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What Are the Best Cat Breeds For People
With Pet Allergies
Millions of people around the globe are
allergic to cats. In fact studies show many of these same people have cats.
Many people automatically think that because they are allergy sufferers,
they cannot get a pet.
For cat lovers who are also suffer from pet
allergy, there are certain breeds of cats they may be able take home. These
cat breeds are considered hypoallergenic (no such thing) and are known to
rarely trigger allergy attacks.
Cats are notorious stimuli for allergens because of a protein called Fel D1,
which is found in their saliva. When a cat licks its fur, spit containing
Fel D1 dries and becomes airborne. Since pat dander is so light it sticks to
everything it comes in contact with.
When the allergen particles enter the body
through the nose and the sinuses, they elicit an allergic reaction and
symptoms start to show up. However, there are breeds that produce less Fel
D1, making these cats great choices for people who are suffering from
allergies.
Below are five cat breeds considered by
experts to be hypoallergenic. Take note that hypoallergenic does not mean
non-allergenic. These cats may still set off a person’s allergy, but attacks
are significantly fewer compared to “regular” cat breeds.
Balinese Cats
Balinese cats, also called long-haired Siamese, are known because of their
very long hair. Because of this characteristic, Balinese cats seem like a
dubious candidate for a hypoallergenic cat. However, this breed produces
less Fel D1 protein than other cat breeds. They may not look like it, but
they cause fewer allergic reactions.
Sphynx Cats
If Balinese cats are abundant with hair, Sphynx cats are a hairless breed of
cats. That is why many people associate it for being hypoallergenic.
However, being a hairless cat breed does not mean that Sphynx cats are
maintenance-free. These cats often accumulate gummy buildups of oils on
their skin and ears, thus the need for frequent bathing and cleaning.
Devon Rex Cats
There are two types of Rex Cats: the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex. Between the
two, Devon Rex has the shorter and lesser fur. Cornish Rex requires more
upkeep than Devon Rex. Though the Devon Rex will not need frequent full
baths, its paw pads and ears have to be cleaned regularly because these
parts accumulate oil easily and some people are allergic to such substances.
Siberian Cats
Siberian cats sport moderately long hairs like the Sphynx. But because of
the low Fel D1 levels in their saliva, they are also a good option for
people with allergies who want to get a pet cat. 75 percent of allergy
sufferers claim that they have not experienced serious allergic reactions
while taking care of their Siberian cats.
Oriental Cats
They are also considered to be one of the best hypoallergenic breeds of
cats. However, Oriental cats are susceptible to having dander because they
easily shed off their fur and skin. Some people may be allergic to dander,
so regularly grooming Oriental cats is essential.
Remember before getting a cat, it is important that a person spends some
time with the cat first to test if the allergies remain in check or not.
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Best Cat Breeds If You Have Allergies
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