What is the best cat for someone with cat allergies?
April 17th, 2006 by admin
Brian asked:
We want a cat because I like them and my wife things their “thick skin” will help in ridding us of our Scorpions in the summer. I’d a Maine Coon once and loved him but he was 1 of the two cats I had to give up because of her allergies. She wants to try again and wanted to see if there is one breed worse than the other when it comes to allergies.
We want a cat because I like them and my wife things their “thick skin” will help in ridding us of our Scorpions in the summer. I’d a Maine Coon once and loved him but he was 1 of the two cats I had to give up because of her allergies. She wants to try again and wanted to see if there is one breed worse than the other when it comes to allergies.
- Posted in Allergies
April 22nd, 2006 at 5:01 am
A cat without fur - a Sphinx cat.
April 23rd, 2006 at 5:45 pm
I found the link you were referring to on cats hunting scorpions.
The link says “phoenix myths”.
The last paragraph reads:
So, what’s my final answer? I believe it is a myth that having a cat will reduce your scorpion population and that cats are immune to scorpion venom. You should get a cat if you’d like to have a cat as a pet, and not solely as a scorpion hunter/killer.
Here are links showing that cats can be injured by scorpions when they try to kill them. Cat’s do not have “Thick skins”. It’s the thick fur that *sometimes* prevents a scorpion from stinging a cat, but if the cat gets stung in the face or feet where the fur isn’t so long, then hope it wasn’t one of the poisonous scorpions that stung it. Think of the vet bills.
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But as far as hypo-allergenic cats:
There is no truly 100% allergin free cat, sorry.
The closest you can get is a “barking cat”, like a chihuahua, or a miniature pinscher.
Small toy dogs can be litter trained, but I’m not sure on the details.
Here is a link:
But if you are seriously looking for a cat, *as a pet* a
*Siberian Cat* may to be the way to go.
Siberian Cat Breeder in New Jersey USA
I found a supporting claim that Siberian Cats tend to be less allergenic. From the Cats - love to know site, non-allergenic page.
Here’s what this link has to say:
Although it has long been a misconception that people are allergic to cat fur, this isn’t really the cause behind all of that coughing and sneezing. Actually, what causes the reaction is a glyco-protein known as Fel d1 that is found in cat saliva and urine, as well as in the sebaceous glands.
When cats groom themselves, they distribute this protein over their entire coat. As the substance dries, it forms tiny flakes that are light as air. Whenever the cat rubs against something or is petted, the flakes are released into the atmosphere where they find their way into people’s nostrils and lungs. They can even land on an allergic person’s skin, causing rashes that range from mild to severe.
and also what it has to say about Siberian Cats:
Many cat enthusiasts claim Siberians are actually non allergenic cats, and scientific testing seems to bear this information out, at least to a certain extent. The theory has always been that Siberians produce a significantly lower level of the Fel d1 protein than most other cat breeds. When testing was carried out against a limited number of other breeds, including Abyssinians and the average Tabby, the Siberian did indeed show lower levels of the protein in fur and skin samples.
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The allerca pets are just tested for producing less of the Fel d1 protein and are then bred with each other. Also, they are all fixed, so you can’t breed them. That they are fixed may not sound so terrible, until you check their investment level prices…
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April 25th, 2006 at 4:44 pm
Sorry but no kitty, all cats have dander and that’s what drives allergies nuts. There is a hairless cat but it’s still going to have dander. High quality food, regular baths, omega fatty acids and brushing helps. But no hypoallergenic cat. Sorry best of luck.
April 26th, 2006 at 8:19 pm
A Sphinx has little or no fur and they are quite cute lol.
April 27th, 2006 at 7:44 am
Cats are one of the main things that allergy suffers are bothered by the most. If someone is allergic I reccomend no cat at all. But, if you insist on one, then the hairless cat breed would be the best for an allergy suffer. But, they need extra attention as they have no hair. They need sunscreen & possibly a cat shirt or something to protect its skin from the sun. And, it would not be good idea to get one for your scorpion problem.
April 28th, 2006 at 11:18 pm
shorthaired are better than longhaired
April 29th, 2006 at 1:16 am
This sounds weird, but, I was deathly allergic to cats growing up, and now own two. Both my husband and I were allergic.
My throat would close up, eyes would swell. . .hives, you name it.
When I got my 10 year old cats, 9 years ago, after a while, I didn’t have allergies anymore (we rescued them). The allergies disappeared.
I think for some people, you can build up a resistance.
April 30th, 2006 at 9:29 pm
i heard siamese cats… and cats without fur
May 3rd, 2006 at 11:48 pm
I’m allergic to cats. It’s the saliva that bothers me most. I have a medium haired cat, which makes me sick if she gets too close to my face and I have two short haired cats. I definitely deal with the short haired cats better.
I don’t know about cats ridding you of scorpions. My cat got bit by what the vet thinks was a scorpion. The link shows the aftermath. My other cat got tagged on the paw. Poor thing looked like she had the kitty version of elephantitis.
I still think you should get a cat, just plan on ridding your house of scorpions a different way.
May 6th, 2006 at 1:59 am
My daughter has a terribly allergy to cats and after looking into it, there are no cats that she can be around.
May 6th, 2006 at 2:58 am
I have a Maine Coon, and they are the BEST cats. So sweet and cute and funny and ALLERGY-MAKING! My friend had to shave her cat because her bf was allergic. Makes for a funny looking cat, but it helps.
There are also wipes than you use to wipe down the cat’s fur every day, which removes the dander. It’s not the fur she’s allergic to, it’s the saliva.
Your wife can also get allergy shots once a week. Those work really well. My uncle was deathly allergic to cats, but loved them, so he started the shots, and ended up owning two cats at the same time, with absolutely no problems.
May 7th, 2006 at 6:04 pm
a stuffed one.
May 8th, 2006 at 5:55 am
I’ve had a russian blue for years. My last boyfriend had terrible asthma triggered by kitties. But for some reason my kitty didn’t really bother him. Other friends that are allergic to cats can also tolerate being around my russian blue.
May 11th, 2006 at 3:37 am
Has she considered allergy medicine for being around cats? I know two people who are very allergic to cats, but can still have them because of they take allergy shots/pills.