Cats & Allergies

Hi V.,
As far as I know one breed is not better than another regarding your allergies. Some might tell you that a hairless cat could be your answer but most people are not allergic to the hair it's the dander that a cat sheds from it's skin. When I worked for a Feline practice there was a product on the market to claim to help with cat dander that you sprayed on the cat but the reviews I heard where not that encouraging. You can take antihistamines and vacuum your home like a nut.I would suggest seeking an allergist for this problem or finding another kind of pet for your daughter. It would be heartbreaking to get one only to have to find it a new home, something that's not that easy to do when they are no longer a kitten.
Best Regards,
C.

My daughter has allergies to dogs, and we have one. Her allergist told us that if we wash our dog every 3-4 days and keep up with vacuuming that we wouldn't have a problem. That is what we do, and it works when we do it. If, for some reason, we are having a busy week and our dog does not get washed, her asthma flares up. But he said that the dander does not begin to be shed till 3-4 days after washing, so when washing her every 3-4 days, we cut the dander to almost 0%. I would definately talk to an allergist, because our doctor said it is easier to cut down on the dander with cats than it is with dogs.

There is a cat called I believe a Devon Rex it has curly hair and does not shed. They call it the hypoallergenic cat. You would have to find a breeder instead of hitting the pound, but it is possible. There is also that really ugly hairless cat. Also kittens have worse dander which is what causes the allergies. But look into a Devon Rex.

There really isn't a truly hypo-allergenic cat - some are worse than others. It's not the fur that's the problem - it's the dander. I have cats and lots of allergies, but I only react to two of them more than the others and they just seem to have more dander. Since I am allergic to so many, I just live with it. Vacuuming often and having HEPA filters can be fairly effective. Also, making sure that their favorite place to sleep has a washable covering is extremely helpful. Also, keeping cats out of bedrooms would be a must. Since you are allergic, I really wouldn't get a cat - maybe a small dog like a poodle that is fairly non-allergenic and likely would tolerate regular baths alot better than most cats. The problem if you get a cat and can't tolerate it - think how difficult it would be for your daughter and not at all fair to the cat, who IMHO deserves a lifetime home from the person that decides to add one to their family.

Hi V.,
There is going to be a cat show in Fort Worth June 13, here is the link to the show information http://www.ftworthfeline.org/
There are many breeds at the show that you can look at and ask questions of the owners/breeders. This will also give you an idea of what to look for in a particular breed, my daughter and I show Bengals and you wouldn't believe how many people out there try to pass off regular cats as Bengals. I have asthma, so I regularly use baby wipes on the cats and bathe them. It's easy once you get the cat accustomed to getting baths. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Hi V., My oldest daughter who is now 33, has always been allergic to cats. The older she gets the worse her reaction. It wouldn't be the best thing in my opinion to take that risk. Maybe you could talk to her and find out why she wants a cat so bad. I really don't think there is any cat that you wouldn't be allergic to.
Maybe you could consider a small dog. There are some that resemble cats. If she is just wanting something to be cute and cuddly. Good luck in your decission. God Bless you & yours.

Hi, Valerie. I do not have experience but, this is what I have heard. Maine coon cats do not have the dandruff that cause allergies for people. It seems strange because they are long haired cats but,it is worth checking out. Maine coons are wonderful cats, too. We had one when I was a child and they are so sweet. The male cat would let kittens "nurse" on him!