If you are allergic to cats but love them, you may be interested in finding a hypoallergenic cat. These cats are often described as a reliable option for those with allergies. In reality, however, it’s much more complicated than that. There are many misconceptions around hypoallergenic animals in general, which are often propagated by the breeders themselves who offer their cats as hypoallergenic.
Hypoallergenic cats: myth or reality?
Cat breeders immediately warn that breeds that do not cause allergies do not exist. To understand this question, you need to understand what exactly causes increased susceptibility. Research confirms that there is a special protein, Fel D1, which is actively synthesized in cats. This compound is the cause of allergic reactions in humans.
It is generally believed that animal hair causes allergies, but the protein, which is dangerous to humans, is usually found in body fluids, including urine and saliva. The thick covering of animal hair only helps the allergen to spread quickly around the room.
This fact suggests that even owners of thick fur can theoretically be hypoallergenic, as long as they produce little Fel D1 protein.
Are all cats equally allergenic?
It is important not to confuse the 2 concepts of “non-allergenic” and “hypoallergenic cat breeds”. There are no breeds or non-breeds that do not cause allergic reactions.
The word “hypoallergenic” has the prefix “hypo”, which translates from Greek as “underneath”, i.e. brings the meaning of something reduced or reduced. Therefore, hypoallergenic cat breeds have all the allergens they are supposed to have, but in smaller amounts.
Are all cats equally allergenic It is important not to confuse the 2 concepts of “non-allergenic” and “hypoallergenic cat breeds”. There are no breeds or non-breeds that do not cause allergic reactions.
The word “hypoallergenic” has the prefix “hypo”, which translates from Greek as “underneath”, i.e. brings the meaning of something reduced or reduced. Therefore, hypoallergenic cat breeds have all the allergens they are supposed to have, but in smaller amounts.
Siamese cats are sometimes categorized as hypoallergenic because they are thought to shed less than other cats. However, this is not necessarily true. Siamese shed just as much as any other cat. It’s just that their fur is smaller and thinner than other cats, so it may seem like they shed less.
However, as we will now discuss, it really doesn’t matter how much Siamese cats moult.
What are hypoallergenic cats?
When a person becomes allergic to a cat, they are reacting to a protein that cats produce. This protein is found in cat urine, dander and saliva. All cats have these substances, and all cats secrete these proteins. You won’t find a cat without protein. Therefore, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat (or dog).
The amount of hair on a cat has nothing to do with whether or not it is hypoallergenic. People who are allergic are not allergic to a cat’s fur, but to its protein. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if the cat molts or not. Any cat that has skin and produces dander will cause someone to be allergic. Currently, there is no cat that does not produce dandruff.
Hair can contribute to the spread of dandruff around. However, dandruff does a pretty good job on its own, so it often doesn’t need a coat to produce allergens. In fact, the protein that causes cat allergies can be found almost anywhere – including places where cats don’t exist at all, such as schools and stores. The dander probably gets on people’s clothes and then gets into the environment. The hair itself does not play much of a role in this process.
Can a Siamese cat be made hypoallergenic?
No. There is nothing you can do to make a cat hypoallergenic. All cats will secrete dander, which means they will continue to cause allergies. However, there are several strategies you can take to reduce the amount of dander in your home that can help with your allergies.
Although the most effective method of reducing allergies is to remove the pet, pet owners usually do not. Most people with pet allergies look for other ways to reduce symptoms without getting rid of the pet. You can also keep your cat outside, but this is often not recommended by either doctors or veterinarians. The life expectancy of cats is much shorter if you keep them outside, and you will likely still be socializing with the cat, which will cause its dander to cause allergies.
Even if the cat is removed, the dander often remains in the house for some time. It will take some time for the protein concentration to become low enough that the allergens will not cause an allergic reaction.
Many people do a thorough cleaning. Since allergies are often caused by allergens that are already in the environment, removing these allergens can be extremely helpful. A cat can produce dandruff very quickly. The main problem is dander accumulating in the carpet.
Covering mattresses and cleaning rugs is often recommended. These areas are often where the most dandruff accumulates. Carpet removal alone can greatly reduce the amount of dander in the home.
Bathing a cat may or may not be beneficial. There have been mixed studies, and the scientific evidence is currently confusing as to whether bathing actually reduces the amount of allergens given off by a pet. Also, bathing a cat is very difficult, so it is often impossible.
And finally
Siamese cats do not fit the typical definition of “hypoallergenic.” They molt as often as any other cat, although their shorter coat makes it less noticeable. They also produce exactly the same type and amount of dander as any other cat breed, which means they will cause the same level of allergy symptoms as any other cat.
In fact, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat. All cats produce proteins that are potential allergens in their skin, saliva and urine. Any one of these can cause allergy symptoms. If you are allergic to cats, don’t believe the ads claiming that some cat is hypoallergenic.