Javanese cat lovers, would you like to find out if this breed is hypoallergenic?
Well, Javanese cats, sisters to the Balinese breed, are highly agile, athletic, and intelligent cats that love to play. A fascinating fact we uncovered about this cat is that despite its name, this pure breed was developed in North America. Javanese cat’s name is derived from the tradition of giving Oriental-type cats a Southeast Asian name.
Cats are known to cause a wide range of allergies. So we have committed ourselves to find out if a Javanese cat is ideal for allergy sufferers or not. True to our style, we have done thorough research on whether the Javanese cat is hypoallergenic.
For more info on this, please read on!
Are Javanese Hypoallergenic?
Fortunately, the answer is yes. The Javanese cats are hypoallergenic. This purebred cat is considered to have a low probability of affecting allergy sufferers.
The main reasons why Javanese cats are considered hypoallergenic include:
- Low dander production rate
- Low shedding level
- Produces less feline d1 protein than other cats
No cat is deemed to be 100% hypoallergenic. Therefore, all cats can still trigger some allergies in allergy sufferers. And the most common ones are either skin or breathing allergies.
How to Decide If Javanese Cats Are Hypoallergenic to You
As mentioned above, no cat is 100% hypoallergenic. Therefore, most cats can cause both breathing and skin allergies. So we have rated the Javanese cat for both:
One of the main factors people with breathing sensitivities or asthma have to worry about is shedding. The ones with skin sensitivities have more things to watch out for including the exposure level to fel d1 protein and other allergenic antigens that cats produce.
Do Javanese Shed a Lot?
No, the Javanese are low shedding creatures. Unlike most cats, the Javanese are not double-coated; therefore, they shed less. In shedding less, they also don’t release as many other allergens into the air, a relief for breathing allergies, let me assure you!
The Javanese have medium to long hair length; therefore, you will notice their hair if they start to shed. If they have a skin condition, a fungal infection or parasites, you may start to notice more shedding and more hair around your place.
As they shed, all the dander and outdoor allergens that were trapped on their coats will also be released in your house. Therefore, it’s paramount that you control their shedding as best as you can.
Regular brushing and grooming can help reduce their shedding level significantly and also minimise the amount of allergens that can also spread throughout your home.
Javanese Saliva and Dander Levels
Most of the time, you will find that an allergy sufferer is allergic to the proteins found in urine, dander or saliva. This is what triggers skin reactions and contact dermatitis.
But, since your allergies are determined by your unique sensitivities, you could be safe if the fel d1 protein in Javanese cat saliva does not affect you.
The lack of double coats among the Javanese cats means that they have a low dander production rate. Therefore, you are safe with this breed, and proper grooming can further help reduce dander production levels.
As for exposure to saliva, drooling is quite common in cats though nowhere near as much as dogs tend to drool. In fact, cats tend to slobber when they are happy and relaxed on your laps. The other risk of exposure depends on your cat’s self-grooming habits. If they lick themselves clean, their coats may have excess saliva trapped in there too, so be careful when patting or handling your cat.
Luckily, the Javanese are one of the lowest fel d1 producing cats on the planet. So its saliva has a low probability of affecting allergy sufferers with mild skin sensitivities. However, it is wise to test this out before bringing one home!
Grooming and Coat Maintenance
The Javanese are generally clean cats that shouldn’t be washed regularly. And thanks to their self-grooming, taking care of the Javanese’s silky coat is quite easy.
Grooming a longhaired cat breed can seem scary, but don’t worry! Grooming this longhaired cat is relatively easy. Since they don’t have an undercoat, you should brush their coats at least twice per week. Make sure you use the right stainless steel comb to get rid of all the dead hair from their coat.
Other than that, bathing them every once in a while will further help keep their dander production and shedding to a minimum. You may wish to hire a professional to assist with their grooming requirements if you don;t want to risk exposure to the cat’s fur or dander. In any case, Javanese are a fairly low maintenance cat.
Tips for Reducing Allergies With a Hypoallergenic Javanese Cat Around
No cat is 100% hypoallergenic. Even in minimal amounts, Javanese cats still produce allergens and shed. So, even if they are considered hypoallergenic, you should do everything to make sure that you always keep their shedding level as low as possible. We recommend the following tips to help you manage allergies.
Training
Javanese is an energetic and intelligent breed that can be taught how to walk on a leash and even play fetch. Just make sure you train him before mealtime when your Javanese cat is eager and alert. We recommend that you teach them the following:
- To always play and stay within your compound
- Never lick you if you are allergic to cat saliva
- To always keep out your bedroom
- To stay off soft furnishings that can trap fur and dander
Regular Health Checks
Despite being hypoallergenic, a Javanese cat’s shedding level or dander production can increase if they have an underlying medical condition. Regular health checks can prevent excess allergens entering the sanctuary of your home!
You also want to make sure that your grooming routine isn’t what’s causing the issue. Excessive washing can dry out a cat’s skin and lead to infections or other conditions which lead to losing more fur and producing more dander.
Fortify the House
It’s always good to protect yourself by fortifying your home and promoting top notch indoor air quality. We recommend that you do the following:
- Install HEPA filters
- Get rid of all unnecessary textile surfaces in the house
- Invest in a high-quality air purifier
- Get a vacuum cleaner specifically for cat hair and dander
Final Thoughts
Javanese cats are considered to be hypoallergenic thanks to their low shedding level, low dander production rate and the lower amounts of fel d1 production compared with other cats. In fact, they are considered to be the lowest feline d1 producing cats on the planet. But it is always safe to have your allergy drugs near you and to take extra precautions even if you choose to bring a hypoallergenic Javanese cat home.
