Allergies?

Question

I've noticed I'm much more allergic to some cats than others. Is there any guideline to this? I've heard long haired cats are better than short for people with allergies, though you would think it would be the other way. Is there anyway to tell by looking how much dander a cat may have?

Sorry if this is a ridiculous question, I would love a cat but I'm somewhat allergic. I'm trying to explain to my mother that I can just hang out with a cat for a bit to see whether I'm not as allergic to it or not, but she just laughs at me.

Answer 1

Hi there...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/od/allergies101/a/catallergy.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.

Answer 2

I can sympathize: My mother's allergic to cats too, but she has one in the house.

What you're allergic to is most likely cat dander. So if you get a cat with little dander and healthy skin under the coat, you'll be less likely to have a reaction. It also will help to vacuum frequently and use a damp cloth to dust often so the dander doesn't collect.

Good luck.

Answer 3

OK i am allergic to cats and dogs yet i have 5 cats and 3 dogs. yes that may be true about the long hair then the short hair for i think the long hair doesn't shed as easily. i just take allergies medicine and it helps. hope everything goes well!

Answer 4

Keep some reactine (or other allergy meds) in the house. Also, keep the cat out of your bedroom to help you sleep. My husband is allergic to our cat, and as long as she stays out of the bedroom he is fine. On a bad day, he takes some reactine and is fine afterwards. Good luck convincing your mom. :)

Answer 5

As someone who has and is suffering greatly from all kinds of allergies, please do not get a cat. You will get attached to it to the detriment of your health. Allergies are an indefinite thing and can pop up at any time during life, or worsen considerably.

Answer 6

deven rex or cornish rex meant to be best cats for allergys

Answer 7

check out his link...i think it should answer most of your questions

http://stason.org/TULARC/animals/cats/misc-faq/009-Cat-Owner-Allergies.html