Yes, 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 barely noticeable reaction. 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 from obvious symptoms if they live with a cat that produces less dander.
Are any cats hypoallergenic?
No, there are no truly hypoallergenic cats. In order to be 100% hypoallergenic, a cat would have to produce no dander at all. And since all cats produce some amount of dander, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat. Some breeds, however, are more likely to have individual cats who produce less dander, making them a possible choice for allergy sufferers. Some of the cats who 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. According to the ASPCA, about 374,000 cats are returned to shelters each year because their pet parents have allergies, so be sure to do a trial run and see how your allergies react.
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.
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.
