Cats that don't cause allergies

It is believed that cats that do not cause allergies are a myth. In fact, this is true, since it is not the animal's fur that provokes allergies, but its natural enzyme, contained in saliva and sebaceous glands. And no matter how hard breeders try, there will always be an allergy sufferer who, believing the arguments of breeders, will buy a cat and will suffer from allergy attacks.

There are cats that have virtually no hair, there are cats that like to "bathe", respectively, the risk of an aggressive response from the human immune system is low, breeds with a reduced gene for the formation of glycoprotein - the main source of allergies to animals have been bred. However, hypoallergenicity is only a minimization of a possible reaction, but not its complete neutralization. The prefix "Hypo" does not mean absolute safety at all, translated from Latin it sounds like "weak, reduced". Thus, cats that do not cause allergies are breeds that provoke an allergic reaction to a lesser extent than other species. This information is very important for those who want to get a furry friend despite their allergy status.

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Which cats are hypoallergenic?

Before choosing a relatively safe breed, you should find out how an allergy to cats develops. The glycoprotein to which the human immune system reacts so intensely is contained in the salivary and sebaceous glands of animals, the name of this allergen is Felix domesticus D1. Like many other protein compounds, the glycoprotein is perceived by the human immune system as a foreign, harmful agent. In houses where a cat or a cat live, such allergens are almost everywhere, they are carried instantly, and even after a sad parting with a pet occurs, they remain on objects, furniture, carpets, etc. for about six months. Allergen molecules are much smaller than plant pollen, they instantly pass the barrier of the bronchial membranes of the animal owner, and can provoke an allergic reaction. Fel D1 is spread by a cat in the process of licking its fur or skin, so even the so-called "naked" cat - the Sphynx, can also be an allergy provoker, like a Persian cat.

In defense of cats, it should be said that allergies can have a completely different cause, to which the feline family does not belong, this factor should be determined with the help of allergy tests.

Before deciding which cats are hypoallergenic and choosing one of them, you need to familiarize yourself with the following information:

• Approximately every sixth inhabitant of the planet is predisposed to allergic reactions, including to animals. Of these, every third has a cat and is quite happy with this choice. Consequently, even allergy sufferers have the opportunity to enjoy communication with a fluffy or smooth-haired companion.
• Asthmatics react especially strongly to the feline family, but more than 50% of them have cats and do not suffer from asthma attacks.
• Every fourth allergy sufferer - the owner of a hypoallergenic cat, after a while looks for a new owner for their pet, since hopes for a safe, “non-allergic” cohabitation are not fulfilled.
• An allergic reaction to a pet can either increase or decrease as natural desensitization occurs.
• It is believed that representatives of the cat family with white, light coloring are less allergic than their dark-furred counterparts. This information has no scientific or statistical evidence and is rather observational in nature. Studies conducted with 300 volunteers are not indicative from a medical point of view.
• The first signs of allergies may appear a month or more after a cat appears in the house.
• It is believed that cats and kittens of either sex are less dangerous in terms of allergies than adult cats.
• 35% of the brave allergy sufferers who passionately love cats eventually adapted to coexistence with their personal pets, but paradoxically continued to react to other people's pets.
• An allergic reaction can be caused by no more than 2 types of antigens, so if a person already has an allergy to dogs, cats are safe for him.

Cat Breeds That Don't Cause Allergies

Here is a list of breeds that are less likely to provoke allergies in humans than other members of the family:

• The Siberian breed of cats, despite their thick, long fur, secretes a small amount of glycoproteins and is therefore popular among people with allergies.
• The Balinese or Balinese breed is famous for its hypoallergenic properties, as its representatives produce very small amounts of the allergen Fel D1.
• All varieties of Rex - Cornish Rex, Devon Rex and others. These are short-haired animals, very demanding in cleanliness, they need to be washed often. Since there is little hair, the skin is cleaned quite regularly, glycoprotein is released into the environment in minimal quantities.
• Cats are oriental, a short-haired oriental breed that requires cleanliness, therefore the allergen is neutralized with careful grooming.
• Cats and sphinx cats, which are also called "naked". Accordingly, the glycoprotein is secreted by the sebaceous glands less intensively, the risk to humans in terms of allergies is minimal.
• Russian Blue cats are also considered hypoallergenic animals.
• The Javanese cat breed is famous for its medium-length coat, no undercoat and fine hair structure.
• The huge, leopard-colored Ashera cat is included in the list of hypoallergenic pets, but there is no exact statistical evidence to support this.

Cat breeds that do not cause allergies are the number one task for many breeders, and accordingly, biologists and geneticists are trying to solve it in every possible way. For the sixth year, fans of the cat family and felinology have had the opportunity to admire the so-called genetically modified breed, bred by the Lifestyle Pets company. Scientists called the new species Allerca, and offered kittens at a very high price, claiming that they are not able to secrete Fel D1. The animals have a cheerful disposition, are very playful, attached to their owners, have very short hair and weigh up to 8 kilograms. The high cost of small Allerca cats is explained by the fact that in order to control the purity of the breed, the company breeds no more than 100 individuals annually. It would seem that a solution has been found, but after several years, cases of allergy in the owners of Allerca cats were recorded, and the first lawsuits against the company appeared, which periodically appear to this day.

While the lawsuits between innovators and the owners of the most expensive cats in the world are ongoing, many owners of more democratic breeds are trying to cope with the task of fighting allergies on their own. Following simple recommendations, they achieve success in 65% of cases, the rest, alas, have to part with their pet and look for other, safer ways to satisfy their love for the animal world.