Cat lovers who are plagued with pet allergies don’t have to go without a furry feline in their home. You might wonder are there hypoallergenic cats and the answer is yes, in a way. The same answer is true with regard to the question relating to are hypoallergenic cats real. Hypoallergenic cats enable cat fans to keep this type of pet without suffering the wrath of allergic reactions. Although they’re not 100% hypoallergenic and allergen-free, they’re good options for individuals without severe allergies.
Many think the issue that causes a person’s allergies to flare up is solely due to the pet dander, but the reason for cat allergies that affect approximately 10% of the population is a protein that’s present in cat saliva, Fel d 1.
And there’s not only one hypoallergenic breed. There are many different cat breeds you can choose from when looking for a hypoallergenic option.
The following will discuss the various types of hypoallergenic cat breeds. Plus, we’ll offer some insight on how to provide a home to any breed and not suffer those continual allergy symptoms.
Types of Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds
As you consider adding a new cat to your home and are mindful of your allergies in the home, rest assured that you’ll have many choices when it comes to hypoallergenic cat breeds. From cats with little or no fur to cats that have fur but without the allergens, you can find a pet that is perfect for you. There are a few cat breeds to choose from and if you’re wondering are Sphynx cats hypoallergenic, you’re going to like the answer you see below.
Here are some of the hypoallergenic cat breeds you can select from:
- Balinese
- Javanese
- Oriental Shorthair
- Sphynx (a cat breed that acts like a dog in certain ways)
- Cornish Rex
- Devon Rex
- Siberian
- Bengal
- Russian Blue
- Colorpoint Shorthair
From a hairless cat to one with an abundant amount of fur, you can pick the hypoallergenic cat you like best to add to your family, check out Balinese vs. Siamese cats. And if you’re wondering where to buy hypoallergenic cats or where to adopt hypoallergenic cats, you’ll find these frisky felines in the same places you would any other cats.
Why These Cat Breeds Are Considered Hypoallergenic
As mentioned above, although these cat breeds are not 100% hypoallergenic, they’re more than some of their feline counterparts. So, what makes these ten cat breeds hypoallergenic?
These cats have hypoallergenic qualities as they produce fewer allergens than other cat breeds. Even though you bring a hypoallergenic cat home with you, there may still be allergy symptoms that you experience.
Fortunately, there are different ways to deal with pet allergy symptoms, both with medicine and natural methods.
Medication to Deal with Cat Allergies
In addition to choosing a cat from the list of hypoallergenic breeds above, there are other ways to keep cat allergies at bay and still enjoy the company of these sweet animals.
One way is through allergy medications. If you haven’t yet explored various allergy medications, this might be a way for you to own a cat and eliminate a lot of the allergy symptoms that you would experience.
Allergy medications are available in the form of doctor-administered injections and over-the-counter medications. Allergy shots for cats, or immunotherapy, can treat your allergies by helping you build a tolerance to the allergens over a period of time.
For those who prefer over-the-counter medications, products such as nasal sprays, antihistamines, and other allergy symptom relievers are possible options. Consult with your doctor to know what’s best for your specific allergy condition and symptoms to prescribe the right treatment method.
Dealing with Cat Allergies the Natural Way
If you’ve decided that you still want a cat to be part of your family, even with your allergies, there are ways to lessen the allergy symptoms associated with your pet. This is in addition to the medical interventions listed above.
Here are some natural methods for dealing with cat allergy symptoms:
- Keep your cat (or cats) out of your bedroom 24/7
- Give your cat their own space and they’ll likely spend a lot of time there
- Steam clean carpets on a regular basis
- Let fresh air in whenever possible
- Use anti-allergen sprays
- Clean your cat’s litter box regularly
Cat Allergies Don’t Equate with Ruling Out Cat Ownership Completely
Even if you’re plagued with cat allergies, this doesn’t mean that you have to live in a cat-free home. In addition to owning a hypoallergenic cat, you can take the necessary measures to alleviate the symptoms of cat allergies, through medical and non-medical interventions.
Having a cat in the home equates with sheer joy and you don’t want to prevent yourself from enjoying this. Follow the tips listed above and get ready to invite a friendly feline into your home. And if you’re looking for a new pet, adopting a cat from an animal shelter is always a good choice!
And when your pet comes home with you, make sure you protect them properly by having a pet insurance policy in place. Prudent Pet offers pet insurance plans that will fully protect your pet and make it possible for you to get medical treatment for your pet whenever it’s needed.
Find out more about cat insurance and get ready to welcome a new family member!