Sphynx. The Sphynx is a hairless breed of cat. If dander is the root cause of your allergy to cats, then the Sphynx is a great breed to consider. This breed of cat is active, loyal, and can be affectionate toward people.
Some people believe that certain breeds of cat, such as hairless Sphynx cats, are the best cats for allergies, but this isn't the case. Hairless cats still lick themselves to stay clean causing Fel d 1 to stick to their skin, so when they shed dead skin cells called dander, the allergen can spread around the home.
Many people believe specific breeds—particularly hairless cats—are "hypoallergenic" cats. Because these so-called non-allergenic cats don't have hair or don't shed, people believe they won't cause a reaction. This is not the case.
Balinese. Despite the look of its long, silky hair, this breed can produce less allergy-causing protein than other cats, plus it experiences minimal shedding. Balinese cats are sweet, smart, social, and are known for being chatty.
High-shedding cat breeds tend to be worse for people with allergies because the allergens get trapped in their coats and spread wherever they lose their fur. Some of these high-shedders include the Persian, Maine coon, Norwegian forest cat, Himalayan, Manx, and Cymric.
Sphynx. Sphynx cats are the first breed most often associated with being hypoallergenic. Unlike other breeds, the hairless Sphynx does not shed any Fel D1 protein saturated fur around the house – the allergen just stays on their skin.
Sphynx cats still produce a low amount of fel d1 which is how they can trigger skin allergies. This protein is typically found in dander, saliva, urine and other substances they produce. Sphynx cats have a very low dander production rate.
A: Unfortunately the best course of action is probably to give away your cat, especially if you find out you have severely allergies. There is no such things as an allergy-free cat, and the main cat allergen [actually their dried saliva] is particularly resistant to clean up even after the cats have left your home.
Some people are lucky enough that they eventually develop an immunity to cat allergies. While this is certainly possible, allergic reactions may also worsen with more exposure. It's also possible that someone who has never suffered an allergy to cats before can develop one.
If I am allergic, can I still have a pet? There are many options for controlling and reducing allergies through reduction of exposure to allergens and/or treatment of symptoms. Therefore, most people are able to keep their pets while managing their allergies.
Sphynx cats are a high-maintenance breed and require a lot of grooming, despite their lack of hair. This is because they create a lot of body oils, but don't have enough hair to absorb the oil. Instead, the oil builds up on their skin and becomes greasy.
Because they're a relatively uncommon breed, these hairless cats can cost a pretty penny. If you're looking to buy a sphynx cat, get ready to dig deep into your wallet: A sphynx kitten from a reputable breeder usually costs between $1,500-$6,000, depending on pedigree.
The Sphynx lacks a fur coat but does have a sparse covering of downy fur mainly found on their ears, face, tail, and feet. The Sphynx should be kept indoors only as they are highly sensitive to the cold and are easily sunburnt.
No cat breeds are completely hypoallergenic. Sphynx cats still produce proteins that can cause an allergic reaction. The difference between a sphynx cat and most other breeds of cat is their lack of fur.
Cats produce multiple allergens (proteins that can cause allergy). These allergens are found on the fur and skin and in saliva. All cats produce allergens; studies have not shown that cats can be hypoallergenic. Homes with more than one cat have higher levels of cat allergens.
When you have a pet allergy, you are not allergic to the pet's hair, fur, or feathers. You are allergic to the protein that is found in the pet's dander (dead skin cells) saliva, and urine. The hair, fur, or feathers collect the dander.
It is estimated that globally around 10-20% of human adults are allergic to cats (a figure that has been increasing), that cat allergy among humans is second only to house dust mite as a cause of indoor respiratory allergy, and that around 20-30% of patients with respiratory allergy are allergic to cats.
People whose bodies make less IgE over time can become less sensitive to allergens. The same seems to be true for those who start producing more of another antibody, called IgG4, that can counteract IgE.
Allergy shots gradually expose the body to increased doses of cat antigens. This causes the immune system to eventually tolerate the harmless cat proteins. But the treatment often requires shots every week or two for up to a year, followed by monthly shots for at least three years.
Cat allergy symptoms will continue for as long as you are around an allergen. Once you are no longer near the allergen (for example, if your friend has a cat, once you return home), symptoms of cat allergies should settle within a few hours. But they can last for 2-3 days, depending on how severe the cat allergies are.
Do Sphynx cats smell? Sphynx cats can have a bit of a reputation for smelling, and even when they're clean they can an unusual earthy smell. Sphynx cats can smell when they're in need of a bath, since any bacteria, yeast, and bacteria can build up on their skin.
Because they don't have a thick layer of hair, sphynx cats can easily scratch themselves too hard and leave an open wound.
Sphynx cats tend to leave grease stains on areas that they frequent due to their oily skin. Although diet can contribute to controlling this oiliness, your Sphynx cat will need an occasional bath with a gentle shampoo to remove any accumulated dirt and grime.
HAIR COLOR HAS NO INFLUENCE ON ALLERGEN PRODUCTION
A myth exists that suggests cats with darker colored hair and those with longer hair are more likely to trigger allergies than cats with lighter colored or shorter hair. However, hair color and length have no influence…