Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Some people believe allergic people better tolerate the breeds with
little or no hair. Breeds with little hair include Cornish and Devon
Rexes, while the Sphynx is a breed with no hair at all. Longhaired cats
may shed hairs with more dander attached, but their hair is no differ-
ent from that of shorthaired cats.
Each cat's chemistry is slightly different, so an allergic person would
have to spend time with any prospective pet to see what their reaction
might be.
Making Life More Bearable
There are some ways to make life easier for an allergic person. If you
are allergic, you should:
•
Wash your hands every time you touch a cat. If you touch
your face before you wash, you're asking for trouble.
•
Change clothes after playing with a cat, or have a robe or
smock that you wear when you're interacting with a cat.
•
Consider wearing a face mask and protective glasses when
playing with your cat.
•
Avoid touching cats in the areas where they have the most oil
glands, such as the chin, cheeks, between the shoulder blades
and the base of the tail.
•
Never allow cats in your bedroom.There is nothing worse for
an allergic person than to place their face into a pillow full of
dander.
•
Consider using a HEPA filter unit or air purifier to knock
allergens out of the air.There are also special vacuum cleaners
with HEPA filters.
•
Wipe the cat down with a damp rag or use a commercial
anti-allergy pet solution daily or weekly, so that loose allergens
are removed.
•
Have the cat professionally groomed and well brushed out
regularly.This will limit allergens on top of shedding hairs.
•
If possible, have just one cat. More cats mean more allergens.
•
Carpet, decorative pillows and draperies can trap allergens, so
consider replacing them with tile, washable materials, and
blinds or shutters.
