The Truth About Cat Allergies
Allergies to cats, like sexuality, are different. If you have a mild allergy, you may be willing to move it if you find a cat that will meet you. Although there is no completely hypoallergenic cat, some breeds have lighter sinuses than others. Unfortunately, most online tips are either non-source or anecdotal. We asked allergist Joseph T. Inglefield III, M.D. , to check out some popular beliefs about cat allergy.
Breed questions
Dr. Inglefield approves the list of recommended breeds on PetMD.com , which lists low allergy breeds such as Siberian, Burmese, Russian Blue and Sphynx.
Fur length doesn’t matter
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, pet hair is simply an allergen carrier, not a cause, and hair length and shedding are irrelevant. Even hairless cats carry allergens in their skin, saliva and urine. But Dr. Inglefield disagrees: “Cats and dogs that shed less leave fewer allergens in the house,” he says. “Less hair and dandruff in the home helps reduce Fel d 1 , the main allergen in cats. Cats lick their fur or hair, and the saliva dries up and flies into the air. These particles are very easy to breathe deeply into the nose and lungs. “
Color can make a difference
There is conflicting scientific evidence about hair color as a sign of allergens. Dr. Inglefield says there is a “consensus” that dark cats are more allergenic than pale cats, but sees no obvious reason why this would be true.
Treatment and good habits matter
“Allergy shots for cats are very effective,” says Dr. Inglefield, “and studies have shown they are pretty good at reducing symptoms. As an allergy sufferer, I was allergic to cats and dogs, but once on allergy vaccinations I can now sleep with a dog (Shi-Poo, ‘hypoallergenic breed’), and at one point there were 8 cats in the house. “
He recommends keeping cats out of the bedroom at all times. AAAAI has a few tips for dealing with dandruff : ask a non-allergic person to clean your pets regularly and clean carpets regularly with a double vacuum or microfilter, or get rid of carpets entirely.
Big cats cause allergies too
“All cats produce this allergen,” says Dr. Inglefield, “even lions and tigers. I had a circus worker who was allergic to cats and had a bad reaction when I was in the cages with tigers. “