Elegant and beautiful, Siamese cats are highly-distinctive, both in appearance and personality.
As well as their many charming traits, they also shed much less than other breeds.
Largely because of this, they’re known to cause less allergic reactions than other breeds.
Let’s take a closer look at why Siamese cats are so hypoallergenic.
Why are Siamese Cats More Hypoallergenic than Other Breeds?
It all comes down to a protein known as FelD and the short-haired coat of your typical Siamese.
Fel D1
Fel D1 is a protein that’s produced in a cat’s sebaceous glands. It’s found in their skin, saliva, and urine.
When a cat cleans, it spreads the protein onto the fur from saliva which then becomes airborne when the cat sheds or grooms.
And it’s this airborne protein that causes allergic reactions in humans.
Suffers endure symptoms including sneezing and itching and even asthma in severe cases.
While all cats produce Fel D1 to some extent, studies have shown that breeds such as Siamese produce less.
Short-Haired Coat
Another factor that likely contributes to Siamese cats’ hypoallergenic reputation is their short coat.
Because Fel D1 protein is primarily found in the skin and saliva, cats spread the protein all over their fur each and every time they groom.
So it stands to reason that a cat that sheds less is going to transmit less of this protein into the air.
Are Any Cats 100% Hypoallergenic?
We should point out that there’s no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic breed of cat
Even if the cat has a short coat or produces smaller amounts of Fel D1, there might still be enough present to generate an allergic reaction.
Additionally, a human allergy might be triggered by other allergens including dander.
Remember too that allergies are complex and can be influenced by individual sensitivities that vary between each person.
Are Siamese Cats a Good Choice for People with Allergies?
Siamese cats are a great option for those of us who have to endure allergies, thanks to their short-coats and low Fel D1 production rate.
Outgoing and friendly, they also make for faithful, loyal and rather talkative companions!
If you’re considering adopting a Siamese cat suffer from allergies, be sure to spend time around one first.
That way you’ll be able to spot potential allergic reactions.
How to Minimize the Effects of Cat Allergens
There are plenty of steps you ca take to guard against cat allergies including:
- Regular Grooming (of your cat!)
- Clean Your House Regularly
- Create a Cat-Free Zone
- Purchase a HEPA Air Filter
- Refrain from Petting
What are the Most Hypoallergenic Cats?
Here’s a list of the most hypoallergenic cat breeds that produce fewer allergens than others.
- Balinese
- Bengal
- Cornish Rex
- Devon Rex
- Oriental Cats
- Russian Blue
- Siamese
- Siberian
- Sphynx
Bear in mind that even hypoallergenic felines have the potential to trigger allergic reactions. As mentioned, spend time with your chosen cat before adopting to see how you react.
Useful Links
AAFA – Pet, Dog and Cat Allergies
ACAAI – Pets, Dog and Cat Allergies – Symptoms and Treatment
