What Type of Cat Should You Get If You Have Allergies?

Whether a cat is long-haired or short-haired or nearly no-haired, it is possible for allergy sufferers to have their cat and pet it, too. With some extra work to keep allergens under control, people with mild allergies may find they can live quite well with a feline friend. In fact, the Cat Fanciers Association has a suggestion for which breed allergic owners might want to choose: the Sphynx.

  1. Allergy Symptoms

    • The human immune system acts as a border patrol against harmful bacteria, viruses or toxic substances; it essentially keeps people from getting sick. However, allergy sufferers have malfunctioning immune systems that release antibodies to attack otherwise benign proteins. Allergy sufferers might have reactions to innocuous substances such as dust, pollen, mold or, in the case of cats, feline dander. Exposure to this allergen causes inflammation in the nasal passages and lungs. Those who are allergic to cats might have sneezing, runny nose, postnasal drip, congestion, and itchy or watering eyes. Asthma sufferers might experience difficulty breathing, tightening of the chest and audible wheezing. Some allergy sufferers have a dermatological response such as itchy skin and/or raised red welts known as hives.

    Feline Causes

    • People with feline allergies often point to the animal's fur as the cause of their suffering. The fur is not the culprit, however. Feline allergies are caused by exposure to the protein in a cat's saliva as well as dander, the cells that cats shed at the base of their skin. Both dander and saliva can become and remain airborne if a house is particularly drafty. Additionally, these allergens stick to clothing and household surfaces such as bedding, carpeting and couches.

    A "Hypoallergenic" Cat?

    • Some breeds of cats are touted as "hypoallergenic" because they shed less or have a scant amount of fur (or sometimes none, as in the case of the Sphynx breed). A cat that sheds less might reduce the amount of allergens, but allergies would not be mitigated entirely. Dander and dried saliva occur no matter what the cat breed. Length of fur also matters little when it comes to cat allergies.

    The Sphynx

    • The Cat Fanciers Association, or CFA, promotes the Sphynx as a possible pet for the allergy sufferer. The Sphynx, which is hairless except for a light layer of "peach fuzz," is a cat that is both genetically sound and very friendly to its human companion. The Sphynx is becoming increasingly popular due to its quirky, outgoing personality and clownish antics. Because this breed lacks fur, however, it requires extra care. It is important to ensure that the Sphynx has a warm place in which to retreat (some Sphynx owners employ pet sweaters). Because the Sphynx lacks fur that absorbs the oils on its skin, the CFA recommends that the cat receive periodic baths. Many Sphynx owners run a warm, damp washcloth over their cat daily to prevent oil buildup. This also removes dander and saliva.

    Minimizing Allergies

    • Those whose allergies are mild may find cat ownership possible if they take preventive measures and are willing to put in additional elbow grease to reduce allergen exposure. The household must be well-vacuumed and surfaces protected. Veterinarians recommend that allergy sufferers bathe their cat at least once a week to wash off pet dander and excess saliva. Disposable bath wipes for cats can be used daily.