Hypoallergenic Cats
Do Allergy-free Cats Exist?

Hypoallergenic cats - we take a look at the true meaning of hypo - allergenic. Hypo is a prefix meaning low or less and most certainly not none. Allergenic means the ability to cause an allergy. Therefore the term implies that the cat still produces allergens (a substance that causes allergies) but that the tendency to produce allergic reactions may be reduced. It is believed that the absence of fur or certain fur types may cause fewer allergies amongst allergy sufferers. So, let's explore this.

What Causes Cat Allergies?

The allergen that causes the allergic response is called Fel D-1 (derived from the Latin 'Felis' and 'domestica'). Fel D-1 is a glyco-protein which is produced by the sebaceous glands (or fat glands) in the skin of the cat. This protein produced in the salivary glands and therefore present in the saliva of the cat. The protein has a sticky consistency which means it adheres to anything it comes into contact with.

It was originally believed that cat fur or rather cat hair was responsible for causing allergic reactions in humans. Indirectly, this is true. When the cat grooms itself, it uses its tongue and saliva thereby transferring the sticky glyco-protein Fel D-1 onto the hair and the skin of the cat. As the cat sheds, hair is left on furniture, bedding and clothing. Allergy sufferers who inhale or come into contact with the hair will suffer allergic reactions of varying degrees.

The major contributor to allergic reactions in cats is in fact dander. Dander is dandruff-like dead skin flakes, which are microscopic and become airborne when the cat scratches or shakes itself. Dander is also left on clothing, furnishing and carpets. These microscopic particles (allergens) contain Fel D-1 which causes skin reactions (red skin, hives or eczema) and respiratory allergic reactions (allergic rhinitis, asthma).

So are there hypo-allergenic cats? As all cats have oil-producing sebaceous glands and all cats have saliva-producing salivary glands we can deduce that all cats, irrespective of coat length or even a complete absence of fur will produce an allergic reaction in humans! The real question is to what degree? This will vary from person-to-person; the level of dander present in the environment and the amount of hair and dander that the cat breed sheds!

Hypoallergenic Cats

Hairless cats like the Canadian Sphynx, the Donskoy, Peterbald and Levkoy all have fine downy hair and all produce dander, but to a lesser extent than their short and longhaired counterparts. For many years these hairless cats were believed to be hypoallergenic cats.

The Devon Rex, Cornish Rex and La Perm cats have short rexed coats and are also known to shed very little and hence the belief that they are hypoallergenic cat breeds.

Some Siberian Forest cat breeders claim that this cat breed produces less Fel D-1 than other cats and coupled to this they have a triple coat which is believed to form a barrier between the skin and the hair thereby reducing allergic reactions.

During our research we found a company called Allerca Lifestyle Pets in the US who claim to have created genetically engineered cats that are not hypoallergenic cats, but rather completely Non-allergic. We also found a number of articles that imply it's a scam. We cannot confirm or deny whether the company or the cats exist!

Experts believe that kittens, female and neutered male cats produce less Fel D-1 than whole or un-neutered cats.

Reducing Allergens and Living with Cats

Many people suffer from allergies to cats. Some allergies are so mild that it allows the allergy sufferer to own a cat. The degree of allergic reaction varies from person-to-person and some people report that the severity of their cat allergy seems to decline the longer they are exposed to cats.

We have a family member who is highly allergic to cats, but never reacts to our Persian cat - a cat not associated with being hypoallergenic - how to explain this we don't know!

• Potential cat owners who suffer from any allergies need to be tested prior to even considering getting a new addition to the family. Shelters are crowded with cats and kittens due to owners been unable to cope with their allergies.
• Multiple visits to the cattery are also advisable. We suggest multiple visits as very often people do not react immediately and several contact visits may be needed.
• Allergy suffers need to establish the exact cause of the allergies, often cats are not the culprit. Get tested and get treated. Human immunotherapy is available to allergy sufferers. Over the counter medication like antihistamines treat the symptoms.
• A vaccine is currently being developed for cat allergy sufferers. This may signal the end of the sought after hypoallergenic cat and provide cat lovers the opportunity to choose a cat breed of their choice!
• In order to reduce and control shedding the cat should be brushed daily and bathed at least weekly. Start this at kittenhood to get your cat accustomed to this.
• Premium diets and the inclusion of Omega 3 (essential fatty acids) in the food may also minimize the production of dander (dry skin)
• Special allergy reducing cat wipes are available at veterinary clinics and if used regularly may reduce cat allergies
• Male and female cats should be neutered.
• Ensure that your cat is tick and flea free. This reduces the amount of scratching and shaking thereby decreasing hair and dander distribution.
• Cats should have limited access to beds and bedrooms.
• Cat owners should, where possible wear cotton clothing that attracts less hair and dander.
• Clothing should be laundered after wearing.
• Hands need to be washed after handling your cat.
• The home needs to be clean and well ventilated. Vacuum floors, carpets and furnishings daily. Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters are recommended.
• Damp dusting is preferable to dry dusting as it reduces the spread of allergy-producing microscopic dander and dust particles
• Provide and escape-proof, outdoor adventure zone for your cat that limits their time indoors and avoid keeping your cat confined to one room.

If you suffer from cat allergies and asthma and cats are a must in your life, then do consider an asthma natural remedy from Home Remedies Haven.

That's hypoallergenic cats in a nutshell!

Signs of Cat Allergy. You Do NOT have an Hypoallergenic Cat Breed ....

If you experience some or all of these signs and symptoms after contact or exposure to your cat, it may indicate that you have a cat allergy:

• Sneezing
• Watery red eyes
• Itchy eyes and nose
• Nasal congestion
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Tightening of the chest
• Asthma attack
• Sore throat
• Rash
• Itching
• Dermatitis
• Eczema
• Swelling of hands and feet

Related Pages:

Hairless Cats - extensive profiles on hairless cats

Hairless Cat - a review on cat allergies and living with hairless cats