CAT ALLERGIES
Many cat allergy sufferers ask whether they are able to live with cats without experiencing symptoms of allergy. Below you’ll discover all you need to know about the causes of cat allergies, and the hypoallergenic characteristics of cats that reduces the risk of allergic reactions for most cat allergy sufferers.
CAUSES OF ALLERGIES
The protein Fel D1 is the main allergen that causes problems for cat allergy sufferers. It is mainly present in the saliva, skin and sebaceous glands of a cat and not, as many mistakenly believe, in the cat’s hair.
That’s why a cat as furry as a cat can be considered hypoallergenic.
Cats transfer the allergen from their saliva to their hair when they groom themselves, and when the saliva is dry, it mixes with flakes of skin, becomes airborne, and disperses around the house. That’s why when someone with a cat allergy enters a house where a cat lives, they immediately notice symptoms without actually being in direct contact with the cat.
Short-haired cats and even hairless cats also cause symptoms in cat allergy sufferers.
The Fel D1 protein is the cause of over 80% of cat allergies. The remaining 20% react to other allergens present on the cat. Ideally, cat allergy sufferers will visit their doctor first to ascertain the exact type of allergy that they have to confirm whether it is to the Fel D1 protein. We also recommend that before adopting a cat, you visit us first to spend some time with the cat (and see the kittens with their parents) to check that you do not suffer any allergic symptoms.
WHY ARE CATS HYPOALLERGENIC?
Hypoallergenic cats produce fewer allergens than other cats. No breed is non-allergic, however, these cats lower the risk of an allergic reaction.
Cats are known to produce a very low quantity of Fel D1 in their saliva, because this breed, in particular, does not have the sequence of Fel D1 in its DNA. This means that many cat allergy sufferers can live with cats without experiencing any allergic symptoms.
It is important to note that only purebred cats are considered to be hypoallergenic. If you are looking to adopt a cat to reduce the risk of experiencing an allergic reaction to your cat, it is essential to make sure that the breeder can provide a pedigree that proves its purity. The pedigree is the only reliable evidence of the genealogy of an animal.
The degree of allergic reaction to these animals can vary considerably from one cat to another, so we insist on visiting the breeder before the cat comes into our house.
FACTORS THAT ENHANCE HYPOALLERGENIC CHARACTERISTICS
The Fel D1 protein is controlled by hormones. In order to reduce it further, it is best for the cat to be spayed/neutered at an early age. It has been proven that the presence of the protein reduces a month after this intervention.
We deliver all of our cats dewormed, vaccinated and already spayed/neutered.
SUMMARY
The hypoallergenic characteristics of Cats allow many people who have allergies to enjoy their faithful pet without suffering adverse effects on their health. Besides, Cats are one of the most special breeds that exist, because of their intelligence, agility, strength, and affectionate behavior.