Bengal cat: does it cause allergy?
Bengal cat: does it cause allergy?
Anonim

It is commonly believed that the Bengal cat is hypoallergenic, since fewer cases of allergic reaction have been observed in his case and generally in a milder form than other breeds. But what is this due to? And is this a completely reliable response? In this article we will deal with just that and tell you if the Bengal cat causes allergy.

bengal cat on green base and black background
bengal cat on green base and black background

We could simply answer that common opinion is true and the Bengal cat exhibits less allergic reactions than other breeds; but the truth is a bit more complex. Let's see in what sense.

The glycoprotein Fel-D1, responsible for most cat allergies, resides in the sebaceous glands of their skin and in their saliva, and from there it spreads all over their fur due to the frequent cleaning operations performed by the animal on a daily basis.

Bengal cat brown background
Bengal cat brown background

Those who are particularly sensitive to this protein undergo a reaction when they come into contact with a cat or the environment that hosts it: the immune system is activated by releasing histamine which causes sneezing, discharge from the nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, skin rashes and hives as well as, for those who already suffer from it, asthma attacks.

Both breeders and owners of these animals tend to argue that the Bengal cat is more tolerated by those suffering from allergies, and the explanation for this phenomenon must be sought in its particular physical characteristics.

Bengal cat dark background
Bengal cat dark background

This breed is in fact equipped with a rather short coat that doesn't require too much effort on our part to be kept clean and healthy, and pets themselves need less licking than other cats. As a result, there will be less saliva on their fur and generally less dead fur around the house, which is a great relief for those with allergies.

If this reasoning allows us to confirm that yes, the Bengal cat can be considered hypoallergenic, we would like to clarify that he too, like all other breeds, continues to produce the Fel-D1 protein: the risk of allergic reactions, although reduced in many cases, will therefore not be completely averted.

five bengal cats on sofa
five bengal cats on sofa

If you are allergic to cats and intend to take a Bengal cat with you as reassured by the opinion circulating about him in this regard, we still recommend that you spend some time with some specimens and make sure you are not one of the exceptions (few, but sure) to this rule.

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