allergies--wanting advice

[lovespring]

Hi everyone. Although I am very allergic to cats, my family (including myself)would love to adopt a loving cat. I have heard that some people with cat allergies may not be affected by certain breeds. How would I know this ahead of time? There are some houses with cats that have really bothered me and others that were barely noticeable.

Any advice? We don't want to do anything until we're sure that we could keep the cat.

Thanks!!!

[Melusine62]

There is no way to know for sure ahead of time--there is no truly hypoallergenic cat. Some people get less reactions with Russian Blues, supposedly because they have less of the protein that causes allergies in their dander, some people who are bothered by fur do well with furless or low-fur types (like Cornish Rex), but true allergies are not to the fur. My face gets bothered by some long-hair types, and my Russian blue mix had fur I could rub my face right in. One person also told me dark-colored cats cause more allergies than light colored (??). It may be you can have limited exposure (my bro-in-law is allergic and they have 4 cats) so houses that were vacuumed recently did not bother you. Or it may be as you suspect certain cats trigger it more. I suggest you go to a cat show and check out the different breeds--see what happens if you put your face right up close. The way you will know for sure is by adopting and living with one--you could adopt from a no-kill shelter near you (many have policies you can or even are required to return cat if it doesn't work out). Or if you really want to explore the breed issue and have time on your hands, get qualified as a foster family for a purebred rescue nearby?

[ZoeSphynx]

Go to a breeders place and stay awhile to see what your allergies do. also bathing a cat regularly helps a great deal with the dander, I bath mine once a week (I have Sphynx) and vacuumed regularly this will help with over 80% of the dander.