Hypoallergenic cats?

[Banterlope]

My teen daughter is desperate to get a kitten but my other half is quite allergic to them. As much as I would like a cat (I grew up with them) I think it’s a bad idea because of the allergy, but DD is adamant that a hypoallergenic cat would be okay.

I have insisted that my partner would have to spend an afternoon with said-cat to see how she reacted to him/her, but I have a feeling that hypoallergenic cats don’t always ‘work’ for people with a strong allergic reaction to them, which would be unfair to everyone – especially the cat. Has anyone had any experience with these cats? We live rurally and could give it a good and loving home, but I don’t want my partner to suffer as a result. Thanks in advance for any insight, although I think I already know the answer…

Siberian cats are supposed to be less allergic.
Purina have recently released a new food which is said to reduce the allergy in cats salivia.
We have a cat allergy in my house and we have an air purifier, petal cleanse on the cat and a spray for the house once a month (let me know if you want the name). The allergy has reduced considerably though but to begin with we needed all of this.

Is your partner allergic to cat hair, shed skin (dander) or saliva?
That'll make a difference, but essentially no there's no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat.
Only lower risk breeds and antihistamines

Pretty sure it's the dander, she doesn't let them close enough to get involved with their saliva. Thank you for your answers.

We had a rescue sphinx a few years ago - they are virtually hairless. Very odd looking and definitely not my choice [eyes narrowed at you DD1] but with allergy sufferers in the house, he was definitely the cat for us and with a character you wouldn't believe. If I was late from work, he would wait at the top of our road and then shout at me all the way back to the house!

Saliva will be on hair so you would need to be fastidious about keeping on top of shedding

@Banterlope

Pretty sure it's the dander, she doesn't let them close enough to get involved with their saliva. Thank you for your answers.

Saliva particles are present on all cat hair/skin due to grooming. So unless she's been tested it's impossible to say

I can highly recommend Siberians as an option to explore. My other half is moderately allergic to most cats but doesn’t have a problem with our adult male + new kitten addition. Most breeders will let you do an allergy sitting to experiment.

Plus they are the most handsome, people focused, characterful and friendly cats I have ever had the pleasure to have my life organised by. Compulsory photos of my two office assistants (5 years and 4 months respectively )

Theforgetful cat I just love your assistants.

I thought it would be the other way round but dd is less allergic to long hair cats.

I have a rescue Sib, the most characterful pet I've ever had. Be aware that they come with a high maintenance grooming regime - even harder if they hate being groomed like ours. They're also massively sociable, always by your side and don't really like being left alone for long periods of time - not very fair if you travel regularly or are out of the house lots. Ours has got himself a good circuit of neighbours that he invites himself over too regularly

Don’t get a hairless cat. DD1 was massively allergic to a friend’s cat, had a huge asthma attack and ended up in hospital.