No cat is truly hypoallergenic, as all cats carry some form of allergen. However, the Chantilly is one of the best cats for owners with allergies as they only shed in minimal amounts.
Continue reading to discover how often a Chantilly sheds and how these allergens distribute through your environment. Then, learn whether or not you should adopt a Chantilly, how to reduce the number of allergens your cat spreads, and how to manage your symptoms.
What Is A Hypoallergenic Cat?
There is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic cat, as all cats carry proteins in their urine, saliva, and dander that can cause an allergic reaction in humans. But, people experience a greater sensitivity to some breeds of cats than others.
How Much Does A Chantilly Cat Shed?
You have to expect some shedding from a Chantilly with its medium to long-length coat. But thanks to only a single layer of fur, this shedding is kept to a minimum. And you can further reduce this by giving your Chantilly a weekly brush.
Ideally, allergy sufferers should avoid brushing and allow a family member without an allergen sensitivity to complete this task.
A cat’s hair is not an allergen, but it does hold and transfer allergens along with dust and pollen. This is why less hair is better for allergy sufferers.
Can I Adopt A Chantilly If I’m Allergic?
If you suffer from severe allergies, a pet is not a good idea. However, the Chantilly is one of the best breeds to keep for mild allergy symptoms, thanks to its minimal shedding.
Why Are Some People Allergic To Cats?
The AAFA (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America) claims that three in ten Americans with allergies are allergic to cats or gods. In addition, twice as many people suffer from cat allergies as dog allergies.
Our immune system seeks out any foreign substances that enter our body (such as bacteria or viruses) and dispose of them. People who have an overactive immune system can experience pet allergies as they react to the animal’s harmless proteins.
Pet allergens collect on household surfaces such as chairs and sofas, which remain high for several months. And we can easily stir these particles to an airborne position, which allows us to carry them to other places.
How Can I Tell If I’m Allergic To My Chantilly Cat?
These allergens can cause several reactions. If they land on the lining of the eyes and nose, they can cause runny eyes and a stuffy nose. Plus, these membranes can become swollen and itchy.
Allergens can also enter the lungs and cause breathing problems. These allergens can create shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing for highly sensitive people. And they can trigger an asthma attack in as many as 30% of people living with asthma.
How Can I Manage My Allergy?
The best way to manage a pet allergy is to remove yourself from the pet and their living area. If your allergy is severe, you may be left with no option but to rehome them. By avoiding cats and dogs, you should minimize your exposure enough that you don’t require any medication.
If your allergies are mild, you can try keeping your pet outside, but you’ll still have allergens in the house, and this may not be the best option for your fur baby’s wellbeing.
If you choose to keep your pet despite your allergy, there are several steps that you can take to rescue your symptoms.
Many of us spend almost half of our lives lying in bed, so keeping your pet away from the bedroom is a no-brainer if you want to minimize allergen exposure. Keep your bedroom door closed and give it a deep clean regularly.
Keeping your floors and walls as bare as possible allows for easier cleaning. And regularly scrubbing the woodwork and walls help keep the allergens at bay.
Depending on the severity of your allergy, it may be a good idea to avoid carpets altogether. When this isn’t possible, opt for a low pile that you can steam clean frequently.
When vacuuming your home, you’ll stir up any allergens resting on the surface, so it’s vital that you wear a mask. You can also purchase vacuum cleaners that meet strict standards for removing dust allergens and limiting exposure to airborne particles.
To help minimize the allergens lurking in your home. There is also a range of allergy-friendly products, including bedding, dehumidifiers, and flooring. But beware that many products on the market claim to reduce allergy symptoms but actually have little to no effect.
The AAFA has teamed up with ASL (Allergy Standards Limited) to certify the scientifically proven products to improve the air quality and overall health of your home. So check for their seal of approval, and remember – it’s better to invest a little more money into a product that is fit for the purpose.
If symptoms persist, talk to your doctor about medication or immunotherapy options.
How Can I Reduce The Number Of Allergens My Cat Spreads?
Introducing cat-specific controls can help decrease the number of allergens that they spread. When you spay or neuter your cat, it naturally reduces the number of allergens they produce.
And unless you intend to breed your kitty. These procedures carry many benefits for the overall health and wellbeing of your feline.
Limit the number of cats you keep in your home – the more cats, the more dander, urine, and saliva they collectively produce.
The big question is: to bathe or not to bathe? In a conflict with scientists, some studies claim that washing your feline once a week can reduce up to 84% of allergens, but other studies claim that bathing has little to no effect on allergen levels.
Most cats hate water, and there is no need for them to take a bath – therefore, if the experience causes your kitty stress, it’s probably not worth it.
What Is The Temperament Of A Chantilly Cat?
The Chantilly is a loyal companion who loves to spend time with its humans but is never demanding. Instead, they will enjoy conversing with you in little chirps and possess a calm and pleasant demeanor.
This breed balances just the right amount of playfulness with a calm nature to make the perfect pet for any household. The Chantilly often selects its favorite humans to shower with attention, and they like to receive a similar amount of attention back.
Though the Chantilly is undemanding and well behaved, they will become a little depressed when left alone for too long.
While they may be shy around new people, they aren’t skittish. The Chantilly is a quality companion who is gentle, loyal, and easy-going.
What Are The Best Hypoallergenic Cats?
While the “hypoallergenic cat” is a myth, some cats produce fewer allergens than others. The Chantilly is one of the breeds; others include the Balinese, Bengal, Burmese, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Oriental, Russian Blue, and Siberian.
One of the best breeds of cat for allergy sufferers is the Sphynx. As it is hairless, there is no fur for allergens to get trapped in; making this the (almost) perfect pet for sufferers.
Final Thoughts
There is no truly hypoallergenic cat, but the Chantilly is not far off. Allergy sufferers often opt for shorthaired cats to help limit the number of allergens they carry. While the Chantilly is a medium to long-haired breed, it only has a single layer of fur, thus reducing the allergens.
If you have a severe allergy, it’s best to avoid furry or feathered pets altogether and opt for fish or turtle. However, if you’re determined to keep your fur baby, follow the steps in this article to reduce your symptoms.
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