hasn't taken it in months now and had no allergic reaction...So I would say, Get a female cat and your allergy's won't really be effected by it....And if they are I doubt it Will be that much..

Answer 7

ALLERCA has produced the world's first scientifically-proven hypoallergenic cats. These cats allow some of the millions of people with feline allergies to finally enjoy the love and companionship of a household pet without suffering from allergic symptoms.

Answer 8

Bengal Leopards! They are a Hybrid between an exotic Asian Leopard and a domestic tabby. So they don't have the regular fur and dander that upset the allergies. They have whats called a pelt, and it is very tight and soft and sheds about 98% less than the average cat. Teagrei has been here for 2 mos and i still haven't found any hair!

Answer 9

A hairless cat like a sphinx cat (i think they are ugly myself and not the same to pat , feel the cold and must be indoors).

Like some have said are you allergic to the hair? or skin? or salvia?

Or otherwise a toy one (doesnt cost much to feed) LOL

try this site about pet allergies..i think you will find it useful...

http://www.allergyescape.com/pet-allergy.html

Good luck!


**** I have a bengal and she sheds just as much as my Australian mist cat (my bengal is 3 years old)***

Answer 10

The Siberian is a good bet , forget about hairless cats , check out our site siberiancats4u.com , we have had a very good success rate of placing these cats in home that the owners have allergies .