What are the best cat breeds for people with cat allergies? Not interested in "naked" cats, please.
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M$6 Answers
those gross hairless sphinxes are one, but there are also the aforementioned Siberians and the Rex breeds for example:
http://www.cat-world.com.au/DevonRexBreedProfile.htm
These cats are adorable and have a mutant coat without the top layer, which means less surface area to trap the allergen. What's left is the undercoat, which is extremely soft and fine to the touch and somewhat curly. Personality-wise they're also a very endearing breed, friendly and playful. I hope this helps!
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M$
After initial research it looked like there is one kind of allergy free kitten on the market, but it comes with a pretty hefty price tag: http://www.allerca.com/html/pricingreserve.html
But looking further, it sounds like this is just a scam: http://www.lifestylepets-ripoff.com/1/post/2008/06/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit.html
From what I've found it looks like 'Siberian Cats' are the most hypo-allergenic out there. Here is a link with details on these types of cats: http://www.siberiancat.net/
I would look into this type of cat first. Of course, there is no guarantee that it won't set off allergies; obviously the best bet would be to try to be around the cat before purchasing or adopting, just in case the hypo-allergenic claims don't stand up to the severity of the allergies
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M$
I agree with your answer. That looks like a nasty scam by Lifestyle Pets that someone could fall for if they are desperate and don't do some research. I was able to find many sources identifying the company as a scam. The Siberians have proponents but no real studies to back them up. One study said they had almost as much of the best known allergen as ordinary cats. Allergies really are not all that well understood yet, some of the science is just preliminary work.
Thanks for the info. I found that Lifestyle Pets website, but not that it was a scam. Thanks for that info. Best, Chris
Next best thing is to reduce the allergies by:
Washing your cat 2 times a week has shown to help reduce the allergen levels. Ensuring that you wash and rinse it well. Studies have shown that the accumulation of of Fel d1 on the skin is restored within two days.
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Fel d 1 levels on the skin of the cat are dramatically higher on the facial area than chest. Make sure you wash that face well.
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The use of allergy wipes such as Allerpet, has proved effective in reduces cat allergens on the cat and thus your home (studies showed that it was effective for around 80% of its users).
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Ensure your cat is spayed or neutered.
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Wash your hands after handling your cat and refrain from touching your face or eyes.
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Wash clothes frequently and wear more cotton and less wool.
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Keep the house as clean as possible by washing floors and bed linen often with hot water to eliminate the allergens.
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Wash clothes and bed linen using detergent solutions at 25°C (77°F) for at least 5 minutes - to extract cat allergen from bedding and clothing.
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Use dusting sprays whist dusting to minimize dust spread.
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Carpet is more likely to hold allergens - so if you can remove it in favour of wood, vinyl or tile floors.
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Avoid heavy drapes that trap the allergens and dust.
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Keep the cat out of your bedroom and laundry (keep it off your clean clothes) and provide it with its own bed.
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Minimize other allergens in the house such as smoke, dust, moulds, scented candles, chemicals and pollens etc. Multiple allergens are linked to the development of more severe allergic reactions and asthma.
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Create outdoor enclosures for your cat so it can spend some time out side and not confined to an enclosed house and you get some fresh air in your home.
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Keep the cat litter in a well-ventilated area and dip rather than pour when you empty it and use litter that is as dust free as possible.
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Use high-efficiency air cleaners, either central or portable.
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Check with your allergist for any anti-inflammatory therapy or possibly desensitisation ("immunotherapy") options.
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M$
How do I select the "best" answer? I just got back from weekend away and now this question is locked up. Doesn't make sense to me. How/why have I lost the opportunity to select? Or does the community now select the best answer and the tip goes to that person. This site needs work, that's for sure.
Thanks for that great info. I also found this $10 book on Amazon.com: "The Sneeze-free Cat Owner: Allergy Management & Breed Selection for the Allergic Cat Lover (Paperback)": http://tinyurl.com/sneeze-free-cat-owner
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M$http://www.10slate.com/2010/10/10-great-pets-for-people-with-allergies/
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Very helpful, thanks!