What cat breeds are best for allergies?
Me and my mom are both allergic to cats. For me the allergic reaction would be worth it to have, my mom doesn't feel the same. I know no cat is hypo-allergenic but are there any breeds that cause less of an allergic reaction. I want to adopt one from a shelter, so please include the website if you know of any rescue that adopts out the breed you suggested. Thanks
Public Comments
1. Rex cats...2. http://www.cat-world.com.au/hypoallergenic-cats-do-they-exist
That's a great article about cats and allergies --- it lists some cats that are best/worst to adopt for allergies. Please check it out :)
That's great that you're going to adopt from a shelter though.
You should foster a cat first to make sure you can breath properly around her before you finalize and pay for the adoption though =]
3. The Siberian and Russian Blue cats are said to be naturally hypoallergenic (not cause allergies). For very mild allergies the LaPerm, Sphynx, Devon Rex, and the Cornish Rex are fine. All these cats are most likely to provoke allergies.
4. a Sphinx or a Norwegian Forest. They are both hypoallergenic. Especially the Norwegian Forest, very very hypoallergenic.
5. siberian cats are the most hypo allergenic breed. hypo allergenic doesnt mean non allergenic, it just means less likely to cause an allergic reaction. its not the dander that people are allergic to, its a protien called FEL D-1 it is secreted in through their skin, saliva, urine, and feces. they have the LEAST ammount of FEL D-1 secreted than any other breed.... regular vacuuming should take care of the rest
pics --->http://images.google.com/images?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4ADBF_enUS326US326&q=siberian+cat
rescue group --->http://www.siberiancatrescue.com/ (adoption fee is $175 which is fairly cheap considering breeders sell them between $1000 and $1800 on average)
6. Siberian.
I sent you an excellent link. Check it out! There it is explained a lot about the breed.
7. Norweigen Forest Cat!! My boyfriend has one because he has very bad ashma and is allergic to cats and he LOVES the cat. His cat sleeps on his chest and they cuddle all the time and he has never had an attack.
They are larger cats and need to be brushed once a week but totally worth it.
They genetically have less protein (what makes people allergic to them) in their bodies so they are very hypoallergenic.
Getting an air purifier will also help when you get a cat. He has one in his room and living room and he is completely fine.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_Forest_Cat
8. First, people are allergic to cat dander. All cats have dander even hairless ones. The trick is to limit the amount of dander you are exposed to. I bred Cornish Rex cats for may years We found that "water washing" the cats ever day or two made a big difference Wet your hands, rub all over the cat's coat, and wash your hands - makes a big difference.
As for some of the hairy breeds being "hypo-allergic" I have been hearing this about various breeds for years. It is more often than not a marketing ploy rather than truth.
There are a number of Rex Rescue groups. First check PetFinder, and then Google "Rex rescue" or cornish devon rex rescue to find the nearest to you,
http://www.petfinder.com
9. Contrary to popular belief, it's not the HAIR NOR DANDER which cause the allergic reaction. It is an enzyme in ALL CATS saliva.
The hair gets the blame simply because they lick their hair all the time. But you simply cannot get away from the saliva.
HOWEVER... there are somethings you can do to help limit an allergic reaction....
1. Get a SHORT haired cat... the shorter the hair the less hair to have to deal with. (Okay, so you don't have this choice right now... go to #2)
2. BRUSH the cat often to get rid of the excess hair.
3. VACUUM your carpets/floors/sofas/furniture wherever the cat "lives."
4. WASH the cats' beds (or other things they frequent... pillows, blankets, etc) regularly to get rid of the enzymes that can build up.
5. BATHE your cats often. Okay, not an EASY thing! But you can purchase bath-wipes specially made for cats. Rub the cat to "bathe" him/her to get rid of the enzymes they lick onto their coats. If you CAN get your cat USED TO an actual bath (or take to a groomer regularly for a bath) then that would be great! Every 2 weeks, with the bath wipes in between would be great.
6. DO NOT ALLOW your cat to SLEEP in the bedroom of the allergy sufferer.... that is if you have any overnight guests.
7. Purchase and TAKE allergy meds DAILY. There are 24-hr antihistamines which are perfectly SAFE to take every day. Wal-Mart has their own brand which is a whole lot cheaper than the brand name. These will help cope with whatever symptoms are being suffered with.... well.. as for your guests, this may not be practical. But if you have a long-staying guest, maybe it could be suggested to them if they are having a particularly bad reaction.
So, there you have it! Most of these steps are not difficult to do and will make allergic life with your cats tolerable!
Me... kittyslave23... I know my place.
