Is there a Cat for People Allergic to Cats?

In the U.S., 10 percent of the population suffers from pet allergies--cats being the worst culprits. The saliva and dander from a cat may cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing or watery eyes. If you love cats, owning one may seem impossible due to allergies; however, there may be a solution.

  1. Allergies

    • People who are allergic to cats are often allergic to dander, which is dead skin that is continually shed. If the cat produces dander, allergic reactions can occur regardless of the cat's hair length. The Siberian Cat Breeder notes, "Contrary to popular belief, allergic reactions from cats are not the result of hair length. The true culprit is a glyco-protein known as Fel d1 that is produced in the sebaceous glands of the skin, saliva and urine."

    The Hypoallergenic Cat

    • A hypoallergenic cat is a cat that is less likely to cause allergic reactions to people allergic to cats. These cats are less likely to cause allergic reactions because they don't produce as much Fel d1 as other cats.

    Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds

    • Some cat breeds are known to be hypoallergenic, such as the Siberian and Russian Blue cat breeds. Siberian cats are have a long-haired coat. Russian Blue cats have a short, blue-colored coat with silver tips.

    Theory

    • Although there is no scientific proof, there are some theories as to why a Siberian is hypoallergenic. According to the Siberian Cat Breeder, "When the cat cleans itself, the protein Fel d1 dries on the fur leaving dander. The dander particles are small, and air filters cannot remove them from the air. One theory is the Siberian has far less Fel d1 than normal, or none of this protein, therefore no dander."

    Other Breeds

    • Other breeds may not inflame allergies resulting from cat dander. These cats include the Sphynx, LaPerm, Cornish Rex and Devon Rex. Although these cats may still produce dander, they tend to accumulate less. People with mild cat allergies may do fine with one of these breeds in their home.

    Hypoallergenic Cost

    • Owning a hypoallergenic cat can be expensive. They can cost up to $3,500, depending on the breeder and breed of cat. The demand for these cats is high, and some people pay an extra $1,000 just to have their names put at the top of a waiting list.