Hypoallergenic Cats

How to find a hypoallergenic cat

What's the best way for allergy sufferers to co-exist with cats? Are hypoallergenic cats the solution? Not necessarily. Hypoallergenic simply means "less than." Although hypoallergenic cats are less likely to produce allergic reactions than other cats, you'll still need some allergy-management strategies. Furthermore, understanding cat allergies and learning how to manage them could allow you to share your living space with just about any breed of cat.

The Science Behind Hypoallergenic Cats

It was once thought that the length of a cat's hair or how much it shed determined the severity of allergic reactions. Research has shown, though, that we actually react to glycoproteins found in cats' sebaceous glands and saliva. The usual culprit, a protein called Fel d 1, is secreted by glands in the skin and deposited on the hair shaft when the cat grooms itself. It is much more concentrated in the glandular secretions than in saliva. Since all cats have sebaceous glands and saliva, all cats produce some level of allergens. However, Fel d 1 levels tend to be lower in cats that are spayed or neutered, in light-colored cats vs. darker-colored cats, and in certain specific breeds. Kittens produce much less Fel d 1 than adult cats.

Common Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds

One might think that the hairless Sphynx would top any list of hypoallergenic breeds, but this isn't so. Sphynx cats have very active sebaceous glands; they need frequent bathing to keep their skin free of oily secretions, which are high in allergens.

Cornish Rex cats and Devon Rex cats are also commonly referred to as hypoallergenic cats because of their unusual coats. Cornish Rex cats have tight "marcel" waves while Devon Rex cats have a looser, softer wave. Both have hair that is fine, thin and fragile. Since they have less fur than common mixed-breed cats, they certainly shed less. And since their coats are so fragile, it is possible that they may ingest more of their own fur when they groom themselves. Owning a "rexed" breed means less allergen-coated fur in the environment, but this may not make much difference. A study done in the United Kingdom showed that only 10 percent of allergic cat lovers could tolerate Cornish Rex cats and Devon Rex cats.

The heavy coats of majestic Siberian cats – designed to withstand the worst of the Russian winter – provide a natural, insulating barrier between the sebum on the cat's skin and the surface of its coat. Siberian cats have a recessive gene that reduces the concentration of Fel d 1 in their saliva. They can, consequently, truly be considered hypoallergenic cats.

Russian blue cats are also thought to be hypoallergenic cats, but no studies currently exist to tell us why. Perhaps geography is involved. Since both Russian blue cats and Siberian cats are native to the same country, it is possible that the gene that produces lower Fel d 1 levels in Siberian cats may also be present in Russian Blue cats.

Allergy Management Tips for Cat Owners

Anyone with a sensitivity to cats should consider buying a purebred cat from a reputable breeder instead of going to a shelter. Most breeders are knowledgeable about how their cats affect allergy sufferers. Furthermore, visiting a breeder's home and handling adult cats (which produce more allergens than kittens) is a good barometer for determining how likely you are to react to a cat from that particular breed.

Bathing your cat may the best way to manage allergies. It removes both allergens deposited on the fur and reduces shedding. Breeders who show their cats are more likely to bathe their kittens. If accustomed to bathing when young, cats will tolerate it on a regular basis as adults.

Here are some other tips for allergic cat owners:

• Preserve at least one room in your house as a cat-free zone. It should have a door, and the door should stay closed. Your bedroom is the best choice.
• Resist the temptation to touch your cat's head and face. These areas have more sebaceous glands and less fur, so they're heavier in allergens. Stroke the cat's back instead.
• Stay conscious of how often you touch your face and eyes with your fingers. You don't want to transfer allergens to these sensitive areas! Better yet, discipline yourself to wash your hands after handling your cat.
• Consider wood or tile floors rather than carpet. They are easier to clean and won't collect allergens over time. Avoid heavy drapes for the same reason. Machine-washable curtains are a smarter choice.
• Use allergy wipes or lotions such as Allerpet regularly. They contain chemicals that can help break down the allergenic proteins.
• Treat your cat to an outdoor enclosure. It will enjoy the fresh air, stay safe from dogs and deposit less allergens inside your home.

By B. Iris Tanner