Hypoallergenic cats for people who are allergic to cats?

[Knobrob]

I'd love a cat (or two), but am allergic. If a cat is 'hypoallergenic' does that mean I'm less likely to be allergic? Does anyone have any experience?

There’s no such thing as a fully hypoallergenic cat. There are some breeds of cat that are believed to be less allergenic and, as a rule, light coloured cats produce fewer allergens than dark coloured cats.
Long-haired cats are generally considered to be less allergenic than short-haired but that may just be because their fur traps lots of the dander and oils that can trigger reactions.
I got a cat knowing I had mild allergies. I got a grey and white (more white than grey) long haired cat from a rescue. I only react to her if I get fluff directly in my eye or if I get a scratch.
How bad are your allergies? If they are severe and include asthma/breathing difficulties then I wouldn’t risk it.

My allergies have been very bad in the past and I have got asthma

I agree, if you have asthma then probly not great. I have a ragdoll and nobody is my house is allergic to her although we rehomed another 2 ragdolls about 3/4 weeks ago and myself..partner and daughter were all allergic. We had to send them back to the breeder.

Siberians are supposed to be good for people with allergies and this has certainly been true for my DH. Good breeders will do an initial allergy sitting and would rehome the cat if it sadly didn't work out.
Also they are bloody gorgeous.

No such thing. It’s often not the fur that makes you react. Weirdly I’m allergic to one of two identical sisters. The only option could be an adult rescue you could spend a lot of time with to see if you react. But even then you could end up developing a reaction.

I am very allergic to cats and have brittle asthma !!! but we have 6 lol 😂 I take antihistamine tablets everyday and a nasal spray . Totally fine no problems but if I forget react eyes skin sneezing extra

I know it's not the fur @wolfiefan. It's proteins in saliva, and female cats have less than males and some breeds have less than others

You really mustn't have a cat if you have bad allergies and asthma,that sounds far too risky

I know. I'd love a pet though I live on my own and itd be nice to have one about the pace. Guinea pig/hamster doesn't feel quite the same

If it were just allergies I would suggest giving it a go,taking anti histamine etc but the fact it's asthma as well is risking it ime.

Russian blues and absynnians (sp?) have lower levels of the proteins in their saliva. They are not completely hypoallergenic but they are better than most.

My friend has brittle asthma and adores cats. She lasts about half an hour in my house before she has to leave. It makes her ill for days. I wouldn't risk it. You'd be heart broken if you had to rehome.

@Knobrob I have females. They look identical. I’m dreadfully allergic to just one!!
Can’t rehome one of two sisters.

How about rats OP? They are much more fun than guinea pigs and gerbils.

I’m allergic to cats, when we finally moved from a flat to a house and were in a position to get a pet I looked in to hypoallergenic cats. To cut a long story short I had way too many concerns about them being truly hypoallergenic and we ended up getting a small dog instead.

I would love a dog but my lifestyle just wouldn't suit one - wouldn't be fair

Barkandcheese What breed of dog do you have please? I love cats but have asthma too and am allergic. Would love a pet but worried I would be allergic to dogs as well.

I’m supposedly allergic to dogs but not to mine. I spent two years going to shows and getting up close to as many of the breed as I could to check for a reaction.

I'll be really honest - if you have asthma and you are cat triggered, I wouldn't get a cat. Cats are one of the worst allergens if you are sensitive and as I am sure you know, asthma kills. Just living with having to control your asthma day to day is miserable. It's not worth it.

I am lucky in that my asthma is not triggered by my cats but as I have grown older I've picked up horses as a trigger. I used to be horse mad - it's sad but horseriding is out now. It's not worth the risk. I have to take anti-histamines daily anyway for pollen.

If you want a furry pet, have a look at guinea pigs, rats, rabbits and see how you get on with them.

I have a Pomeranian, they have dense fluffy coats but don’t actually shed much. I’ve never had a problem with dogs and allergies but I was a little bit worried, however I’ve had no issues at all.

My DH has asthma and bad allergies. My 'moggies' set him off, but my Savannahs don't. They have a very different type of fur.

Thanks BarkandCheese I just googled Pomeranians and they are goooorgeous!!! I need to get exposure somehow for a decent amount of time so I can see how much I react. I brought a Kitten once, years ago and ended up in the GP on a nebuliser. Had to give her to a neighbour

Wouldn't want that experience again it was heart breaking.