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Is there really a breed of cat that is hypoallergenic?

The prefix 'hypo' in the word hypoallergenic means 'less than normal'. Therefore the word hypoallergenic does not mean non-allergenic. A hypoallergenic cat is less likely than other cats to produce allergic reactions in some people.

Although some cat allergy sufferers can tolerate any or all of the following breeds not everyone can.
 

Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds:
Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Sphynx and Siberian.

Devon Rex Cat

Devon Rex Cat

 

  The allergen responsible for a cat allergy in humans is a protein named FEL D-1

  It is commonly thought that cat hair causes an allergy to cats but this is not true although cat hair can carry the allergen. Fel d 1 is a particularly sticky protein.

  FEL D-1. can be found in cat saliva. It is also produced by the sebaceous glands

  Allergens become airborne as microscopic particles and these are breathed in by the allergy sufferer. These cat allergen particles are very small and can remain airborne for long periods of time.

 

Cornish Rex Cat

Cornish Rex Cat

  Devon and Cornish Rex have a reduced number of hairs in their coat. This provides less surface area to trap allergenic proteins from the saliva or the skin. Rexes only have an undercoat and lose only a few of very fine hairs at a time. They do not shed like other cats.

  Dander is minute flakes of skin.
 
These skin cells contain oils (sebum) which are made by the cat's sebaceous glands and aid in keeping the cat's skin and coat in good condition. These skin cell particles become airborne and can be breathed in and also will adhere to most things including carpets, curtains and furnishings. It also adheres to clothing and can be spread on people's clothing to areas where no cat exist

 

Sphynx Cat

Sphynx Cat

  Shpynx cats are almost completely hairless but they do secrete the FEL D 1 protein.

 

  There appears to be a sex difference in Fel d 1 allergen production. Female cats produce less of the allergen. Male cats which have not been neutered tend to secrete more of the protein than un-neutered male cats.   (Reference)

Siberian Cat

Siberian Cat

It appears that different cat breeds have different levels of the FEL D 1 protein.

It is believed that the  Siberian Cat produces less allergens than other breeds. The average cat produces 63,000 micrograms of Fel-Dh1, it is estimated that the female Siberian produces approximately 200 micrograms of Fel-Dh1 per gram.

 

Tips to reduce allergies to cats

Have your cat neutered or spayed.

Washing your cat in plain water can be useful to remove the Fel d-1 from the cat's coat.

Consult your veterinarian about products that you can bathe your cat in to help reduce the allergens

Ensure your cat does not have fleas as this causes the cat to scratch and to throw more dander into the air.

Limit your cat to certain areas of the house. Do NOT allow it in bedrooms.

Keep your cat outside for part of the time. A cat enclosure can be built to keep your cat safe outside

An air filtration system will reduce the amount of allergens circulated.

Ventilate your house. Opening windows and using exhaust fans can help increase air exchange and decrease air borne allergens.

Vacuum carpets with a HEPA equipped vacuum cleaner. This will reduce the allergens. Cat dander settles onto carpets and soft furnishings, which act as a reservoir for the allergen, releasing it back into the air when touched. Remove the carpeting, if possible

Wool attracts allergens. Try to avoid wearing it.

Reduce your other allergies. Few individuals are allergic only to cats

Keep the litter tray in a well ventilated area.

 

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