Hypoallergenic Cats?

[madscape 0]

Anyone hear about the Siberian Cat, an apparently hypoallergenic cat? Most cats will damn near give me anaphalyaxis(sp?), but these case are purportedly lacking the allergen in their dander. Can anyone tell me if this is true or not?

Thanks.

[mailin 0]

Its actually the Sphynx cat.

http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/sphynx.html


Jen

Arianna Frances

[waltappel 1]

Agreed.

Walt

[rehmwa 2]

You need to find out specifically, do some searches. I've only heard of 4 breeds that are reputed to be (hypoallergenic) - but that term is abused. It's "Low" allergic, not "No" allergic - no such thing. But it still depends on your allergies, etc. Right now the search engines are all clogged up with an "invented" cat for sale, so it's hard to find the sites I researched when we were looking for a pet for my daughter that wouldn't cause my lungs to close up.

1 - Sphynx (hairless type)
2 - Siberian (you wouldn't think it to look at one)
3 - Devon Rex (we own one, he's a great cat and I don't have allergic issues with him, but our previous cat just about killed me)
4 - Cornish Rex

Much of what needs doing is the maintenance of the cat and house (cleaning) in addition to getting the right breed.

Our Devon Rex, Norbert (well he's gotta 'ave a name don' he?) is really cool - and I'm a dog person at heart.

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[ACMESkydiver 0]

OMG, that looks like the feline version of a Shar-Pei.

I'm sorry but that's fugly. I think I would rather eat my own young then live in close proximity with that God-forsaken creature.

~Jaye
Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action.

[gmittar 0]

I've heard Bengals are lower allergen cats, but not sure how much lower.

|>.<|
Seriously, W.T.F. mate?

[MikeJD 0]

Quote

I'm sorry but that's fugly.

I agree. And in spite of that site's assertion that the Sphynx is 'very robust' I don't like the idea of a mutant breed being encouraged when it results in a cat that's susceptible to cold and needs bathing. That negates two of the coolest things about cats!

Madscape, from what I can make out allergic people are more susceptible to some cats than others, even within the same breed - and I know of people who've become immune to individual cats by actually living with them. Although your reaction sounds pretty extreme, so that's probably too much to hope for...

[Rebecca 0]

I may be wrong, but I'm under the impression that it's not a cat's hair and dander that causes allergies, but a component of cat saliva. Since cats lick themselves clean, it's all over the fur.

I'm allergic, but living with a sweet normal little indoor cat, Tyson, who licks herself clean, has a full coat, and still doesn't cause me any problems.

you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel loquacious?' -- well do you, punk?

[tigra 0]

I think you are right. I've also got allergies, but I share my home with 3 cats. I find when I'm around strange cats, in particular cats that are sick, my allergies kick into high gear but I'm usually fine with my own.

Anyone who is severely allergic should think long and hard before adopting a cat or kitten. If it turns out you need to give it up later, that's just going to be hard on both you and the cat who has already bonded with you.