Hypoallergenic cats: five tips for coping with a cat allergy

Do you suffer with pet allergies but love cats? Don’t worry. There are ways to cope.

If you discover you’re allergic to your cat after you’ve brought them home, you might worry about whether you can safely live together.

Blue Cross lead for vet standards Anna Ewers Clark has some encouraging news. ‘You’re unlikely to be able to get rid of the allergy completely,’ she says. ‘But there are five simple steps you can take to help manage and reduce your exposure to it.’

1 Understand your cat allergy

Understanding your cat allergy will help you find ways to alleviate your symptoms.

People are allergic to cats because of a protein found in feline saliva. This allergenic protein is spread on to a cat’s fur and skin when they lick themselves while grooming. A cat allergy is triggered not only if you encounter a cat, but also if you’re exposed to their fur, dander (dead skin flakes) or saliva.

Despite popular belief, hypoallergenic cats do not exist. It’s true that some cats do naturally produce a low amount of the allergenic protein. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to identify these cats. Breeds such as the Siberian and the Bengal are often considered hypoallergenic, but there’s no scientific proof of this. And even hairless breeds like the Sphynx produce the allergenic protein.

You could welcome a so-called hypoallergenic cat into your home and still find out you’re allergic to them. 

2 Speak to your doctor

Cat allergies are very common. Symptoms include sneezing, itchy eyes and skin rashes. They can get worse over time. In extreme cases, a cat allergy can become dangerous.

However, these symptoms can also be triggered by other conditions. Speak to your doctor if you think you have a cat allergy. They can find the true cause of your allergy. They can also give you advice and medication to help manage your symptoms.

3 Keep your house clean and ventilated

Because allergenic proteins are found on your cat’s fur and skin, they can make their way around your home when your cat sheds its fur. They can stay in the air or on furniture for months.

Carpets and floorboards collect lots of fur. So, clean them every day with a pet-friendly cleaner. Or just vacuum regularly. It can help you to sneeze and itch much less often.

Open the windows each day (just make sure your cat is protected from falls from a height). Or use an air purifier in a safe place to help keep the air clean.

4 Groom your cat every day

Daily grooming can reduce the amount of fur your cat sheds around the home. Grooming removes dander (dead skin flakes) and fur so less goes into the air. Make sure to groom your cat outside so less of the allergenic protein is released in your home.

Your cat will enjoy being groomed by you because it’s a form of social bonding. But they’d find it very stressful to be washed or bathed by you. 

5 Create a cat-free bedroom sanctuary

Bed linen can harbour cat fur and dander. So, keeping your cat out of the bedroom can alleviate your allergy symptoms.

If you do allow your cat into the bedroom, do not encourage them to sleep next to you in the bed. You do not want to breathe in the allergenic protein overnight. Also, remember to wash all your bed linen regularly.

Always wash your hands thoroughly after touching cat food or water bowls and toys. If you’re in close contact with your cat, wash your hands and clothes regularly.