I've wanted a cat my entire life. I've always been drawn to them, and while I wouldn't trade my two dogs for anything in the world, cats offer something that they just don't. They've got a certain quirk to them that really make them stand out in my mind. I mean, just look at them:
So... what's stopping me from getting one? I'm allergic to cats, or more specifically to the "fel d 1" protein secreted in their saliva. Cats produce this protein in their saliva while grooming, when that saliva dries it creates a dander that absolutely ruins my ability to breathe. It seems as though cats are aware of this, and everytime I enter a house with cats, I feel like this little guy..
Studies suggest that anywhere between 5-10% of the human population have some sort of sensitivity to cats, with their dander being the most common cause. There's a misconception that it's the fur that triggers allergic reactions, but the fact is that for the vast majority of the population it is simply the dander on that fur that is irritating.
Not all hope is lost though! If you're like me and suffer from the Fel D1 protein allergy, there are still a few breeds of cats that you can potentially own. Species like Russian Blue's, Bengal Cats and Savannah Cats (hybrid species), all produce less of the Fel D1 protein. In my own personal experience, Bengals never trigger my allergies.
So remember, chances are if you have allergic reactions to cats its most likely the protein in their saliva that you're allergic to, not the animal itself. You DO have options, so do your research, and save up; breeds that produce less Fel D1 are typically pretty pricey! And most importantly... cats are badass.
