The first thing to keep in mind is that there are no hypoallergenic cats, meaning felines that don’t cause any kind of allergy. Buuuut, there are indeed breeds that, for certain reasons, generate a lower degree of allergy in those who suffer from it.
It’s not uncommon to hear that some families or people have had to part with their beloved feline because they discovered an allergy, does that sound familiar? When these things happen, it’s really sad and the situation becomes a bit complex. At Ownat we always recommend that, in the decision-making process involved in adoption, we take many things into account: from who will take care of them when we are traveling to the type of food we are going to give them, including running some allergy tests. Yes, allergy tests. It’s really not such a complicated process compared to how hard it is to have to give them up due to a future allergy, don’t you think?
It’s veeeery important to emphasize that, after a period of several months living together, a high percentage of allergic owners end up developing tolerance to their felines. And this is very encouraging! That is, even if an allergy were to appear, it’s likely that it will be “overcome.”
So if we belong to the group of people allergic to cats but our love for them is so infinite that we have a cat screensaver, a cat-shaped mouse pad, and a shelf full of cat figurines from all your trips around the world… know that there is hope!
And now, let’s get into the allergy! We’ll start by talking about allergy to the Fel D1 protein, although it’s possible to be allergic to other allergens, this is usually the most common allergy. This Fel D1 protein is found in the saliva and sebaceous glands of cats’ skin.
Keep in mind that:
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Unneutered cats secrete more protein.
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Kittens tend to provoke more allergies than adults.
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Males produce more protein than females.
Therefore, a first and quick conclusion would be to adopt an adult, spayed female cat.
Let’s continue! Another important point is the cat’s breed. For example, we find the famous Russian Blue cat, which is on the list of breeds that provoke a lower degree of allergy. This is due to its double coat, which helps the protein stay more attached to its body.
Another factor we cannot forget! Hygiene guidelines (note, it’s important that cleaning or brushing actions are done by a family member who is not allergic):
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Wash your hands after petting the cat. At least during the first few weeks.
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Brush it at least once a week, come on, it’s not that complicated!
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There are lotions that can be applied after brushing that reduce symptoms by 60–80%.
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A monthly bath (yes, you read that right: baths).
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Prevent the cat from entering the allergic person’s resting area.
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Do not have too many rugs, cushions, or other surfaces that could “store” cat hair or dander.
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Cat items such as the bed, blankets, and other fabrics should be washed regularly.
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Ventilate rooms whenever possible.
As we promised, there is hope! More and more people are filling their lives with feline love even after having given up. At Ownat, we encourage you that, in case of allergy, follow these tips to manage it as best as possible. From here, we assure you that the feline love you will receive will be infinite. ;)
