Manx aficionados, would you like to know if this breed can affect allergy sufferers?
Manx cats, also known as Manks, are intelligent cats that are known worldwide as skilled hunters. They are loved by farmers with rodent issues, and they have been the most preferred cat breed on ships for years.
These skilled hunters originated from the Isle of Man, and they are known to be entirely tailless.
If you’re prone to cat allergies, you’re probably wondering if Manx can be a safe breed for you. Well, we are committed to finding out if Manx are hypoallergenic. And true to our style, we have done thorough research on whether this breed can be an excellent option for your home or not.
For more details on this, please read on!
Are Manx Cats Hypoallergenic?
Manx cats are not considered to be hypoallergenic despite featuring a number of features which may suggest they are safer for allergy sufferers. No cat is 100% hypoallergenic, and Manx is no exception.
Having said that, some people with general cat sensitivities have reported they are less affected by Manx cats. Your unique sensitivities will play a role in whether they’ll be a safer option for your home or not.
Manx cats are low shedders with seasonal blowouts. Contrary to popular belief, being low shedders isn’t enough to make a cat hypoallergenic.
That’s because the most common causes of allergies are the allergy-causing proteins produced by cats, in particular Fel d1. Fel d1 is present in cat’s saliva, urine, and dander, among other substances that cats produce.
Do Manx Cats Shed a Lot?
No, Manx cats are medium shedding cats that shed seasonally, particularly in spring and sometimes in fall. Proper grooming can help you stay on top of your Manx’s shedding cycles and reduce allergens in your home.
Manx cats are available in both short-haired and long-haired varieties. No matter their hair length, they sport a plush yet dense double-coat.
Their thick coat is likely to thicken even more during winter. So, you should expect them to shed a little more than usual during spring as they release their winter coat in preparation for summer’s heat.
How to Know If Manx Cats Are Hypoallergenic to You
Let’s get real here for a moment.
All cats, even the hypoallergenic ones, can still affect people with cat allergies. Even if your allergy is considered mild.
Cats can trigger many types of allergies with the most common ones being breathing and skin sensitivities.
Shedding and airborne allergens are the main things people with breathing allergies have to worry about. On the other hand, people with skin sensitivities have to consider their direct exposure to substances containing Fel d1 protein.
People with breathing allergies might find they are sensitive to Manx cats due to the amount of fur and trapped allergens being released. As cats shed, they also release dander, pollen, dust and other such allergens that are trapped in their coats.
Hello airborne allergy delivery system!
Since many Manx cats have short to medium hair, you may not see it all throughout your home. It is likely to be trapped in textiles and soft surfaces which can further lead to allergic reaction even when the cat isn’t physically present.
People with skin allergies may also experience irritation from the shed hair and other allergens. In particular, substances containing that pesky protein, Fel d1. These bad boys are what you have to watch for if you get contact dermatitis or rashes from cats.
Risks of Manx Saliva and Dander Exposure
Fel d1 is mostly found in cat saliva whereas other allergy-causing proteins are found in most fluids and substances the cat produces. These are essential proteins for the cat’s development but they are also the number one cause of cat allergies in humans.
If you bring a Manx cat home, your risk of skin reactions is linked to your risk of direct exposure to things like the saliva, dead skin cells and urine that the cat will undoubtedly produce.
Despite Manx cats being reported as having a lower level for Fel d1 production, this may not be enough to guarantee you’ll be safe around them. It just depends on your sensitivity levels.
Dander is the term used to describe the dead skin cells sloughed from a cat’s body. It’s like animal dandruff. Often it can be microscopic so you may not even know it’s there!
All cats produce it though, and luckily for you, Manx cats tend to have a lower rate of dander production than many other cats. Since they are typically short-haired, the dander tends to rise to the surface of their coats easier.
When you pet your cat, or when it rubs on things around your home, that’s the risk you face with coming into contact with dander.
Your risk of exposure to saliva happens in a similar fashion.
Unlike many dogs that are known for drooling, cats tend to be a lot less slobbery. The risk is mainly in the fact that they lick themselves clean on a daily basis. So your allergies may be set off by the saliva that’s stuck on their fur.
And again, as your Manx sheds or as it rubs itself on items in your house, that’s how you risk coming into contact with the protein in the saliva as well.
Manx Grooming and Coat Maintenance
While Manx cats are generally clean cats that love licking themselves clean, proper grooming and maintenance can be your number one defence against cat allergens in your home.
Grooming this double-coated breed is not as hard as it seems. The long-haired Manx cats have a silky coat that is quite easy to groom. All you have to do is brush your Manx cat every week to help distribute skin oil and remove dead skin cells.
Light brushing every day during shedding seasons can also help manage the amount of fur and dander in your home.
As for bathing them, there is no need to bathe a Manx cat super frequently unless they get into something nasty. Frequent bathing can disrupt their skin’s pH and lead to dryness and irritation.
Same can be said for the shampoo you use. Just make sure you wash them using the right shampoo that will leave their coats shiny and skin healthy!
Tips for Managing Allergies
In love with this breed and want to own anyway despite your sensitivities? Well, we understand! Manx is a unique cat with excellent hunting skills. So, we have prepared the following tips that can help you manage allergies while living with Manx cats.
Training
The Manx is a highly intelligent breed whose brain must be challenged by teaching them new tricks. With the proper incentive, this breed can be taught anything. Since they are fast learners, we recommend that you teach them the following:
- To never leave your compound
- To stay out of your bedroom
- To keep off your textile surfaces and furniture
- To never lick you, if you are allergic to their saliva
- To use its kitty litter
Fortify Your Household
Cats tend to misbehave when you are not looking, so we recommend that you fortify your home with the following:
- HEPA Filters
- Air purifier
- A high-quality vacuum cleaner
- Allergy-friendly cleaning products
Final Thoughts
Many people who want a specific breed despite their allergies tend to think one of the best solutions is to get a hypoallergenic mix instead.
But, since hypoallergenic Manx hybrids are quite rare, we recommend that you stick to the above allergy managing tips. Just make sure that you spend some time with Manx cats before bringing one home.
Also make sure you have your allergy tabs around, just to be on the super safe side!
