Can You Be Allergic to One Cat And Not Another?

You can be allergic to one cat and not another. It is possible for one cat to trigger severe symptoms while another may cause a reaction that is barely noticeable. Most cat allergies are caused by pet dander, and some cats produce more than others. This means it is possible for someone with cat allergies to not suffer with obvious symptoms if they live with a cat that produces less dander.

Are any cats hypoallergenic? 

In order to be 100% hypoallergenic, a cat would have to produce no dander at all. Since all cats produce some amount of dander, there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic cat. There are, however, breeds that produce dander in very small amounts, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.

Some of the cats that may work well for those with allergies include:

• Sphynx

• Cornish Rex

• Oriental

• Devon Rex

• Russian Blue

• Siberian

• Bengal 

Again, these cats still produce some dander so, if you have allergies, it’s important to spend time around these cats before adopting or buying.

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I’m allergic, but I REALLY want a cat 

You’re not alone, and the good news is that it’s possible to live with cats in spite of allergies. Unless you have a life-threatening allergy, which is rare, your doctor can help you with a plan to deal with the symptoms while still enjoying the company of your pet.

This is good news not just for pet owners, but also for the cats. According to the ASPCA, about 374,000 cats are returned to shelters each year because the owner has allergies.

If you suspect you have an allergy to cats, visit your doctor to confirm. If the allergies are mild to moderate, treatment and following these tips to reduce allergens in your home may be able to help your four-legged family members remain in your home. 

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