It’s hard to be allergic to something you love, but furry and feathered friends can trigger reactions that aren’t so lovable, from sniffling and sneezing to asthma attacks. What’s a pet lover with allergies to do?
The obvious answer: Buy a fish. An aquarium has many advantages, but pet affection isn’t one of them. Snakes, lizards, turtles and small animals like hamsters and mice are options too, and they don’t require as much care or attention. Still, there’s no getting around the fact that cats and dogs are the most popular pets in North America.
But there is good news for pet lovers with allergies: not all cats and dogs are equal when it comes to allergies. With some careful research, it is possible for people will less severe allergies to share their home with a four-legged companion — so long as they proceed with caution.
Finding the right fit
First, it’s important to understand the cause of allergies. Despite what you may have read, no dog or cat is truly allergen-free or hypoallergenic — even those “hairless” or “non-shedding” varieties. That’s because it’s not the hair that’s the issue, according to experts. Most people react to the dander — those tiny dead skin cells that slough off. They’re so small that they can become trapped in fur, clothes, carpeting and furniture, and once they’re in the air, we can easily inhale them. It’s usually certain proteins in the skin secretions that make people sick.
In addition, these allergens are present in urine and saliva, making grooming and cleaning litter boxes dodgy tasks as well. When these fluids dry, particles can become airborne and stay in the air for hours.
However, some breeds get the nod for being more compatible than others with people who have minor allergies. There hasn’t been a lot of clinical investigation into the issue as of yet, but here are some breeds to consider.
Better breeds for allergies — Cats
If you’re dreaming of a fluffy kitty in your lap, you might be a little disappointed by this list — at least until you get to know the breeds a little better. According to the experts at About.com, these cats are thought to be less allergenic:
- Rex breeds (like the Cornish Rex, Deven Rex and Selkirk Rex). When it comes to fur coats, these breeds are missing a layer. There’s no top coat — just a short, fine undercoat that won’t hold as much dander and saliva from grooming.
- Sphynx cats. With big ears and nearly bald bodies, these cats look eerily like felines straight out of ancient Egyptian artwork. While the term “hairless” isn’t quite accurate — these cats are covered in a fine down — they won’t shed much and allergens could be kept to a minimum with a regular rub-down.
