Saturday, September 13, 2008

Is the Bengal cat non-allergenic?

While it is possible some people with cat allergies may be able to tolerate Bengals, as allergies can vary from person to person, it is untrue that the Bengal breed is non-allergenic.

Although some books, magazines, and websites claim that some cat breeds, such as the Bengal, Rex, and Sphynx, don’t cause allergies this claim should not be taken at face value. There is no such breed. The TV series "Friends" had a fictional non-allergenic cat.. Unfortunately, it has led many people - and even some doctors and veterinarians - to recommend some breeds as a pet for cat-allergy sufferers.

For most cat-allergy sufferers, it is not the cat hair itself that is the problem, rather it is a protein produced by glands in the cat's skin and by its saliva glands which causes cat allergy. Over the years this protein accumulates in the feline's fur, as well as in the carpets and furniture.
All cats produce this protein, though some produce less than others. No cat is hypo-allergenic, not even hairless cats.

Some people may be allergic to large quantities of the allergen (e.g. on longhaired cats), but suffer fewer problems with cats that have lower levels of dandruff because they have less fur to carry the dust. Again, no cat is truly hypoallergenic - it all depends on how badly allergic you are.

Cat allergy has prevented many people like yourself from enjoying these independent and quietly affectionate creatures. Being allergic doesn't necessarily mean you can't have a pet or that you must give up the one you already have. You can solve this problem by learning more about minimizing pet-related allergies and making some minor adjustments to your environment. Controlling allergies takes some work, but if you really want to...YOU CAN DO IT!

Of course, you should take your doctor’s advice. However, current studies are showing that the problem may be solved by washing the cat regularly, and spraying the rooms in which it lives with a new allergy control product "Allergy Control Solution," that primarily contains tannic acid (a compound found in oak bark, coffee, cocoa and tea).

There are other measures that you can take to help protect you from an allergic reaction to your cat. Have someone else vacuum the house. Also it may he helpful to have a vacuum with a HEPA filter and by using bags that are extra thick and designed for those that suffer from allergies. It is suggested that you reduce the areas that can trap the allergens. Gradually replacing carpet with hardwood flooring and cover mattresses and pillows with air-tight casings may also ameliorate the problem. Since 1/3 of our life is spent sleeping, keeping the cat out of the bedroom can help excessive exposure. So keep the cat out of your bedroom! An air filtration system will reduce the amount of allergen recirculated. Air filtration systems can vary in cost but can greatly improve the air that you breathe.

Anyone with cat allergies hoping to own a Bengal should make a good, long visit to a Bengal cattery to see how they react. We are always happy to have visitors here at Bagheera/MillCreek Bengals.