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

The Himalayan cat, due to its long coat, it is considered by many to be safer for people suffering from allergy to cats. Others, on the other hand, are convinced that their abundant moulting acts in the opposite direction, increasing the likelihood of allergic reactions. But what will the truth be? Let's do some clarity in this article.

close-up himalayan cat
close-up himalayan cat

The Himalayan, like any other cat, can cause allergic reactions through dead skin, urine and especially the saliva: it is in fact that contains a greater amount of FEL-D1, a protein that constitutes the most common allergen.

There moult of the hair it can influence this phenomenon because it helps to disperse a greater or lesser amount of hair (and therefore saliva, since cats lick themselves very frequently) in the environment. This also facilitates the spread of less common allergens, which can also be absorbed by air.

himalayan cat on the ground
himalayan cat on the ground

Already on the basis of this premise it is easy to understand how the Himalayan, with a rather long hair and subject to abundant moulting, is not very suitable to anyone who has suffered from cat allergies in the past. Furthermore, although there are cat breeds that produce less FEL-D1, the Himalayan is not one of them.

Runny nose, profuse tearing, frequent sneezing, wheezing and breathing difficulties, up to asthma and skin rashes, are the symptoms main allergy to cats and in this case to the Himalayans. These symptoms can occur up to 48 hours after contact with the animal, and it is always advisable to consult a doctor immediately to eradicate them.

himalayan cat
himalayan cat

There therapy to combat allergy often consists in taking antihistamines (always under the guidance of your doctor) close to contact with environments exposed to allergens produced by cats. If you suffer from asthma, always keep your inhaler handy. There are also allergen-specific immunotherapies that may decrease your sensitivity to feline allergens.

himalayan cat in front of door
himalayan cat in front of door

To reduce or prevent - in the case of mild forms - the onset of allergic reactions, it is however advisable to pay particular attention to house cleaning: keeping the cat away from your bedroom, cleaning with a vacuum cleaner with a powerful filter and passing it often at home (especially in the areas usually frequented by the cat), installing air purifiers are just some of the precautions you can follow. this purpose.

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