Allergies and Hypo-Allergenic Cats

Cats for People Who Are Allergic

It's not fair! You want to own a cat or at least be able to be around one, but every time you do, your body becomes miserable with allergic reactions. Millions of people around the world get the same symptoms you do when an allergic reaction kicks in:

• Eyes - red, itchy, watery, and swollen
• Ears - may become plugged and itchy
• Nose - sneezing, congestion, itchy and runny
• Throat - post- nasal drip, itchy and hoarseness
• Lungs - coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath
• Skin - itchy with rashes and hives

Layers of Cat Hairs

1. Guard Hairs - longest type of hair that protects the undercoat from certain elements
2. Awn Hairs- shorter that guard hairs but longer than dawn hairs, also protects undercoat
3. Dawn Hairs- shortest type of hair, mostly helps for maintaining heat and insulation

   Definitions as defined in Dictionary.com : hypo-allergenic - Having a decreased tendency to provoke an allergic reaction

What makes your body react this way is a protein that comes glands extracted from the skin and saliva from a cat and it is called Glycoprotein Fel D1 . This protein is very sticky and attaches itself to walls, furniture, skin, clothing and can be airborne for months. You may notice that you don't have the same allergic reaction to all cats with hair, but it basically depends on the amount of Fel D1 that a particular cat (regardless of the breed) may produce. There are few breeds of cats that do not produce this protein and so many people who have been allergic to cats can live comfortably with them.

The Sphinx is a well known cat breed that does not produce Fel D1 through the hair and skin but people may still have an allergic reaction to the protein in the saliva. But again, people who are normally allergic to cats are able to live comfortably with the Sphinx because the protein does not spread through the saliva. The Sphinx is known to be the "Canadian Hairless" but it is not really hairless. The Sphinx has very fine and soft hair and is very soft and warm to the touch. The coat also has the same color and patterns as it would appear if it had long hair like other breeds. Many people who are first time owners of the Sphinx are surprised to find how intelligent and affectionate they are. Though they do not shed hair, they do require coat maintenance. Sphinx produce body oils and require frequent baths. Also, they are required to be indoor cats because of skin sensitivity to the sun. Because of the lack of hair, the Sphinx can not contain regular body heat and exposure to the sun may cause it to have sun burns. Sphinx tend to hang around warm areas like computers and lamps for warmth. You may also recognize a Sphinx in the Austin Powers movie as Dr. Evil's pet known as Mr. Bigglesworth.

The Devon Rex and Cornish Rex are not hypo-allergenic but do not have guard hairs and do not shed like other cats so the amount of Fel D1 can be a lot more bearable. "Rex" refers to a curly type of hair. The Devon Rex has short curly hair and is a medium sized cat. They are known to be very intelligent and can be trained like dogs. People who have owned the Devon Rex have compared them to dogs and monkeys. They have very large ears, eyes, toes, and have and long legs allowing them to perform long jumps. They are very affectionate and like to hang out in high places and even on an owner's shoulder.

The Cornish Rex has only down hair. This type of cat breed sheds very fine hairs and for most people allergic reactions are very minimal or none at all. The body type is long and sleek, and hair is very fine and is known to be the softest of any other cat breed. Just like the Devon Rex, it is most suitable as an indoor cat. This type of breed's personality can be described as quite curious and mischievous for most of its cat life. It is very intelligent, friendly with adults and children, and can adapt to new environments quickly.

Note: Like I mentioned earlier in this article, allergic sensitivity varies regardless of the cat breed. Kittens spread less Fel D1 than adults and there have been people who have had an allergic reaction to a Rex. Therefore, you should see a doctor if this may be a concern. There are some Rex breeds that end up in shelters because owners make irresponsible choices without being sure of the allergy severity.