An allergy-free cat would be a dream come true for individuals who love cats but get asthma attacks or itchy eyes whenever they’re around their feline pet. Even though some cat breeds do not trigger hypersensitivity in allergy sufferers, there is no such thing as an allergy-free cat. In fact, there is something Hypoallergenic Bengal Cats and they do exist. “Below normal” or “slightly” allergic is what hypoallergenic means. Because all felines manufacture a specific protein in their sebaceous glands, the likelihood of an allergic reaction in the presence of a cat can never be entirely ruled out. Around 10% of the population in the United States is allergic to domestic pets.
When it comes to statistics, you would believe that the number of persons allergic to cats is insignificant; yet, the data tell a different picture.
Allergic responses to cats are twice as common as allergic reactions to dogs and other hairy pets. To make matters worse, you can develop a cat allergy later in life, even though you had no symptoms when you were a child or a young adult.
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Is it true that Bengal cats are hypoallergenic?
There is no such thing as an “allergy-free” or “non-allergenic” cat, as I have stated. The allergen that causes both severe and mild reactions in cats is something that every single cat produces, however you won’t come into touch with it as often with some breeds.
Given that cat, fur does not induce allergic reactions, but rather allergens present in their dander and saliva, it may come as a surprise that the Bengal’s coat is the primary reason why allergic people tolerate them. Their spotted, leopard-like fur resembles a wild cat’s coat not only in markings but also in texture. The Bengal has a pelt-like coat, with dense, short, and compact hair.
Although many individuals say they haven’t experienced any allergic responses after owning a Bengal cat, this doesn’t necessarily indicate you will. The sensitivity of the immune system to allergens varies tremendously, so what works for some persons allergic to cats may not work for others.
Spending time with a Bengal cat before deciding to commit is the safest approach to evaluate if it won’t aggravate your allergies. Look for a local breeder or pay a visit to a friend who owns a Bengal and spend an hour or two with the cats. If you don’t have any symptoms after spending time with a Bengal for a few hours, you aren’t allergic to them.
Also Read: When Do Your Cats Stop Growing?
Symptoms: Do I have a cat allergy?
If you sneeze uncontrollably when snuggling with your hypoallergenic cat or your eyes wet when you’re in the same room as a kitten, you may be allergic to Fel d 1, a protein present on feline skin and saliva.
If you interact with an outdoor cat, you may be allergic to pollen or other environmental allergens that they brought into the home on their paws and fur, rather than the cat itself.
If you’re not sure if you’re allergic to cats, compare your symptoms to those on our checklist or schedule an allergy test with your doctor.
When hypersensitive humans come into contact with cats, they experience an immediate and distinct reaction. Many people’s allergies, on the other hand, don’t show up in such a visible way.
The following are some of the most prevalent cat allergy symptoms
- Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing are all symptoms of allergies.
- A stuffy nose
- On the body and face, hives, rashes, or breakouts
- Eyes that are red and watery
- Parts of the skin that are red or irritated (that was in contact with a cat).
Although some of these symptoms are normal allergy reactions and others seem like cold symptoms, you should be able to tell whether you’re having an allergic reaction to Bengal cats. There’s a good chance you have a cat allergy if you detect any of these symptoms after or during contact with a cat, or after spending time in a feline’s area. For more information, diagnosis and treatment please visit the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.
Why are people allergic to cats?
According to studies, individuals react hypersensitively to cats far more frequently than they do to dogs. It isn’t because cats shed more or because their hair has some mysterious, unpleasant properties.
Cat allergens are airborne and easily breathed, unlike dust mites and dog dandruff. Given the small size of the allergen particles and the fact that most cats are avid groomers who are continuously licking and cleaning themselves, it’s no surprise that their allergy-inducing dandruff can spread throughout the house and wreak havoc on sensitive humans.
You, like an estimated 2% of the population in the United States, have a cat allergy, and around one-third of those people have decided to keep their cat friend. But how much will it cost?
Cat hair, contrary to popular perception, is not allergic. Allergies to cats are caused by a protein called Fel d 1 that is produced by the sebaceous glands of cats. When cats wash, the protein binds to dry skin, known as dander, which flakes off and floats in the air. While you may never be able to completely remove your allergy symptoms, following these tips can help you deal with cat allergies.
How to avoid being allergic?
Sadly, you will have to take some painful measures to save yourself from developing cat allergies. We understand you love your cat so much, but you have to take care of your health. Some suggested measures are given below, do follow them.
1. Keep your pet’s access to the house to a minimum.
When pets have free reign of the house, their dander spreads quickly, making allergy symptoms more evident for allergy sufferers.
Pet dander easily gathers in the fabric of bedding, drapes, rugs, and cushions, therefore bedrooms should be avoided. This can cause nighttime symptoms that can easily disrupt sleep, so keep pets in their beds to avoid a flare-up.
2. Consume recommended nutrition
Vitamin C, as an immune system booster and natural antihistamine (a substance produced by the body in response to allergens), should be a staple in allergy sufferers’ diets.
Citrus fruits, such as oranges, are a good source of vitamin C, but they aren’t your only option. Vitamin C can be found in a variety of foods, including red peppers, kale, kiwis, broccoli, and strawberries. For a quick and refreshing dose of vitamin C, try this strawberry and pear smoothie. Vitamin C is one of the recommended blocks against hypoallergenic cats.
3. Brushing your cat outdoor
Brushing and cleaning a pet indoors allows allergens to spread, so take the pet shampoo and comb it out into the back garden to avoid this. If the weather does not permit, groom your pet in a garden shed or garage if feasible (neither you nor your pet should have frostbite in an attempt to stop the flow of allergens around the house). Allow expert groomers to take care of your pet friend’s coat instead.
4. Use an air purifier
Allergens are found not just in clothing, hair, and bedding after contact with a pet, but also in the air. This will result in sniffing and sneezing during the day, as well as a restless night’s sleep.
Air purifiers can help with this since they filter the air to remove allergens such as dander, mold spores, and pollen. Place the air purifier in a location where you spend a lot of time to assist alleviate discomfort.
Takeaway
The suggestions we provide here will take time and effort, and they are unlikely to completely remove your allergy symptoms. However, we understand that for many animal lovers, life without them is unimaginable. We’re optimistic that by using a variety of strategies, you’ll be able to reduce them to a manageable level.
