Cat allergies can be some of the worst pet allergies that people can suffer from. If you are allergic to cats, you might realize there is a cat in someone’s house well before you see one just because of your sneezing and itchy eyes. If you love cats but are allergic to them, you might have decided that you will never be able to have a cat of your own. This can be very sad for cat lovers, and it might seem like there are no options to remedy this situation.
However, there are actually a few breeds of cats that are less likely to cause allergic reactions in people who have cat allergies. There are no truly hypoallergenic cats, and if you are very sensitive to cat dander, you might never be able to have a cat. However, if you have mild allergies, a hypoallergenic cat breed might be the right solution for your needs.
If you are ready to learn some more about hypoallergenic cats, you need to keep reading.
What Are the Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds?
While all cats will produce dander to some degree, and cat saliva can still cause allergic reactions in those that are very allergic, there are breeds that are naturally less likely to produce dander. The breeds that are commonly associated with being hypoallergenic are:
- The Siberian
- Russian Blue
- Bengal
- Burmese
- Sphynx
- Devon and Cornish Rex
- Javanese
- Balinese
- Oriental Shorthair
These breeds produce less dander and are much less likely to shed hair around the house. They might also be entirely hairless, as in the case of the Sphynx. There are some additional care processes that must be done for the Sphynx breed since their skin is not protected by hair, and they cannot groom effectively. These cats do need to be bathed, which is not necessary for cats with a hair coat.
Hypoallergenic Breed Costs
These breeds are often more expensive since they are less common. You will find that most of these cat breeds must be sourced from a breeder. This means that you will need to budget for a more expensive cat purchase to adopt a Hypoallergenic cat. Bengals and Sphynx are some of the most expensive cats on this list, and they can cost as much as $2,000 per kitten!
If you have severe cat allergies, the cost of getting a kitten that you can live with in your home might be well worth it. These are also cat breeds that are very beautiful and unique, which can be fun for pet owners. Making sure that you are prepared for the cost of purchase can help you to plan to get your hypoallergenic cat without struggling to pay for them.
Some Other Considerations to Keep in Mind
There are a few other pet care items to keep in mind when looking to adopt a hypoallergenic cat.
Additional Care
As mentioned above, Sphynx cats require additional care that includes bathing and sometimes applying oil to their skin. They have no hair and therefore much less protection from the sun and other environmental exposures as well. This can be a surprise to people who erroneously think that a cat without hair will be much easier to care for. Make sure that you are prepared for this level of upkeep on your hairless cat before you get one and find out.
Various Health Conditions
Bengals and some of the other cats on this list are also prone to various health conditions such as bladder stones and heart problems. Bengal cats can also be quite aggressive if they are not many generations removed from the original cross that created the breed. Always do your research into cat temperament before you commit to having one of these exotic breeds of cat in your home.
Find a Veterinarian in Miami
Make sure as well that your veterinarian will work on your unique cat. Being unable to get veterinary care for your cat could be a big problem down the road that you will want to avoid. Sometimes a specialty cat clinic will be the only care option for cats like Bengals and Sphynx, so you need to be aware of this.
Additional Challenges
Many of these cats are quite beautiful and unique, but there are some challenges that can be associated with rare pet breeds that you should keep in mind. If you can visit the breeder that you are thinking about getting a pet from and meet some of their animals, this can also help you to be prepared for ownership of these kinds of cats. There are so many things to love about these breeds, but they are not always the right choice for everyone.
Hypoallergenic Cats Can be a Great Addition to Your Home
If you have wanted to get a cat, but you are worried about your cat allergies making it impossible to keep one, these cat breeds might be the right choice for you. While there is not truly any hypoallergenic cat breed, these cats will shed much less and produce much less dander each day. No matter what kind of cat you are thinking about getting, make sure to see if you can be around the cat before you pick out a kitten to take home. For people with severe allergies to cats, even hypoallergenic cats might not be dander-free enough.
Hypoallergenic cat breeds can be difficult to find and expensive, but they can be the right choice for those who love cats and have not been able to have one in the past due to their allergies. Taking the time to do your research and speak with the breeders in your area can make it much easier to find the right hypoallergenic cat for you and your family. There are many breeds that might be dander-free enough for your needs, and you will have the choice of a variety of beautiful and special cats for your new feline friend.
Be sure to book your cat’s first appointment at Country Club Animal Hospital by calling (305) 663-3300 or using the online form!