Allergies often become the reason why people deny themselves pets, even if they love animals very much.

There is also an opinion that an allergy occurs precisely on animal hair, although this is not so. An allergic reaction occurs to the saliva of an animal, its sweat, dander, urine, fluff, feathers and other waste products. All of them contain a specific protein - a glycoprotein, which is an allergen. It gets on the animal's fur and with it spreads throughout the house, bringing suffering to the allergic owner.

Therefore, it is worth remembering that there are no absolutely hypoallergenic animals, especially cats and dogs. There are only precautions that will help not harm the allergy sufferer. As well as several breeds, with the least risk to health.

Of course, in addition to cats and dogs, you can get other types of animals that are safe. But not everyone is disposed to fish and reptiles. The following animals can become companions of such people:

These cute animals are recognized as absolutely hypoallergenic, despite the fluffy coat. Chinchillas do not have sweat or salivary glands. In addition, they are very sociable and mobile, it is interesting to observe and care for them. But these animals are somewhat shy and are predominantly nocturnal.

rodents

In addition to chinchillas, you can get other rodents. Syrian hamsters, hairless guinea pigs, decorative pigs are perfect. The advantage of such animals is that they are mostly kept in a cage and do not scatter their hair around the house. The territory of their life is limited to a special house, so the risk of encountering an allergen is significantly reduced. And yet, cleaning the cage of such an animal should be entrusted to another family member who does not suffer from allergies.

As mentioned earlier, absolutely non-allergenic animals do not exist. There are only those that produce fewer allergens. But if you don’t consider anyone as a pet other than cats, then don’t believe in absolutely “harmless” breeds. The following are the most common hypoallergenic felines:

Hairless breeds of cats, various types of sphinxes, have a specific appearance and require special care. It is believed that these cats are very smart and love communication, and are also easy to train. Sphynx are very social, some of the breeders claim that there is something canine in their behavior. A bald cat is very sensitive to cold, it will be necessary to maintain a certain temperature in the home so that it does not freeze. The Sphinx should be wiped every day with a damp cloth and not left in the bright rays of the sun, because it burns easily.

However, unlike their furry relatives, hairless cats sweat all over their bodies. And allergies are mainly caused by the cat's sebaceous glands, which sphinxes have in abundance. Therefore, even though there will be no wool in the house, the sphinx will still be a distributor of that same protein, and in large quantities.

Cornish Rex have a very short coat, but they do not have enough hair to absorb sebum, like a normal cat. Therefore, these secretions can be a source of great concern for an allergic person, as they contain the same protein. In principle, the same situation as with the Sphinx. But if the allergy is still to wool, which is extremely rare, then these breeds will become excellent companions for such allergy sufferers.

It is also worth excluding dogs with increased salivation. Excessive "talkativeness" of the pet increases the level of allergens, as saliva and dandruff strive to scatter in all directions with unrestrained barking. Therefore, some breeds, especially small ones, cannot be recommended for people with allergies, precisely because of the constant barking. A small dog with a balanced temperament would be preferable.

breeds	Benefits for people with allergies
Affenpinscher	Doesn't shed
	Minimal chance of dandruff and small size.
Poodles of all sizes	Recommended AKC for allergy sufferers. Doesn't shed. Minimal chance of dandruff formation.
Portuguese water dog	Doesn't shed
bullets	Doesn't shed
samoyed	No dandruff
Schnauzers of all sizes	Short coat, minimal shedding. However, schnauzers are known to be barkers, and may release saliva into the environment.
	Shih Tzu practically does not shed. Dead hair is removed by combing and all remains on the comb. Shih Tzu is one of the breeds that is most suitable for allergy sufferers.
	Doesn't shed
Tibetan Terrier	A breed that is not prone to dandruff and has a coat that does not shed when brushed regularly.
welsh terrier	Doesn't shed
	Wool is missing. However, allergies to dandruff and saliva can occur.
	Recommended AKC as a breed for allergy sufferers. Does not shed. Practically not prone to dandruff.

Otherwise, all precautions must be observed as indicated below.

It is impossible to completely protect yourself from animal allergies. There are no hypoallergenic breeds. Moreover, even the absence of a pet in the apartment does not guarantee anything. According to research Dog allergen (Can f 1) and cat allergen (Fel d 1) in US homes: Results from the National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing, in houses where there were no dogs and cats for at least six months, the allergens characteristic of these animals were found in almost 100% of cases, however, in a minimal concentration.

However, there are breeds that emit fewer allergens.

Dogs

Many mistakenly believe that the body reacts negatively to animal hair. But allergens - proteins Can f 1 and Can f 2 - are found mainly in saliva and dandruff. However, the hairs play an important role in spreading the allergen around the house, since it is on them that dangerous proteins end up.

Although hypoallergenic does not exist, there are breeds that shed less, have less dandruff, and are easier to care for, resulting in a reduced risk of unpleasant reactions.

The dog has almost no hair, which means that the allergen will not spread around the house with fallen hairs. To reduce the likelihood of allergies, it is recommended to wash the animal more often. But follow the recommendations of the veterinarian, otherwise you can overdo it with cleanliness and harm the dog.

These breeds are similar and equally good for allergy sufferers. They shed little, produce less saliva and dandruff.

He almost does not shed, but the dog needs to be combed out regularly.

Dog for lovers of large breeds. The coat of this bear-like creature needs regular grooming, but the dog sheds little and loves water treatments.

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He has almost no undercoat, which is why he practically does not shed.

cats

Same situation as with dogs. Absolutely hypoallergenic animals simply do not exist. But you can choose a breed whose representatives produce less Fel D1 protein, which causes a negative reaction of the body.

A breed with long, thick fur is the least likely to be seen on the list of animals for allergy sufferers. The point is the low production of Fel D1. In addition, the thick coat helps the skin stay hydrated, which is why Siberian cats have less dandruff.

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These cats are not hairless, but they have much less hair than fluffy breeds. Their fur is easy to care for, and Fel D1 is easily washed off the hairs during water procedures.

phz8.petinsurance.com

Another fluffy cat on the list, which made it because of the moderate allergen content in saliva.

These cats do not have hair, they need frequent water treatments. Thanks to this, the allergen is quickly washed off and minimally spread around the apartment.

fish

Fish are safe for allergy sufferers, especially if you delegate their care to someone else. The body may react unpleasantly to dry food consisting of dried crustaceans.

rodents

Chinchillas almost do not shed, they have few sweat and sebaceous glands.

sbskinnypigs.com

Representatives of the skinny and baldwin breeds are similar to pocket hippos. And they, like any hairless animal, are less allergenic than most of their hairy counterparts.

reptiles

The hairless gecko is a good choice for allergy sufferers. But you need to be more attentive to the feed, it may well cause a negative reaction of the body.

Snakes do not have hair, they do not scatter skin particles around the house, and the contact of the owner with them, as a rule, is limited to fairly rare touches.

Turtles

Turtles are similar to snakes in terms of content. But you should carefully select the materials for arranging her house, since an allergy may occur not to a pet, but, for example, to bedding materials.

Today, in almost every house, under the same roof, our smaller brothers live with people. Cats, dogs, parrots, turtles, chinchillas, fish - the list of animals dear to the heart can be listed endlessly. And everything would be fine if pets were not the cause of various diseases. Among the diseases that pet owners suffer from, allergies are the most common.

A separate topic in this matter is allergy to animals in children.

There are two points of view on the issue of finding a child and a pet in the same territory, - says Elena Fadeeva, an allergist-immunologist at the city children's clinic in Penza. - Some believe that the baby needs contact with animals from early childhood. And it prevents allergies.

But most experts are of the opposite opinion. They are convinced that it is better for babies to avoid close contact with our smaller brothers.

Speaking about an allergic disease caused by contact with pets, it is worth saying right away that hypoallergenic animals do not exist! - explains the doctor. - If the child has an allergy, then you should not start a pet. This also applies to those babies whose illness is associated, for example, with any food, plants or fungi.

If neither the child nor his parents have ever had allergies, then you can settle a new friend in your house. Living under the same roof with your favorite little animal, do not forget to regularly wet clean the rooms and wash your pet.

Before getting a pet, it is advisable to be tested for a possible allergic reaction.

Allergies can occur at any time, at any stage of a person's life, - says Elena Fadeeva. - There is a breakdown in the immune system. The body begins to perceive ordinary substances or products as an allergen. In this connection, the immune mechanism is launched, which gives a similar reaction.

If an allergy is detected in a child, contact with an animal should be excluded. And contact a specialist immediately.

In my practice, there were cases when an allergic reaction in a child occurred not only upon contact, for example, with a cat. But even when communicating with children, at whose homes she lives. In the classroom, such students should be seated as far apart as possible, my interlocutor advises.

Signs of an allergic reaction can be very diverse. They appear both separately and in combination.

Watery discharge from the nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, redness of the eyes, skin rash, cough, which can even reach the asthmatic syndrome - these are the main signals of the presence of an allergy, - Elena Evgenievna lists. - These symptoms are the result of the reaction of the human body to the allergen. It can be not only wool, as many parents think, but also dandruff, saliva, animal urine.

It turns out that even bald cats, which are popularly considered hypoallergenic, can easily cause an allergic disease!

- The only animals you can keep at home with an allergic child are fish, - notes the allergist-immunologist of the city children's clinic. - And then, provided that the baby does not have an allergic reaction to fungal diseases. At the same time, you can only feed aquarium inhabitants with live food, for example, frozen worms. Dry food, such as daphnia, gomarus, bloodworm, is the strongest allergen.

Children are especially sensitive to pets. And separating them from their beloved puppy or hamster is naturally a difficult task for adults. But when it comes to the health of the baby, all doubts should go away.

Allergy take note:

1. Avoid accumulators of household dust, which include carpets, upholstered furniture, heavy curtains, soft toys, clothes, books.

2. Regularly wet clean your home. It is also recommended to use air purifiers and vacuum cleaners with special microfilters, which should be washed regularly. They remove the smallest particles of allergens from the air.

3. Do not use naphthalene and other strong-smelling substances (including household chemicals).

4. House flowers should not be planted - they collect dust, serve as a source of pollen, and mushrooms settle in the ground of flower pots - strong allergens.

based on the materials of the group

In recent years, hypoallergenic cat breeds are in demand more than ever. There are plenty of allergens on city streets, at home, and even in food. Therefore, many try to choose a pet so that it does not cause allergies, especially if there are children in the family.

In recent years, hypoallergenic cat breeds are in demand more than ever.

The problem of allergy to cat hair is very relevant for people: 15% of the world's population is affected to one degree or another. The reason is the Fel D1 protein, which is formed in the cat's body. It is believed that cats produce it less than cats, and therefore are less allergenic. Even more “safe” are kittens and very young individuals. Also, animals with light or white hair are considered harmless for allergy sufferers.

Whether the gender of the animal and the color of its coat affects hypoallergenicity has not yet been definitely established, therefore it is very dangerous to be guided only by these criteria when choosing a pet: it may well be that a cute white cat will be the strongest allergen.

However, even intolerance to the insidious Fel D1 protein for allergy sufferers is far from always a verdict. If you look at the statistics, then 30% of allergy sufferers still have pets. This is because cats are so charming that it is impossible not to love them, even despite the possible inconvenience. In addition, there are hypoallergenic animals that do not pose a danger to even the most sensitive immune system.

Hypoallergenic cats also produce the allergen protein Fel D1, but in smaller amounts than normal cats. However, the amount varies greatly depending on the breed. Nevertheless, even those 60% of people who previously did not dare to acquire a pet will be able to choose a pet from them.

Many people try to choose a pet so that it does not cause allergies, especially if there are children in the family.

Little wool - a sea of ​​\u200b\u200bcharm

Cats, almost completely devoid of hair, for many inhabitants - too extravagant choice. In addition, in the middle lane they will obviously have a hard time in the icy winter season. But this problem can be completely solved with the help of special clothes, and unusualness is easily forgotten as soon as you get to know these elegant animals better. Moreover, for allergy sufferers, such breeds are the most suitable option and almost the only one.

Sphynx are considered to be the most hypoallergenic cats. They were just created specifically for people suffering from allergies. Firstly, they do not have wool, which means that it will not fly around the house, get into the respiratory tract, causing an allergic rhinitis, cough and other symptoms well-known to allergy sufferers. Secondly, cats are easy to care for: bathing once a week will protect against skin secretions, which can also be strong irritants.

• peterbald;
• Don Sphynx;
• canadian sphynx.

Peterbald cats are smart, calm and very intelligent. Peterbalds adore communication with the owner, they will gladly let themselves be stroked and “sing” in gratitude. They are clean, undemanding in care. If you arrange a “bath day” for a cat once a week, then very soon it will be possible to forget about allergies.

In 1987, an unusual kitten was discovered in Rostov-on-Don: he was practically bald. Over time, a new breed appeared, called the Don Sphynx. By the way, he is one of the progenitors of another breed - the Peterbald.

Don Sphynx practically do not cause allergies. But the best among non-allergenic cats are Canadian Sphynxes. Felinologists have been struggling with the riddle of the "Canadians" for more than one year. But it is not possible to understand how this breed differs from other hairless cat breeds, why it does not cause allergies at all. Perhaps because the breed of the Canadian Sphynx is the most ancient among the hairless. However, this does not matter, because the fact remains: even the most sensitive allergies easily get along with hypoallergenic cats.

Cats, almost completely devoid of hair, for many inhabitants - too extravagant choice

Animals for allergy sufferers (video)

Gallery: hypoallergenic cat breeds (25 photos)

Best Hypoallergenic Shorthair Cats

For those who are hesitant to get hairless hypoallergenic cats, there are many other good breeds:

• cornish rex;
• devon rex;
• faces;
• javanese;
• oriental cat;
• Balinese cat.

The Balinese cat was bred in America and named after the Balinese dancers. Fans of these animals notice their clear similarities: gracefulness and smoothness of movements. "Balinese" are very affectionate. They inherited this quality from their ancestors, Siamese cats. Their coat has a slightly different color and is quite long. At the same time, Balinese cats are practically non-allergenic.

Oriental cats originated in Thailand, but American breeders have made every effort to make the breed recognized and loved all over the world. This variety does not cause allergies, but sincere love and adoration - with ease. Their character is simply golden: smart, quick-witted and very accommodating.

Javanese, as you might guess from the name, comes from the island of Java. This long-eared miracle has a short, but very beautiful coat. And the Fel D1 allergen is released in extremely small portions, so cats are also practically non-allergenic.

Cats of the Lykoi breed also rarely cause allergies. But only subtle aesthetes and real originals can understand their charm, and then, perhaps, not immediately.

The Lykoi breed was not specially bred: it turned out by chance as a “by-product” when a new variety of the Sphinx was bred. The cat's demonic appearance, round yellow eyes, intense gaze, and smoky fur evoke memories of werewolves from scary legends. However, someone in the face of such a "cat-wolf" will gain a faithful and non-allergenic four-legged friend.

Devon Rex invariably receive only admiring reviews of the owners. And no wonder, because these hypoallergenic cats are very smart and quick-witted enough that they easily learn commands. Devon Rex are kind, sweet and charming, there is not much wool from them. And the less wool, the less allergen protein in the apartment.

Among shorthair cats, the Cornish Rex is considered the most hypoallergenic. These Cornish natives boast a superb, slightly frizzy coat and low levels of Fel D1 protein. And if you occasionally bathe an animal, then it will be even less!

Of course, not all cats like water procedures, so this can be a problem. But their character more than compensates. Cornish Rexes differ in character both from English people and from their fellow British cats. Stiffness is alien to them: Cornish love to play at any age.

Hypoallergenic animals (video)

Hypoallergenic longhair cats

Among the breeds of hypoallergenic cats, either sphinxes or shorthairs predominate. The maximum that experts advise is semi-long-haired Balinese. Therefore, according to many allergy sufferers, a fluffy cat can only be found in dreams. And they are completely wrong, because they forget about the beautiful breed, moreover, well-known to everyone.

Of course, we are talking about Siberian cats. This breed is considered traditionally Russian, although it is extremely difficult to trace the exact origin, because nature itself was the “breeder”. According to one hypothesis, on the one hand, their ancestors were animals that were brought with them to Siberia by settlers from the European part of the country, and on the other, wild forest cats. Until now, domestic cats often bring offspring from wild cats that fully comply with the established standard, which means that kittens are real Siberians.

And the Siberian cat is as mysterious as the Russian soul. Why do these cats with long hair and thick undercoat produce so little Fel D1? This is as difficult to explain as the leadership of the Canadian Sphynx among hairless cats. Nevertheless, the hypoallergenicity of Siberians is already an irrefutable fact.

Siberian cats are popular not only in their homeland, but also abroad. On one of the foreign resources for cat lovers, Siberians were called ideal pets. It's hard to disagree with this. How could it be otherwise if these cats are not cold, not nervous, non-aggressive, not noisy at all, calm and affectionate, fluffy and beautiful, and even with hypoallergenic wool!

Of course, the breed also has its drawbacks. For example, some members of this breed are quite independent. They can purr on the lap of their owners only if they themselves want to, do not like and do not tolerate being squeezed like teddy bears.

In fairness, it should be said that Siberians cannot compete with sphinxes in terms of hypoallergenicity. But if the disease does not cause much trouble, then it is quite possible to get yourself a Siberian cat. Moreover, according to statistics, about 75% of people who are allergic to cat fur calmly withstand the neighborhood of a Siberian.

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For those who love our smaller brothers, an allergy to them can be a real tragedy. Indeed, in addition to sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and itching, in the worst cases, an allergy to pets can turn into bronchial asthma, shortness of breath and shortness of breath.

And if it is not possible to defeat the allergy, there is only one way out - to part with the pet, placing it in good hands. However, all is not lost: there are animals that do not cause allergies. As a rule, even the most “sensitive” owners do not have problems with them, writes Lady.mail.ru.

Dogs and cats for allergy sufferers

The main sign of hypoallergenic animals is the absence of wool. Among the most famous hairless dogs are the Mexican Hairless and the Chinese Crested. Hairless animals have many advantages. Firstly, due to the lack of wool (and hence molting), the pet spreads the “infection” around the apartment less, and secondly, much less dust accumulates on the animal itself. However, there is one “but”: hairless animals sweat more and, unlike shaggy counterparts, “salt” faster, and therefore they need to be bathed more often.

Chinese Crested

Another group of breeds whose representatives practically do not cause allergies are wire-haired and short-haired animals. Most terriers and schnauzers, despite the rather thick and long coat, practically do not shed. The Portuguese Water Dog, Bullets, and Shih Tzu also do not shed. Poodles are considered one of the safest breeds for allergy sufferers. In addition, if you accustom your pet to regular visits to the “beauty salon”, then the number of allergens in the house can be reduced to zero. In addition, when choosing hypoallergenic dogs, size is important: the smaller the body surface of the dog, the less allergens it produces.

It must also be remembered that animal saliva is very dangerous for allergy sufferers, therefore, dogs with fleas (sagging lips) and increased salivation, such as Fila, Mastino, Great Dane and others, should immediately be excluded from the list of potential four-legged friends.

As for cats, the most popular among hairless breeds is the Sphynx or shock cat. Also good friends of allergy sufferers can be Cornish Rex and Devon Rex, which are distinguished by their short hairline.

Cornish Rex

Despite all the precautions and recommendations, it must be remembered that animal allergy is an insidious and unpredictable thing, and it is far from always possible to find logical explanations for its “challenges”. Sometimes a person breaks out in a rash in the company of a bald sphinx, but at the same time he feels great next to a Persian or Siberian cat.

Small pets for allergy sufferers

And yet, what if there is no question of the appearance of a dog or cat in the house at all? What living creature can be “registered” in an apartment? If we exclude birds - parrots, canaries and other songbirds, whose feather and fluff are a favorable environment for the appearance of dust mites - a dangerous allergen, then we can think about aquarium fish (unless, of course, there is an allergy to food for them), turtles and reptiles, like lizards or chameleons. They don't sweat, shed, lick themselves or spread allergens. However, these hypoallergenic creatures also need good care, since damp wood and foliage in a terrarium can become a “trigger” for the reproduction of fungi, which also cause an allergic reaction in humans.

However, if “cold” creatures are not at all to your liking, you can get another little animal - “warm”, soft and cute. For example, a chinchilla.

Chinchilla

Scientists have proved the absolute hypoallergenicity of chinchillas: they have almost no sebaceous and sweat glands, they do not shed. And at the same time, chinchillas are ideal pets - friendly, mobile, emotional. The only problem in keeping a chinchilla can be its nocturnal lifestyle and hyperactivity, which most rodents differ in.

Among domesticated rodents, there are other representatives that can be safely recommended to allergy sufferers. For example, hairless guinea pigs. A few years ago, these unusual animals were considered exotic, but now they are found in many homes, although they are still much more expensive than their “dressed” relatives.

Bald guinea pig

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Among the hairless pigs, similar to small hippos, there are Baldwin and Skinny breeds. Unlike Baldwins, who are born woolly and shed their hair on the 5-6th day, skinnies are immediately born hairless. Adult skinnies have a slightly noticeable fluff less than 1 mm long, due to which they appear velvety. In addition, they have a small amount of hair on their legs and muzzle. Care for hairless guinea pigs is the same as for normal ones. True, they require food in excess of the norm: without wool, the body of rodents spends more energy on heating.

Recently, bald rats have also become popular - bald from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. They are also called sphinx rats. Rats are very smart animals, it’s not for nothing that they even say: if you can’t get a dog or a cat, you need to get a rat. Hairless rats, like their ordinary counterparts, can distinguish family members from strangers, respond to a nickname, climb onto their arms or shoulders.

Bald rat

Unlike hairless rats, hairless mice are still rare among pets. The complete absence of hair makes these little creatures even more touching. In addition, at the genetic level, bald mice are devoid of aggression and fear of humans - they trust people and always try to be closer to the body of the owner, they certainly want to climb into their arms and warm themselves in a warm palm.

As you can see, in the house of every person there can be a place for animals. And even allergy sufferers do not need to deny themselves the pleasure of having a four-legged friend, the main thing is to make the right choice. In addition, pets treat many ailments, which can bring considerable benefits to their owners.