Pet Allergies - Are some Cats less likely to cause them, have less dander?

worded wrote: »

Considering a cat for my kids .... well Im getting hounded to get a cat :-)

I have mild asthma and Im not that keen but Im considering options

Is there any truth in some cats having less dander?

I had heard Russian Blues produced less. We had one many years ago but also a long haired Siamese and three moggies so I cant really be sure if that’s true or not.

Also, if it’s to be an indoor only cat and you have a litter box, be aware that the dust from the litter can and often does aggravate asthma.

I know people with asthma who have multiple pets in their home. I also know people with cat allergies who own cats.

I'd recommend going to your local rescue and see about fostering. Which will allow you to see how a cat may settle into your home as well as see if you feel there are any issues.

If you're not keen on getting a cat, don't get one. They are a pet people either love or hate. All family members need to be on board, especially the adults in the home.

I think it’s also worth finding out what triggers your asthma. If you know it’s dander then I’d see about fostering a cat first rather than getting one and finding out after.

I’ve asthma as well & year round allergies. The list of things I’m allergic to is longer than I care to type, but my GP always is amazed as we keep a multi species home. I also take allergy shots and always have antihistamines on hand.

Would love a cat again, but I’m flat out with 2 piggies, 2 dogs and bird sitting a pair of love birds for a friend. And sometimes have the odd rat.

Seconding the people asking about if it triggers- I have moderately bad asthma and luckily cats and dogs don't affect it at all.

It can also greatly help to wash a cat once a week, hoover the whole house weekly, brush the cat daily, and keep it off your preferred furniture and strictly out of your bedroom. The thing about that is- *you* can't do it if the dander sets you off because these things raise dander. Someone else would have to do these things regularly and diligently. And yes, cats can be washed weekly and can even be trained to tolerate it well.

Do try fostering first. Whatever you do, don't get a kitten, it's almost impossible to predict how allergenic they will be when they grow up.

Get a hairless cat. They have no hair to trap the saliva into the skin.

I'm only partially joking! They are a hypoallergenic breed. They require a little more care because of their hairlessness, but if you can stand to look at them they're a snuggly, friendly breed. And when it gets cold, they have to wear cute little sweaters.

As far as I’m aware it’s the protein in cat saliva / urine that can trigger allergies and I would assume all cats have this to some extent. I don’t really believe there is hypoallergenic cats or dogs but that is just my opinion.

As for asmtha.....The fur will obviously generate more dust around the house especially if you have carpets. I would imagine a Persian would shed more due to the amount of fur.

I can’t let my cats sleep in my room as i become wheezy. I only let them sit on one couch that isn’t used for putting clothes on etc . I Can’t use feathered duvets as it makes me very wheezy even though I don’t have asmtha anymore.

We had a lot of cats growing up and they would bring a lot of pollen into the house when outside which triggered my hayfever.

They will naturally shed hair and dander. Personally I don’t think washing them would make a huge difference as they will shed everyday. I’m sure this can be reduced slightly by brushing outside but not enough to eliminate shedding completely.

It would be a good idea to foster for a while so you don’t find out when it is too late and have to rehome the cat! Also so you’re not forced into keeping it or being the bad guy you could pretend you are minding it for a friend