Loose cat fur & dander have always been the bane of my existence.
When my fiancée begged for us to get a cat, my eyes started to swell thinking about it (and not in the emotional sense).
Luckily, although our cat Styx has medium-length hair, she isn’t a shedder. Both my eyes & sinuses are safe – at least until we add another cat to the family.
Before we saved Styx, I looked into hypoallergenic cat breeds—the top pick being Siamese cats.
Are Siamese cats hypoallergenic? The short answer is no; they are not. But there’s more to the story of living with these feline friends and managing allergies. Discover the secrets behind Siamese cats and allergies, and learn how to live with these elegant creatures despite your sensitivities!
Overview of Siamese Cats
Siamese cats come from Thailand, which used to be called Siam. These cats are known for their thin bodies, blue eyes shaped like almonds, and pointy ears. Their loving and social nature makes them a joy to be around. These traits have landed them in plenty of movies & TV shows.
Fun Fact: Almost all Siamese kittens are born completely white! Their coats change color when exposed to cooler temperatures after they’re born. When inside the womb, the warm temperature keeps them a milky white.
Finding the right cat can be challenging for people with allergies. This is where “hypoallergenic” cats can help. These cats are better for people with allergies. Some cats cause fewer allergies, but no cat is 100% hypoallergenic.
Siamese cats are no exception to this fact. But some people with allergies have had Siamese cats and been okay. They take steps like grooming the cat, using air filters, and cleaning their home often. It’s important to remember that everyone’s allergies are different. You need to find what works best for you.
The Role of Fel d 1 Protein in Cat Allergies
As cat lovers, understanding what causes cat allergies is crucial when picking a cat. The Fel d 1 protein is the primary allergen that triggers allergic reactions in people. Here’s a closer look at Fel d 1 protein and its role in cat allergies.
What is Fel d 1 Protein?
- Fel d 1 protein is a significant allergen found in cats
- Produced by the cat’s sebaceous glands, saliva, and urine
- Responsible for causing allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Sources and Distribution of Fel d 1 Protein
The protein is often found in a cat’s:
- Fur
- Saliva
- Skin cells
How Fel d 1 Protein Becomes Airborne and Causes Allergic Reactions
When cat hair and dander are airborne, they can trigger allergies in sensitive people. Let’s explore how Fel d 1 protein becomes airborne and causes allergic reactions.
The Process of Allergen Release
- Shedding: When cats shed, allergens spew into the environment
- Grooming: As cats groom themselves, they spread Fel d 1 protein throughout their coat
Common Allergy Symptoms
- Itching
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Respiratory issues
Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, depending on the person’s sensitivity. You might experience only one or all the above symptoms. For example, my eyes get dry & itchy, but I don’t experience anything else.
Factors Influencing Fel d 1 Protein Production
Several factors affect how much Fel d 1 is present, changing how bad allergic reactions are. Understanding these factors is essential for allergy sufferers seeking a feline companion.
Gender
- Non-neutered males have the highest levels of the allergen
- Male cats produce more Fel d 1 protein than females
Age
- Younger cats may make less Fel d 1 protein than older cats
Breed
- Some breeds, such as Siberian, Balinese, and Devon Rex, produce less Fel d 1 protein
Individual Variation
- Even within the same species, the amount of Fel d 1 protein produced can vary between cats
Do Siamese Cats Cause Fewer Allergies?
To find out if Siamese cats cause fewer allergies, we need to look again at Fel d 1 protein.
Siamese Cats and Fel d 1 Protein
- No studies show Siamese cats cause fewer allergies
- Siamese cats do not always have low Fel d 1 protein levels
- Fel d 1 protein levels change between different Siamese cats
How People React to Siamese Cats
People have different reactions to Siamese cats. It is essential to know this when considering adding one to your family.
What Affects Allergic Reactions
- How sensitive a person is: Reactions can be mild or strong or not happen at all
- How much Fel d 1 protein a Siamese cat has: This changes between cats
Spend Time with a Siamese Cat Before Getting One
Being around a Siamese cat can help you know if it’ll cause your allergies to flare up. Visiting family, a friend, or a shelter that houses one is a great way to test the waters. It’s also a great opportunity to see how you react to other cat breeds if a Siamese isn’t viable.
What Makes a Cat Breed Hypoallergenic?
Hypoallergenic cat breeds are those that cause fewer allergies. They often have:
- Fewer allergens
- Low levels of Fel d 1 protein
- Less shedding, which means less dander
Popular Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds
Several cat breeds are hypoallergenic. Some of these breeds are:
List of Hypoallergenic Cats
- Bengal
- Sphynx
- Siberian
- Balinese
- Devon Rex
- Cornish Rex
- Russian Blue
- Oriental Shorthair
See also Bengal Cats: Are They Good Travel Companions?
Picking the Right Hypoallergenic Cat for You
When you choose a hypoallergenic cat, there are some factors to consider. These factors can help you find the best cat for your allergies.
Things to Think About
- Grooming habits and hair length: Short hair and good grooming can help
- Living space: If your home is small, the allergen concentration will be greater
- The cat’s age and gender: Spayed, young females tend to produce the least amount of allergens
Tips to Keep Allergens Low in Your Home
To make your home better for people with allergies, you can:
Allergy-Fighting Steps
- Use HEPA air filters
- Groom your cat often
- Clean and vacuum a lot
- Make areas in your home allergen-free
Meeting Cats Before You Get One
Before you adopt or buy a cat, make sure to:
What to Do Before Getting a Cat
- Spend time with the cat to see how your allergies react
- Look at the cat’s grooming habits and hair length
- Talk to a cat breeder or rescue group for help
Using the 3 steps above will give you the best chances of living comfortably with your cat if you decide to get one.
Tips for Easier Life with Siamese Cats and Allergies
Here are some extra ideas to help you live with Siamese cats if you have allergies:
Ways to Help with Allergies Around Siamese Cats
- Keep windows open for fresh air
- Use pet wipes to clean your cat’s fur
- Use a damp cloth to dust your home
- Put a cover on your bed to block allergens
- Ask a doctor for advice on managing allergies
Resources and Support for Cat Allergy Sufferers
Breed/DNA Tests
I haven’t personally done this myself (yet), but I’ve heard good things about it. Not everyone knows precisely what breed their cat is, and that’s where a cat DNA test comes in handy – especially for people with severe allergies.
The one I’ve seen the most is Basepaws Cat DNA Test. I’m not affiliated with them, but I thought I’d include this recommendation for those looking to be extra thorough.
The test details the breeds your cat shares genetic similarities with and screens for potential health risks like dental ailments and 43 of the most common feline diseases. Pretty cool stuff.
Most important is the breed analysis. The test doesn’t screen for Fel d 1 levels but will give you a good idea of the breed they’re mostly related to. You can then research the Fel d 1 for that specific breed.
I’ll likely create an article on my experience with this test, so stay tuned for that.
Websites and Online Forums
Some websites share how to live with cat allergies. You can also find online forums where people with allergies share their stories. Some people write blogs about their life with cat allergies, which can also be helpful.
Here are some forums & blogs that come in handy when I need to do more research:
Helpful Cat Forums
Cat Allergy Blogs
Books and Articles
There are books you can read about living with pet allergies. You can also find articles that give expert tips on dealing with allergies. Research studies are another great way to stay updated.
Here are a couple of interesting studies to get you started:
Allergists and Veterinarians
Find a doctor who knows a lot about pet allergies. You can also talk to a vet with experience with cats that cause fewer allergies. Sometimes, you can meet with both to get a plan created for your specific needs.
Use the resources above to help you find a feline friend that blends well with your lifestyle & needs.
