Introduction

Cats are one of the world’s favorite pets, with their cute little faces, soft fur, and playful personalities – they’re hard not to love. However, for many people, owning a cat is off the table due to allergies. But what if you were told that there were hypoallergenic cat breeds out there that could make cat ownership possible?

It’s true that there are certain cat breeds that are less likely to cause allergic reactions, but there are also many myths out there about hypoallergenic cats. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of hypoallergenic cats and debunk some of the most common myths.

Myth 1: Hypoallergenic Cats Don’t Shed

One of the most common misconceptions about hypoallergenic cats is that they don’t shed. While it’s true that some hypoallergenic breeds like the Sphynx or the Selkirk Rex have little to no hair, not all hypoallergenic cats are hairless.

Most hypoallergenic breeds still have hair, but it’s usually a different type of hair than what you’d find on other breeds. For example, the Siberian cat has a thicker coat than most breeds, but it’s also more hypoallergenic thanks to a protein in their saliva called Fel d 1 that is less potent than in other cats.

The truth is, all cats shed to some degree, regardless of their breed. Shedding is a natural part of a cat’s life cycle, and even hairless breeds will shed dead skin cells. So, while some breeds may shed less than others, there is no such thing as a completely non-shedding cat.

Myth 2: Hypoallergenic Cats Produce Less Fel d 1 Protein

Fel d 1 is a protein that is produced in a cat’s sebaceous glands, which are located all over their body. This protein is the main culprit behind cat allergies, and it’s found in a cat’s skin, saliva, and urine.

Some hypoallergenic breeds, like the Siberian or the Balinese, have been shown to produce less Fel d 1 than other breeds, which may reduce the allergic response in some people. However, it’s important to note that not all hypoallergenic cats have lower levels of Fel d 1 protein.

In fact, a study by the National Institutes of Health found that there was no significant difference in Fel d 1 protein levels in the homes of people who owned “hypoallergenic” cats compared to those who owned non-hypoallergenic cats. This suggests that the amount of Fel d 1 protein in a home is more closely related to the individual cat’s grooming habits than their breed.

Myth 3: Hypoallergenic Cats Are Completely Allergy-Free

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a completely allergy-free cat. Even hypoallergenic breeds can cause allergic reactions in some people, and the severity of the reaction can vary from person to person.

While it’s true that owning a hypoallergenic breed may reduce or even eliminate symptoms for some people, others may still experience allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It’s important to understand that hypoallergenic breeds are not a cure-all for cat allergies and that it’s still possible to be allergic to any cat, regardless of their breed.

Myth 4: Hypoallergenic Cats Are Always Expensive

It’s a common belief that hypoallergenic cats are always expensive, but this isn’t necessarily true. While some breeds like the Bengal or the Savannah can cost thousands of dollars, others like the Siberian or the Balinese are more affordable.

In fact, adopting a cat from a shelter is often the most affordable way to get a hypoallergenic cat. Many shelters and rescues have cats available for adoption that are considered hypoallergenic, and the adoption fees are often much lower than the cost of purchasing a cat from a breeder.

Myth 5: Only Purebred Cats Can Be Hypoallergenic

While it’s true that many of the most popular hypoallergenic cat breeds are purebred, it’s not the breed itself that makes a cat hypoallergenic – it’s the individual cat’s genetics.

There are also “designer” hypoallergenic cat breeds, such as the Bengal or the Savannah, which are a cross between a domestic cat and a wild cat breed. While these cats may have traits that make them more hypoallergenic, they are still classified as hybrids and not purebred cats.

In fact, any cat breed can produce a hypoallergenic cat, and there are many cats in animal shelters and rescues that are considered hypoallergenic and aren’t a specific breed at all.

Myth 6: Allergies Are Only Caused By Cat Hair

Hair is often the first thing that people think of when it comes to cat allergies, but it’s not the only culprit. While cat hair can carry allergens like Fel d 1 protein, allergies can also be caused by a cat’s saliva, urine, and dander (dead skin cells).

People who are allergic to cats are actually allergic to a protein in a cat’s skin, saliva, and urine called Fel d 1. This protein is spread around the house through shedding hair and dander and can stick to fabrics like clothing and furniture.

Reducing exposure to Fel d 1 is the key to reducing allergic reactions, and this can be done by regular cleaning, vacuuming, and grooming your cat. Hypoallergenic cats may produce less Fel d 1, but no cat is completely allergy-free.

Myth 7: Hypoallergenic Cats Don’t Need Grooming

While some hypoallergenic breeds like the Sphynx require little grooming, most hypoallergenic breeds still need regular grooming to stay healthy and reduce allergen exposure.

Grooming your cat regularly can help reduce the amount of allergens they shed by removing loose hair and dander. You should also consider bathing your cat occasionally, as this can help remove allergens from their skin and coat.

The good news is that many hypoallergenic breeds have coat types that are less likely to mat or tangle, so grooming may be less time-consuming than with other breeds.

Conclusion

Owning a hypoallergenic cat can be a great way to enjoy the company of a feline companion without suffering from allergies. However, it’s important to understand that there are many misconceptions out there about hypoallergenic cats, and that no cat is completely allergy-free.

The key to reducing allergic reactions is to minimize exposure to allergens like Fel d 1 protein through regular cleaning, grooming, and proper care of your cat. By doing this, you can enjoy a happy and healthy relationship with your feline friend, regardless of their breed.