Hypoallergenic Cats?

[Frank]

if I am allergic to cats - are there any breeds that I could keep as a pet without makeing my life miserable?

[WendyW]

I was allergic to our cat but after a couple of months I was fine but I believe if it continues you can go to your GP who may be able to refer you to an allergy clinic.

[tief]

The Sphynx may be an option for you but you need to know that allergies are not caused by cat hair. The allergen is a protein found in cat saliva, dander (dry skin flakes) and urine. Since the Sphynx produces all three, it can still cause problems. Grooming a Sphynx involves regular bathing to remove dander, saliva and oil that can build-up on its skin. Consequently the cat is usually very clean. This may be why some people feel they're not allergic to this breed. Just remember no breed of cat is hypoallergenic. So on the one hand, this cat could be ideal (hope it is!) but on the other, you may still react to it. Try to arrange a visit to a Sphynx breeder and spend some time handling these cats and see how it goes. While you're there, find out all you can about their care - lack of hair causes them to groom themselves less often than other cats and so the job will fall to you. Also, they are not an outdoors cat (susceptible to sunburn, insect bites, chills etc) so expect to have it underfoot. The cat won't mind - they're very affectionate. And finally ... search the web for a picture of one! You're either going to go all mushy and mutter things like "aawww, wook at dat oochie coochie face" or run screaming from the room thinking the aliens have landed. Good luck!

[tracymort]

actually with me the less hair the cat has the MORE allergic I am!! i have 2 cats (madison and napster), just plain normal black cats with whom i am fine. If i go in a house where a siamese lives, let alone touch one, I am in tears! there is a special shampoo that u wash the cat in (i know easier said than done) that can reduce your reaction. it does work! my mum in law used it. see the website for details www.bio-life.co.uk