Lovers of the American Shorthair cats, would you like to know if this breed is hypoallergenic?
American Shorthairs are known worldwide as fun-loving creatures that continue to be playful even as they get older. These domesticated cats are believed to have descended from the European cats that were introduced in North America by the early settlers. An interesting fact we discovered about the American Shorthair is that as of 2012, it was the seventh most famous pedigreed in the US.
For those with allergies, we are determined to find out if the American Shorthairs are hypoallergenic or not. We have done thorough research on whether this breed can be an excellent option for your homes. And true to our style, we have also prepared some useful tips to help you live with this breed peacefully and allergy-free.
For answers to all your questions, please read on!
Are the American Shorthair Cats Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Despite being absolutely lovable pets, American Shorthair cats are not considered to be hypoallergenic because they shed a lot. There is also a greater risk of coming into contact with the allergy-causing proteins that most people with cat allergies are affected by.
All cats, including the American Shorthairs, produce Fel d1 protein, which is the leading cause of cat allergies. Therefore, since all felines have this protein, no cat is considered to be 100% safe for all allergy sufferers. What’s more, this protein can be found in your cat’s skin, saliva, fur and urine, among other substances.
How American Shorthairs Affect Breathing and Skin Allergies
Our feline pals can cause several types of allergies, and this includes skin and breathing sensitivities. We have rated the American Shorthairs for both:
Breathing allergies are caused by the presence of airborne particles like fur and dander in your home’s environment. And with this cat being a moderate to high shedder, you won’t be guaranteed safety from allergic reaction, even with proper grooming.
Skin reactions are the outcome of coming into direct contact with the substances your American Shorthair produces which contain Fel d1 protein.
Read on for more details!
Do American Shorthair Cats Shed a Lot?
Yes, the American Shorthairs are moderate to high shedding cats. Other than shedding all year long, the American Shorthair also experiences seasonal blowouts. Therefore, they shed even more in fall and spring in preparation for the next season.
The American Shorthair cats have short to medium fur length, and since they are heavy shedders, you will likely see their hair all over your home when they shed.
As they shed, this breed tends to drop all the dander and outdoor allergen trapped on their coats throughout your home as well! It’s this trait that can trigger severe allergies in highly sensitive sufferers with either breathing or skin allergies.
American Shorthair Cats Saliva and Dander Exposure
For people with skin sensitivities, the Fel d1 protein in their cats’ saliva and dander is an issue. But allergies depend on an individual’s sensitivities; therefore, you might be safe if you have low sensitivities and are not affected by touching or being around American Shorthairs!
All cats, even the hairless ones, produce dander; however, this can be managed by proper grooming. American Shorthairs in particular tend to release more dander when they shed.
When it comes to saliva exposure, our feline pals are not big droolers. However, all cats drool a little when happy and relaxed, and the American Shorthairs are no exception! But their saliva tends to be more dangerous when trapped on their coats. And since they love licking themselves clean the whole day, you have to be very careful when touching this breed.
A good brand of cat wipes can likely help here, like these excellent Burt’s Bees wipes.
Grooming and Coat Maintenance
The American Shorthairs are clean creatures that take care of a huge percentage of their grooming needs on their own. Therefore, they shouldn’t be washed regularly. These cats should only be washed out of schedule when they get into something nasty and can’t clean themselves up.
Being heavy shedders, this cat’s coat must also be brushed frequently using the right brush. Frequent grooming can help you manage their shedding and dander levels, especially during the blowout seasons.
Tips for Managing Allergies With an American Shorthair Around
The American Shorthairs are playful and loving beauties, so we understand if you still want one despite your allergies!
Here are some of our top tips that can help you manage allergies when living with the American Shorthairs. These tips can keep you safe, but living with any cat that is not considered hypoallergenic will always pose a significant risk to your health, especially if you have a higher level of sensitivity to cats.
Training
Training American Shorthairs is relatively easy and fun since they are always ready to learn new things. These fun-loving cats love solving puzzles. They don’t lose their playful nature even as they age. So you can take advantage of their unique personality and teach them anything. We recommend you teach them the following:
- To stay out of your bedroom
- To avoid licking you
- To always stay within your home’s boundaries
- Proper potty training can come in handy
- Teach them to avoid your furniture and textile surfaces
If possible, you can also train them to groom themselves in a designated area. When they self-groom, it is likely they will release fur and dander into the nearby environment. Training your cat can be one of the best ways to minimise the spread of allergens all throughout your home!
Fortify Your Home
All cats can get mischievous and go where they aren’t supposed to when you are not looking. So it’s always ideal to be prepared by purchasing the following allergy-fighting devices as a catch-all to keep your indoor air quality in tip top shape:
- HEPA filters
- An air purifier
- A vacuum cleaner with a cat hair attachment
- A lint roller for quick cleaning on textiles
Cat wipes can also go a long way to minimising allergens in your home, especially if your cat goes outdoors. Getting into the habit of wiping your cat down will help remove outdoor allergens like pollen while also eliminating the risk of coming into contact with dried saliva on their fur. An alternative to the Burt’s Bees wipes are Pogi’s Hypoallergenic Wipes.
Final Thoughts
American Shorthairs are not considered to be hypoallergenic, but with proper preparation, you can live with them. Just make sure you follow these tips and keep your allergy tabs near you at all times. Also, try and get rid of most of the rugs or soft furnishings in places where your cat frequents.
But, most importantly, spend some time with an American Shorthair before adopting one and find out if it is hypoallergenic to you!
