Non Allergenic Cats

The Story Behind Non Allergenic Cats

Sadly, there are thousands if not millions of people who adore cats but simply can't be around them. Why? Because these people suffer from allergies.

People who are allergic to cats suffer a wide range of unpleasant symptoms, including:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Runny noses
• Scratchy throats
• Watery eyes
• Itchy rashes/hive
• Respiratory distress

Although it has long been a misconception that people are allergic to cat fur, this isn't really the cause behind all of that coughing and sneezing. Actually, what causes the reaction is a glyco-protein known as Fel d1 that is found in cat saliva and urine, as well as in the sebaceous glands.

When cats groom themselves, they distribute this protein over their entire coat. As the substance dries, it forms tiny flakes that are light as air. Whenever the cat rubs against something or is petted, the flakes are released into the atmosphere where they find their way into people's nostrils and lungs. They can even land on an allergic person's skin, causing rashes that range from mild to severe.

Therefore, the challenge has been to either isolate a cat breed that proved to be hypoallergenic, or create one through selective breeding or other means. Let's take a closer examination of both.

Genetically Engineered Hypoallergenic Cats

Believe it or not, science has been tampering with feline genetics for years, trying to genetically alter cats to produce a viable breeding strain that lacks the Fel d1 protein.

A company called Allerca, located in Los Angeles, California, is producing just such a line of hypoallergenic cats that are due to become available in the immediate future. Allerca claims to have used a gene silencing technique to modify British Shorthairs into the non allergenic dream.

Hold onto your hats though, because the price tag on these futuristic felines is steep: $3,500.00. There's also a catch; each kitten will be spayed or neutered before it goes home with its new owner, so the company will be able to manipulate its supply to ensure demand, thus keeping these kitties a profitable venture.

Siberian Cats

Siberian cats are a breed that began being imported from Russia in the 1990s. This breed is one of the largest house cats you'll find, and they are quite attractive with semi-long fur.

Many cat enthusiasts claim Siberians are actually non allergenic cats, and scientific testing seems to bear this information out, at least to a certain extent. The theory has always been that Siberians produce a significantly lower level of the Fel d1 protein than most other cat breeds. When testing was carried out against a limited number of other breeds, including Abyssinians and the average Tabby, the Siberian did indeed show lower levels of the protein in fur and skin samples.

Does this qualify Siberians as hypoallergenic cats? Perhaps, but this title is still largely dependent on an individual's sensitivity to the offending protein. At any rate, the breed is probably suitable for mild allergy sufferers, and moderate allergy sufferers can probably counteract some of their allergic reaction with frequent vacuuming as well as grooming their cat with pet wipes.

You Be the Judge

Anyone can try to sell you on the notion that a particular type of cat is non allergenic, but in the end, only you can decide whether or not these claims are true. Although some cat breeds produce less irritation in allergy sufferers, some people are more sensitive than others to the protein these animals produce.

Your best option is to visit a breeder's home and spend time there playing with the cats. Hold them close and pet them. In fact, nuzzle them a bit if they'll permit it. If this doesn't provoke an allergic reaction in you, then perhaps you've finally found those elusive non allergenic cats you've been searching for..