are Russian blue cats AND look-a-likes – both low allergin?
I am looking into getting a pet, and I kind of want a dog, but I think a cat may better suit my life style. Unfortunately, my boyfriend has some cat allergies (watery eyes and sneezing after a short exposure) . I have heard Russian Blue cats are a low allergin breed, but I can’t spend 800 on a pure bread cat. Also, I like the idea of Adoption. So, if I adopt, the cat will most likely be one like this : http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=12565770
Do you think this cat will be terribly problematic for him? Do some people overcome their allergies after a long exposure to a cat? What do you think?
I hate to break the news here.. but there is no such animal as a hypoallergenic cat, actually. Since it is the cat’s saliva (from grooming) on the coat and the skin (dander) which causes the allergy, unless you have found a cat that does not groom itself; mission impossible. There are claims that Russian Blues and the Sphynx are hypoallergenic, but this has not actually been scientifically established. The Cornish and Devon Rex are considered safer as they both are lacking a layer of fur which is considered to be one of the culprits in allergies. I would not bet my bottom dollar on this though.
There was some scuttlebutt about a totally allergy free cat produced by Lifestyle pets, formerly the Allerca company, but recent information does not show any true positive data, and is a cat that one has to take out a loan to afford.
This being said, there are things that one can do to live with an allergy to felines. Frequent hand washing, vacuuming furniture, less contact with the cat itself, and avoiding touching the eyes and nose after exposure, all can help.
For more information about cat allergies and hope to cope with them, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_allergy
Good luck to you. I know how difficult it is to have a feline allergy, but from my own experience treatment is possible and preventative measures can help a lot.
Troublesniffer
Owned by cats for over 40 years
Freelance writer/blogger for http://www.petside.com
My best friend used to be very allergic to cats, after short exposure his eyes would be itchy and red and he’d sneeze like crazy. I got a cat several months ago and at first it was bad, but after a while the symptoms were less and less. Now he has absolutely NO symptoms at all!
I don’t think this is common, but you never know.
ps, get him, he’s so cute!!! and he kinda looks like my Harvey Boy!
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The one you show is NOT a Russian Blue at all – its far from it. I bred Russian Blues.
Their coats are less shedding, but only if its a purebred – not a look alike. Shelters tend to label all blue/grey cats as "Russian Blues" – you might find 1 in 50 that really is one.
This is a Russian Blue cat.
http://www.breedlist.com/russian-blue-breeders.html
There are other breeds that cause less allergic reactions if you are mildly allergic. The rex cats (Cornish, Devon, Selkirk), the tight coated Orientals and Ocicats and Bengals. They don’t shed as much as other cats.
Your BF may be able to tolerate ONE cat, but there is no guarentee.
References :
You’ve heard wrong – Russian Blues are not the least bit hypoallergenic. And even if they were a cat of the same colour would definitely not be. It has nothing to do with the colour of a cat’s hair – it’s the DANDER (skin) that people are allergic to.
Has your boyfriend tried allergy meds? I take Allegra D and not only live with four cats but I’m able to volunteer at a no-kill cat shelter and attend cat show with 150-200 cats at them. Have him try a few over the counter meds then go to a shelter to see if he still reacts to cats. If those don’t work then have him go to a doctor and get a on a prescription med.
References :
I hate to break the news here.. but there is no such animal as a hypoallergenic cat, actually. Since it is the cat’s saliva (from grooming) on the coat and the skin (dander) which causes the allergy, unless you have found a cat that does not groom itself; mission impossible. There are claims that Russian Blues and the Sphynx are hypoallergenic, but this has not actually been scientifically established. The Cornish and Devon Rex are considered safer as they both are lacking a layer of fur which is considered to be one of the culprits in allergies. I would not bet my bottom dollar on this though.
There was some scuttlebutt about a totally allergy free cat produced by Lifestyle pets, formerly the Allerca company, but recent information does not show any true positive data, and is a cat that one has to take out a loan to afford.
This being said, there are things that one can do to live with an allergy to felines. Frequent hand washing, vacuuming furniture, less contact with the cat itself, and avoiding touching the eyes and nose after exposure, all can help.
For more information about cat allergies and hope to cope with them, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_allergy
Good luck to you. I know how difficult it is to have a feline allergy, but from my own experience treatment is possible and preventative measures can help a lot.
Troublesniffer
Owned by cats for over 40 years
Freelance writer/blogger for http://www.petside.com
References :