Hypoallergenic cat breeds

[hungryheidi]

Hi all

I've always been a cat lover, and until 8 years ago always had cats. I'm now thinking of getting another cat to join our family (me, DH and 3 kids ages 2, 6 and 7). However, DH is allergic to them. He is keen to have a cat as well but we obviously can't have one if it's going to make him unwell!

I would normally go for a rescued crossbreed, but was wondering if a low allergen cat breed would be better? Has anyone had any experience with this?? It would need to be a breed that is generally happy around children as well.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!

In answer to your questions, Bogbastard is very fluffy but actually sheds less than a lot of moggies I remember. He does need brushing as otherwise his coat develops big matted dreadlocks, particularly when he's going from winter to summer coat and vice versa. Keeping him brushed is a challenge as after about thirty seconds he starts attacking the comb, so he isn't the tidiest of cats . If desperate, you can send them to cat groomers who will do a proper job. We have had to do that once so far.

His insurance is similar to ordinary mogs as far as I know.

He does love people and company but I think he would do all right with a pet sitter or neighbour, especially if they had a bit of time to hang around and talk to him. We had our first holiday abroad in the summer and sent him to a very naice cattery where he was spoilt rotten and did just fine.

A lot of breeders do stipulate indoor cats but we found one that didn't. I'd decide in advance how you feel about that. Some pedigrees need to be indoors as they have no street sense and/or are thick as two short planks, but Siberians are quite wild cats and BB loves being outdoors. He climbs trees, catches rats and generally lives the high life. We do bring him in at night.

That's a really good point about Siberians being indoor cats! I want a cat that is ok to go outdoors, so I'll have to check about that. I spoke to a breeder today and have arranged to go and meet her adult cats with DH. She quite rightly pointed out that there is no guarantee that he won't be allergic to this breed, and he may be ok with one Siberian but not another. Fingers crossed he doesn't start sneezing, otherwise we'll have to have a rethink! Thanks again for all your comments, it's been really useful!

I have two Bengals and while they don't set of DHs allergies the way other cats do, they do bother some people. I think you would need to try it out. We actually lent our cats to a neighbour (the cats are very sociable and loved it) for a bit so that her DH could see how the affected his allergies. Could you try something like that?