Which breed?

[BillWagglestaff]

I previously posted this in the wrong section I think - hoping it might get some more answers here! :)

I'm looking for advice on cat breeds.

I love cats. I had one growing up and also one when I moved in with a boyfriend years ago. Both were rescue cats and were hugely loved. I'd really love to get another one because I miss having one around and I'd also like to teach my DS about the responsibilities and joys of pet ownership.

The problem is that I have a reasonably severe allergy to cats and so does my DH.

So, I was wondering if we should try getting a Devon or Cornish Rex as I have heard they can be low impact on allergy sufferers. Does anyone have any experience of this? And could anyone advise if they are always indoor cats, or if some can be allowed outside? We have a small house and I would feel cruel keeping a cat indoors all the time.

Alternatively, does anyone have any experience of managing cat allergies? My sister has an air ioniser which helps hugely with her dog - not sure if it would be the same with a cat allergy?

[xxHappyHippyxx]

Not sure about the breeds you mentioned but Sphinx cats have no fur so no allergies!
They are better kept as indoor cats as well, but I would say any cat raised as a house cat from young wouldn't miss not going outside, just make sure they have stuff to do inside so they don't get bored and destructive

[Wolfiefan]

No such thing as an allergenic pet! Even without fur you may be allergic to the skin that sheds or saliva.
If you're really allergic then maybe a different pet would be better.
I am allergic to one of my two cats. Weird! It's grim. We got a dog and I spent months visiting as many of the breed as I could go see if I was allergic.
Damp dust, Hoover with good filter. Petal cleanse? Never tried it. Washable throws on soft furnishings. Hard floors are better.

[NotAPuffin]

It's the saliva I'm allergic to, and ours drool on me frequently - I don't think you can be sure of any breed working for you.

On the other hand, I'm allergic and manage to live with two. I try not to get dribbled on too much, I take antihistamines when I need to and I seem to have gotten used to our cats - I don't react as badly to them as I used to. My sister is the same - over time, she didn't need antihistamines as often.

[Iwasjustabouttosaythat]

I heard Russian Blues are ideal as house cats for those with allergies. Gorgeous too but very expensive I think? I love Sphinx cats though. If my babies turn out to be allergic that's what I'm going for. They have gorgeous personalities.

[MaidenMotherCrone]

Oriental/Siamese just because they are perfect. In. Every. Way. And addictive.

[BillWagglestaff]

Thanks so much for the tips! My other slight concern with a house cat is that we have a very small house, so it may well go a bit stir-crazy. Plus we have a tiny, tiny hallway (less than a meter square), so stopping him/her getting in or out might be difficult.

I love Siamese, too - maybe that is the way to go. Although I do appreciate the points that I may well be allergic to any breed. I also feel a bit bad about not getting a rescue cat, when there are so many that need homes. Maybe I should visit our local rescue centre and see how I react? Lots to think about.

[CleverQuacks]

I have a serious cat allergy: sneezing, coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes etc however I am also a big softie so when a local stray moved in with us I couldn't say no. For the first couple of weeks I was really unwell and took anti histamine tablets daily but now I am fine with her. It's like I just got used to it. I don't let her in the bedrooms but other than that we can have cuddles and everything without a reaction.

[LuxuryDrinks]

I couldn't ever get a sphinx as I don't think they are an ethical breed.

There are wipes you can by the clean off the saliva from the fur and that is supposed to help reduce allergies.

[cinders15]

Get a Bengal !!

[RubbishMantra]

In answer to your OP, I have a Devon Rex, and he goes outside. He's kept indoors at night though, as is my black and white moggy.

If you suffer from cat allergies, have a google for hypo-allergenic cats*. Then research some reputable breeders in your area. They often will allow you to visit their cats to see if they induce an allergic reaction.

*No cat is actually hypo-allergenic though - just less likely to cause a reaction to some people.

[sugarplumfairy28]

Unless you have a really good reason no cat should be kept indoors, even if it was expensive to buy. Cats are generally less domesticated than dogs, meaning they still have a lot of their natural instinct to mark territory, hunt and explore, to not allow them outside is to deprive them of being cats. Some cats do like being indoors and some refuse to go out, fair enough, but that's not you denying them the opportunity.

I have several indoor cats, but only one who is not allowed outside, and that is for her own safety as she suffered brain damage at birth and isn't quite all there.

As for hypoallergenic cats, a lot of people assume it is cat hair they're allergic to whereas in fact it is their dander which is skin flakes in essence that is more likely. Also apparently people are twice as likely to be allergic to cats than they are dogs. So my advice would be see if you can ascertain what it is you are allergic to, if its not cat hair but dander then maybe look at other animals. If it is cat hair than a Sphynx might be a good idea, although they do need slightly more care than a normal cat.

[DumbledoresApprentice]

I'm very allergic to Rex breeds and sphinx cats. I have a very fluffy longhair. Lots of people assume that shorter/less fur means less allergenic and that's definitely not the case for me.

[Bogburglar75]

I always come on these threads to say this, but will say it again - look at Siberians. They naturally have lower levels of whatever the allergen is. Not guaranteed but most decent breeders will let you do an allergy sitting where you stroke a cat for an hour or two and test your reaction.

DH is allergic and has done very well with BogCat. Siberians are also the most beautiful, intelligent, affectionate beasties you will meet in a days march not that I'm biased

Many breeders will ask that you keep them as indoor cats, but with Siberians it's about value rather than street sense. BogCat is never happier than when up a tree, patrolling the roof, or stalking the neighbours chickens . So as long as you find a breeder who doesn't make you sign to say you won't let them out, it should be all good. You could also look at getting outside space enclosed if you have any.

[Doobigetta]

My partner and I both have allergies that are triggered by most cats, and we have a Siberian kitten. I've been fine- no symptoms that aren't controlled by the cetirizine I'd be taking for hayfever anyway. My partner hasn't been quite so lucky and is still trying to find the combination of antihistamines that will work. My SIL had VERY severe allergies- throat swelling up etc- and is absolutely fine with her Siberians. So it's very much luck of the draw, or dependent on what your particular triggers are.
SIberians are gorgeous, gorgeous cats though. Stunningly beautiful, very intelligent and affectionate. But be warned, also so smart and energetic that they're a fucking handful. Mine doesn't know the meaning of fear. Or "no".

[Bogburglar75]

Doobigetta ours appeared upstairs this morning when I was having tea and toast in bed. For various sound reasons DH tends to win on lie ins by about 75/25 in our house, and BogCat doesn't disturb him as he doesn't care for muesli. Yet this morning he came in from the garden the second the tray arrived. We reckoned his thought processes must have gone:

Tray is being prepared in kitchen = breakfast in bed is happening
Human who eats muesli is downstairs preparing tray
Therefore person who eats toast and Marmite must be having breakfast in bed
Therefore, I have the chance of stealing some toast and Marmite ... .

As you said, the level of intelligence is a little worrying. He can also hear us driving down the road and runs to the door before anyone else hears the car - particularly clever when we're driving a silent electric car

[Doobigetta]

Haha. We're trying to train ours to use her scratching post, not the sofa, so we're giving her a treat every time she scratches the post. She still scratches the sofa, but when she fancies a treat she goes over to the post, gives it a half-arsed scratch, and waits for the treat.