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Siamese cats are iconic for their light brown body and dark brown socks and ears. But are they really, in fact, hypoallergenic? Though no cat is purely hypoallergenic, Siamese cats are considered hypoallergenic cats. They are not the most hypoallergenic breed, but people with mild to moderate cat allergies typically do well with them.
How could this be? Let’s find out.
No Cat Is Completely Hypoallergenic
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not simply the cat’s hair that’s bothering you. What actually makes allergy sufferers sneeze is a specific protein found in and on cats’ secretions: the Fel d 1 protein. This protein is found at the base of a cat’s hair, and in its urine, feces, and saliva.
Because cats usually have good control of where their pee and saliva go, these ways of spreading the offensive Fel d 1 protein are not an issue. It’s the hair and dander that are usually the culprit. If you have ever owned or been around where a shedding pet lives, you know that hair gets on every square inch of your house (and probably your car, too).
Since all cats produce this protein to some extent, no cat is truly and completely hypoallergenic. However, some cat breeds produce less amounts of this protein or just shed less than other cats. Reducing the overall amount of allergens shed into your environment.
Why Siamese Cats Are Considered Hypoallergenic
Now let’s come back to the Siamese cats. It’s true, their coat of fur is on the longer side of the spectrum of cat hair. However, the Siamese breed is known to produce less of the Fel d 1 protein responsible for irritating people’s allergies. This is the main reason why they are considered hypoallergenic.
Are Siamese Cats Low Shedding?
Another factor that influences a pet’s hypoallergenic qualities is the amount of fur that it sheds. More shedding usually means more of the Fel d 1 protein being spread into the environment. In this case, Siamese cats produce less of that protein and also shed less than other cat breeds.
They still shed a little, though, which makes them not the most “hypoallergenic” cat breed out there. And even hairless cats spread dander into the environment in the form of dead skin cells that occur naturally as the skin renews itself. Since cats groom themselves religiously, this dander is coated with Fel d 1 protein, which is spread to the environment.
Other Quick Facts About Siamese Cats
A Siamese cat can be your new best friend when you are looking for a cat with hypoallergenic qualities. These cats are extremely playful, loving, and loyal. Some would even call their behavior dog-like! For around $200, you can have your very own purebred Siamese kitten. Be sure to provide them with lots of entertainment, in toy form and with your attention.
What Is the Best Type of Cat to Get If You Have Allergies?
A 100% hypoallergenic cat is nonexistent, as we have already discussed. There are certain things to look for in a cat, though, if you want a cat that all people with all kinds of allergies can at least tolerate from a distance. However, Fel d 1 production may vary by individual and even change over the course of a cat’s life cycle. For instance, unneutered males will generally produce more Fel d 1.
Hypoallergenic Qualities in Cats
Long-Haired
It would seem that cats with shorter hair would be more hypoallergenic than long-haired cats. Science actually proves the opposite. Since we already know that people aren’t necessarily allergic to the cat’s hair, the length of hair shouldn’t matter too much, right?
What has been discovered is that the Fel d 1 protein is contained within the skin and within the hair better when the cat hair is longer. This means less of the protein is released into the air or onto other objects with microscopic dander.
Low Shedding
Cats that shed less will have less of a chance to release the Fel d 1 protein into the environment around it. So, it makes sense that a low-shedding cat would have better hypoallergenic qualities than a high-shedding one.
Female
Compared to their male counterparts, females make less Fel d 1. This means that, if you really want a cat, buying a female cat is preferable when you suffer slightly from cat allergies.
The Cat Breeds Best for Allergies
- Sphynx
- Balinese-Javanese
- Siberian
- Devon Rex
Cats That Are the Worst for Allergies
- Persian
- British Longhair
- Maine Coon
- Long Haired Manx
- Exotic Shorthair
How to Deal with Cat Allergies
When you know that you have severe allergic reactions to cats, it’s best to cut your losses and stay away from them entirely. It’s not worth risking your health!
- Vacuum everywhere your cat is
- Change and wash linens frequently
- Establish a “cat-free” zone where you know you can find respite
- Keep the cat out of your bedroom
- Change air filters in HVAC systems
- Consider a HEPA air purifier
- Wash clothes when you play with cats
- Brush your cat often while outside
- Speak to your doctor about medication you can take
Conclusion
It can be an ironically difficult life when you love cats but are also allergic to them. Depending on the severity of your allergies, you could still own a cat and remain healthy. One way is by purchasing a cat with hypoallergenic qualities, like the Siamese cat.
Though they are not 100% hypoallergenic (no cat is), and individual variation is always a possibility, they are very low on the list of cat breeds that are offensive to allergy sufferers.
Related Reads:
- 26 Healthiest Cat Breeds – These Cats Rarely Get Sick (With Pictures)
- 13 Asian Cat Breeds (with Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: klimkin, Pixabay
