Mary Allen
If you are allergic to cats, you don’t necessarily have to do without your own cat. We introduce you to cat breeds that are said to be most suitable for allergy sufferers.
Watery eyes, itchy skin, and a runny nose – those who are allergic to cats know these symptoms only too well. But what if you want to keep a cat despite an allergy? On the one hand, there are actually therapies with which you can successfully get rid of a cat allergy.
On the other hand, it’s possible to settle on a cat that you have little to no reaction to. There are certain cat breeds that are known to trigger less severe allergy symptoms than others. They are also referred to as “hypoallergenic”. You can find out how allergy sufferers find the right cat for them here.
Keeping a Cat Despite An Allergy: Is That Really Possible?
Yes, cat allergy sufferers can keep a cat. However, only if the allergy is very mild and you find a cat to which they react little or not at all. Allergic reactions can be different for every cat.
The protein “Fel d 1” triggers an allergic reaction in some people. Every cat carries this protein without exception. It comes before everything
- in saliva
- in the sebaceous glands
- in the tear fluid
of cats before. If the animal cleans itself, it gets on the fur. The hair that the cat then loses can also cause allergic reactions. The good news: Not every cat releases the same amount of “Fel d 1”.
Which Cats Are Worst for Allergy Sufferers?
In a study, the toxicologist Prof. Dr. re. pharmaceutical Jeroen Buters, in which cats release a particularly large number of allergens and thus cause strong allergic reactions. These are the results:
- Males have a higher allergen content than female cats.
- Unneutered animals release more allergens (especially unneutered tomcats).
Theoretically, cat allergy sufferers can react differently to two cats of the same breed. The number of allergens a cat carries can vary from animal to animal. However, there are some cat breeds to which, according to experience, allergy sufferers react less strongly on average.
These 8 Cat Breeds May Be Suitable For Allergy Sufferers
These eight cat breeds are said to be hypoallergenic because they release less of the protein “Fel d 1” (to which allergy sufferers react). This has not yet been scientifically proven. But experience indicates that allergy sufferers have a good chance of finding a cat among these breeds to which they react little or not at all.
Russian Blue
This noble cat is said to cause less severe allergic reactions. The Russian Blue can be very affectionate and gentle, but also wild and aloof – depending on what she wants at the moment. She loves to cuddle but tends to be shy and reserved with strangers.
The undercoat and topcoat of this cat breed are of equal length. The Russian Blue hardly loses any hair and thus spreads the allergen “Fel d 1” less intensively.
Balinese
The Balinese are said to spread fewer allergens than other cat breeds. However, this has not been scientifically proven.
Balinese are very active and playful. Cats of this breed like to cuddle and share loudly with their people. With their dominant nature, they like to demand their attention themselves. Balinese can also be very idiosyncratic.
Oriental Shorthair Cat
The Oriental Shorthair Cat is also said to be suitable for allergy sufferers. However, there is no absolute guarantee for this.
Oriental Shorthair cats love to chatter, sing, moan, and coo. They are also very cuddly, extremely playful, and affectionate. Cats of this breed need a lot of attention and they demand it.
Rex Cats
Cats such as the German Rex, Devon Rex, or the Cornish Rex should also be hypoallergenic, i.e. suitable for allergy sufferers. But there is no guarantee for this either.
The Rex cats have a special coat: it is wavy to curly. They are also one of the cat breeds that shed less profusely in comparison. Therefore, they distribute the allergens a little less strongly. Rex cats are known to be friendly, intelligent, and somewhat headstrong.
Caution: Rex cats are among the cats whose purchase should be critically questioned, as they are often counted among the torture breeds.
Siberian Cat
The long-haired Siberian cat is also said to be hypoallergenic, i.e. suitable for allergy sufferers. She may carry fewer allergens than other cat breeds. However, that is not proven.
Siberian cats are curious and spirited. Since they are very playful and adaptable, they are also very suitable for families. But Siberian cats are very active, which is why they need a lot of space.
Siamese
Siamese cats are also said to be hypoallergenic. They are affectionate, curious, and outgoing. So it’s no wonder that Siamese cats, with their cuddly and playful nature, are among the most popular pedigree cats.
What is special about this breed is that Siamese cats like to communicate loudly and have a wide repertoire of sounds. If you talk to your Siamese cat, you will surely get an answer.
Bengal Cat
The exotic Bengal cat is also said to cause less severe allergic reactions. The reason is: Cats of this breed often shed very little. However, there is no guarantee that Bengal cats are suitable for all cat allergy sufferers.
Bengal cats are curious, spirited, and playful. They have a very strong hunting instinct and are often not at all afraid of water. This cat breed is still closely related to wild cats, which is why they need a lot of exercise and space.
Burmese cat
If you suffer from allergies but still want to keep a cat, you could try a Burmese cat. Since their fur is close fitting and they hardly shed any hair, they are often regarded as “allergic cats”. But keep in mind that she can still spread the allergen “Fel d 1”.
Burma is enterprising and intelligent. They have to move a lot and are considered people-centric, self-confident, sociable, and friendly. In addition, Burmese cats often remain childishly playful into old age.
Test Cuddling: How To Find Your Cat Despite An Allergy
A cat allergy varies in severity from person to person. In addition, a person allergic to cats reacts differently to each animal. If you want to keep a cat despite an allergy, you should not buy a cat prematurely. It doesn’t matter which breed: Before the cat moves in, you should “cuddle with it for a test”.
Of course, this is only possible if your allergic reactions are not very severe! This way, find a cat that you have little to no reaction to. So it may be possible to keep a cat even though you have an allergy.
However, it is always medically advisable to avoid what triggers an allergy. This also applies to a cat allergy: think carefully about whether you want to take the health risk.
Allergy And Still a Cat: Does It Really Make Sense?
As an animal lover, it’s hard to give up a cat if you have an allergy. It can be a good idea to keep a cat anyway. However, allergic reactions can worsen over time.
You must be aware of this. If you have bought a cat as a cat allergy sufferer, it is possible that the allergic reactions will become more and more extreme until you finally have to give the animal back. This is particularly tragic. Not only for the owner but also for the cat. So before you buy one, think carefully about whether you really want to keep a cat.