CAT ALLERGIES
Do people allergic to cats ever wonder if it’s possible to live more comfortably with cats without triggering allergy symptoms? Herein, you will learn all there is to know regarding the causes of allergies to cats and find out which hypoallergenic features in cats can minimize the risk of allergic reactions for the majority of people suffering from allergies.
CAUSES OF ALLERGIES
The main allergen problematic to the people suffering from a cat allergy is the protein Fel D1. It is mainly in the saliva, skin, and sebaceous glands of a cat and not, as many believe, in the cat’s hair.
That is why a cat as furry as a cat can be considered hypoallergenic.
It is during grooming that cats transfer the allergen from their saliva to their hair, and as the saliva dries out, it mixes with flakes of skin, becomes airborne, and spreads in the house. That is why, upon entering into a house where a cat lives, a person with a cat allergy immediately experiences symptoms without having any direct contact with the cat.
Besides the long-haired ones, even short-haired cats and hairless cats provoke symptoms in cat allergy patients.
The Fel D1 protein accounts for over 80% of cat allergies. The rest react to the other allergens which may be present in the cat. Ideally, a cat allergy patient should first consult the doctor to identify the actual type of allergy he is suffering from to confirm if it is the Fel D1 protein. We also recommend that, before taking a cat, you come in person to spend some time with the cat and view kittens with their parents to make sure you have no allergic symptoms.
WHY ARE CATS HYPOALLERGENIC?
Hypoallergenic cats are breeds of domesticated cats that produce fewer allergens than other cats. No breed is non-allergic, but they lower the risk of an allergic reaction.
Cats are said to have 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. Thus, many cat allergy sufferers can live with cats without any symptoms of allergy.
It has to be pointed out here that only purebred cats are considered hypoallergenic. If you will adopt a cat so that your allergic reactions against your cat would be minimal or nil, then you must be sure that the breeder can provide you a pedigree that can prove its purity. The pedigree is, for the time being, the only evidence that authenticates the genealogy of an animal.
The degree of allergic reaction to these animals varies considerable from one cat to another; therefore, we insist on visiting the breeder before the cat comes into our house.
FACTORS THAT ENHANCE HYPOALLERGENIC CHARACTERISTICS
It is under hormonal control. To decrease it even more, the animal should be spayed/neutered at an early age. It has been scientifically shown that the protein present decreases within a month of this intervention.
All our cats are delivered 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 particular breeds in existence due to their intelligence, agility, strength, and affectionate behavior.
