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Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds - The Siberian is as close to allergy-free as you can get... Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds and Understanding How to Overcome Your Allergies to Cats
Do you have allergies to cats? Would you like to have a cat, but fear doing so because a family member has a cat allergy? Is there such a thing as a "hypoallergenic cat"? This page will answer some of these questions about cat allergies...
Most people think that cat allergies are caused by cat hair - not quite true.The cause is more technical. The cause is a sticky protein, called FEL D-1. It is produced by the sebaceous glands, and is found in cat saliva.What bothers most people are the so-called "Allergens". They're the protein that is on the cat hairs and the dander that becomes airborn. And it can remain airborn for a long time. What is cat dander? Tiny particles of skin. These skin cells contain oils which are the source of the irritating allergin, a protein FEL D-1. The problem of cat allergies becomes multiplied when the particles cling to surfaces like carpet, curtains and draperies, furniture and clothing. Is there such a thing as hypoallergenic cat? (Hypo meaning "less").Even the virtually hairless Sphynx Cat secretes the FEL D-1 protein. Devon and Cornish Rex Cats have less hair shedding, but still secrete the protein. No real answers, here.But here's some help - Female cats produce less of the protein than male cats. And neutered males produce less than un-neutered males. And different breeds, it appears, have varying levels of the protein. For example, the average cat produces 63,000 micrograms of the protein, while the female Siberian Cat produced only 200 micrograms of FEL D-1 per gram. Nowadays, websites about Siberian Cats say that Siberians are "hypoallergenic". But be careful - you or your family member may still have difficulties.
I researched Siberian Cat Rescue, and Siberians are so rarely available that I hesitate to give you this link, but here it is. Don't get your hopes up too high. Interested in Rescuing a Siberian? Contact this group first. Here are some easy ways you can help relieve cat allergies in your home:- Make certain your cat is neutered or spayed.- Consult with your Vet about products that are applied to the cat's coat to reduce airborn particles. - Install protective covers around your mattress and box spring that can be washed in 140 degree F water at least twice monthly. - Vacuum at least 2 times a week with a HEPA vacuum all surfaces including walls, curtains, floors and furniture. - Steam cleaning is also helpful. And small reasonably priced units are now available for residential use. - Regularly hire a professional carpet cleaner. - As your budget allows, replace furniture and window coverings with materials that shed hair. A leather sofa, for example, is much easier to clean than a fabric covered sofa. - Use HEPA filters in air cleaners where you spend the most time with your cat. - Don't sleep with your cat. - Don't allow your cat free reign of the home. - Confine the cat to rooms that are easiest for you to maintain. - Wash your hands frequently, and don't touch your face after you've touched the cat. - Keep your cat healthy and free of fleas. - Rub your cat's coat with a damp micro fiber cloth. This will help remove dander. - Keep your furnace and air conditioner filters very clean. Replace them more often than is recommended. - If you have a forced air home heating system, hire a duct cleaning service to vacuum your system on a regular basis. - If your cat will allow it - rinse the cat in water, or bathe the cat to remove allergens. - Keep your home properly humidified. This will keep dust and dander less airborn.
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