For many, having allergies essentially puts up a roadblock to owning a pet. Are Siamese Cats Hypoallergenic? The word hypoallergenic has been attached to several different breeds of cats and dogs. Siamese cats happen to be one of these breeds that carries this unusual distinction. In this article, we will look at whether or not Siamese cats are truly hypoallergenic, what makes people allergic to cats, how Siamese cats became known as hypoallergenic, and how to share your living space with a cat if you have allergies.
Are Siamese Cats Hypoallergenic?
The simple answer to this question is no. But let’s qualify that before moving on. As much as cat owners and breeders may say that Siamese cats are hypoallergenic, the fact remains that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat in the feline world. That hasn’t stopped breeders from trying to breed a truly hypoallergenic cat.
It may happen eventually, but for now, no such cat exists anywhere on the planet. What does exist are cats that do not trigger allergic reactions as much as other ones in people. With the belief that it is the coat of a cat that is responsible for allergic reactions, and that Siamese cats have extremely short fur, the fewer allergic reactions they trigger has made Siamese cats incorrectly identified as hypoallergenic.
What Make People Allergic To Cats?
Before we drill deeper into this topic, it is important to state that cat fur is not the cause of the average allergic reaction. Yes, short-haired cats are less likely to cause reactions compared to long-haired cats, but the reason for this has nothing to do with the fur that makes up the average feline coat.
What causes allergic reactions in humans from cats is the proteins the cat produces and carries in their dander, saliva, and urine. Each person who suffers from cat allergies do so because they have a sensitive immune system. What may not bother one person who spends time with cats will trigger a series of allergic reactions to someone else.
The person who does not react has a stronger, or healthier, immune system. You can also be guaranteed that the person who reacts to cats will also have allergic reactions to other things like airborne bacteria, dust, pollen, or whatever else triggers an allergic reaction.
How Siamese Cats Became Known As Hypoallergenic
All cats produce the protein identified as “Fel D1.” As noted above, this protein appears in cat dander, saliva, and urine. The most common source of allergic reactions is Fel D1 in the saliva of a cat. Being close to a cat that has recently groomed itself will trigger a reaction in individuals with sensitive immune systems.
That is because grooming puts cat saliva into the fur of the cat. This is why there is confusion over fur being the cause of allergic reactions. Technically, cat fur on its own doesn’t do this. But cat fur that has been groomed contains Fel D1 and that will cause an allergic reaction.
This will occur with all cats, long-haired or short-haired. This is why the answer to the question, Are Siamese cats hypoallergenic is no. Even if you encounter a breeder that promotes their cats, regardless of breed, as hypoallergenic, you now know differently.
What About Siamese Cat Shedding?
You may have heard that Siamese cats are considered low shedding cats. That is correct. However, they will still shed some of their fur as dead hairs get trapped in their coats and eventually get pushed out through grooming or regular activities your cat engages in. So, as little as a Siamese cat may shed compared to other feline breeds, they still shed.
Can You Live With A Cat If You Have Allergies?
Of course, you can. You have to accept the fact that although the answer is no to the question, Are all Siamese cats hypoallergenic? It is still possible to share your life with one even if you have an allergic reaction.
Before we share a few tips to allow you to have a Siamese cat, it is important to first confirm through a visit with your family doctor that you do indeed have allergies and that they are triggered by the Fel D1 protein found in cats. Once you can verify that cats are one of the sources of your allergies, and you still want to own a Siamese cat, there are a few things you can do to make your living area one that can be shared with a cat.
The Cat-Free Zone
Regardless of how much you may want to spend time with your cat, you would be wise to create a place in your home where your cat is not allowed to be. This gives you a place to go if you happen to have a particularly bad day with your allergies. A good place to designate as your cat-free zone is a bedroom. This means not permitting your cat to enter the room or to sleep with you on the bed.
Regular Cat Grooming
One of the best ways to reduce the risk of you having an allergic reaction to your cat is to groom it frequently. With the proper cat grooming tools, you will remove dead hair from the fur of your Siamese cat. The best place for you to do this is outside of the home so that loose hair and microscopic particles that come out of your cat’s coat do not remain inside your home and become an irritant to your allergies.
Always Wash Your Hands
Are Siamese cats hypoallergenic? Of course, not and this requires some extra attention on your part. Any time you pick up or hold your cat could be the trigger for an allergic reaction. You can minimize the risk by ensuring that you wash your hands after each time you handle your pet.
Keep The Litter Box Clean
As the protein Fel D1 is responsible for allergic reactions and that it is present in feline urine, the litter box can be your biggest issue. By keeping it cleaned regularly of cat waste, you reduce the possibility of reacting.
Get A HEPA Filter Vacuum
If you haven’t already done so, purchase a vacuum cleaner that contains a HEPA filter. This type of filter will trap and contain all types of particles and allergens removing them from floating around in your home.
In Conclusion
Are Siamese cats hyperallergenic? No, they are not. However, if you do have allergies that are triggered by the protein found in feline saliva, dander, and urine, there are ways to minimize your reactions and still be able to keep a cat in your home. It may take a bit of extra effort, but the benefits of having a Siamese cat should outweigh the disadvantages - even for those who are allergic to cats.
