Cats who won’t make you sneeze and itch for petting them
Are allergies putting a damper on your desire to cuddle up with a furry friend? You're not alone. Constant sneezing and itching can make it challenging to enjoy the affectionate company of cats. Surprisingly, cat allergies are twice as common as allergies to dogs. But fear not! Despite the sneezes, there's hope for cat lovers.
What are hypoallergenic cats?
Hypoallergenic cats are breeds that are believed to produce fewer allergens than other cats, making them potentially suitable for people with allergies to cat dander. While no cat breed is completely hypoallergenic, some breeds are known to produce fewer allergens or shed less than others.
Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t cat’s hair or fur that causes the allergies in humans.
It's not actually their fur that's to blame, but a protein called Fel D1 found in their saliva. When cats lick themselves, this protein gets on their fur and can make its way into the air, triggering allergic reactions.
But here's the good news: Some cat breeds produce less of this protein than others, making them better options for people with allergies. Aside from Fel D1, there are other things that can affect how much allergen a cat produces.
Balinese cats are known for their long, silky coats and elegant appearance. Despite their luxurious fur, they are considered hypoallergenic because they produce fewer allergens than many other breeds. The Balinese cat's coat sheds minimally, which helps reduce the spread of allergens in the home. However, their long hair does require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. Their affectionate and social nature makes them a popular choice for allergy sufferers looking for a feline companion.
With their distinctive short, wavy coats, Cornish Rex cats are another hypoallergenic option for cat lovers. These cats shed less than breeds with denser fur, which can help minimize the spread of allergens in the home. Cornish Rex cats are known for their playful and affectionate personalities, making them great companions for families and individuals alike.
Sphynx cats are often considered hypoallergenic due to their lack of fur. While they still produce allergens, their hairless coat may result in fewer allergy symptoms for some individuals. Sphynx cats require regular bathing to remove excess oils from their skin, but they are known for their affectionate and outgoing personalities.
Russian Blue cats have short, dense coats that produce fewer allergens than breeds with longer fur. Their minimal shedding and production of dander make them a potential option for people with allergies. Russian Blue cats are known for their calm and gentle demeanor, as well as their striking silver-blue coat.
Javanese cats have long, silky coats but are believed to produce fewer allergens than some other breeds. Regular grooming can help minimize allergens in the home. Javanese cats are known for their playful and affectionate nature, as well as their striking coat patterns.
Siamese cats have short, fine coats that produce fewer allergens than breeds with denser fur. While not completely hypoallergenic, their minimal shedding makes them more tolerable for people with allergies. Siamese cats are known for their vocal and outgoing personalities, as well as their striking blue eyes and pointed coat pattern.
Available in both long-haired and short-haired varieties, Oriental cats have shorter coats and minimal shedding, making them more tolerable for some allergy sufferers. Oriental cats are known for their sleek, slender build and their affectionate and vocal personalities.
