More than 37 percent of all US households have dogs and over 32 percent have cats as pets. The average cat owner has more than one cat in their house, and the estimated number of pet cats in the US is about 82 million according to a recent APPMA survey.
Cat lovers are a common breed, but 6 to 10 million Americans have allergic reactions to cats and other pets. What is a cat enthusiast to do if they have allergies to their favorite animal?
The fact is that no cat exists that will not cause some reaction in a person with sensitivities to this allergen. However, there is hope in the fact that there are some breeds of cat that are more easily tolerated. These are commonly referred to as hypoallergenic cat breeds.
Hypoallergenic Cats
Some cats are easier on people’s allergies because they produce less of a certain protein in their saliva that causes the reaction after they lick their fur and groom themselves.
Other breeds are beneficial because they lack an undercoat or shed less, both of which effect the amount of allergen the cat can spread to its owner. The Oriental Shorthair, the Balinese, and the Javanese are all good choices for low allergen cats in the Siamese family.
If a Rex Type cat is preferred, a Devon Rex or Cornish Rex will work out nicely. A Siberian is also a good choice with an estimated 75 percent of cat allergy sufferers being able to tolerate this breed. Finally, the iconic hypoallergenic cat, the Sphinx. This is the hairless cat most people think of when they envision an allergy free cat. Any of these can be good options for cat lovers with allergies.
Hypoallergenic Cat Facts
In addition to specific breeds of cat being better for allergy suffers then others, there are a few more factors to consider. In general, a male cat will produce a more severe allergic reaction in people then a female cat will.
In addition, a male cat that has not been neutered will produce a greater reaction then one that has been. Darker colored cats also produce more of the protein in their saliva that causes allergies then lighter furred cats. Finally, kittens cause less of an allergic reaction than adult cats.
Other precautions can be taken to mitigate the effects of cat allergies. These include frequent bathing and grooming of the cat, which may be best left to a professional if a person is severely allergic.
Frequent brushing also helps, as does washing cat bedding and toys regularly. A final tip, and perhaps the most important one, is to wash your hands after petting or holding a cat, and try to never touch your eyes with hands that have not been washed.
That can be difficult, but it is very important in preventing the chain reaction of allergies. Cat allergy sufferers can enjoy these beautiful pets as well as anyone else if they are willing to follow a few precautions. For cat lovers, it is worth it.