Lovers of Persian cats, would you like to find out if this breed is hypoallergenic?
Persians are long-haired cats that are loved by many people all over the world. Their friendly nature and fluffy coats tend to attract cat lovers towards them. A fascinating fact we uncovered about this breed is that their first documented ancestor was brought to Italy in 1620. American breeders developed the current Persian cats after World War 2.
For allergic individuals, we are determined to find out if this breed is ideal for your homes. True to our style, we have gone straight to the details on whether Persian cats are allergy friendly or not and why that is the case.
For answers to your questions, please read on.
Are Persian Cats Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. The Persians are not considered to be hypoallergenic cats. In fact, most allergy sufferers find their company to be quite irritable to their throats and skin.
The main reasons why they are not considered hypoallergenic include:
- Double coated cats with seasonal blowouts
- Moderate shedding all year long
- High dander production rate
- Moderate slobbering and saliva exposure
- Moderate to high fel d1 production rate
Cats produce a wide range of allergens that can trigger several allergic reactions. The most common ones are skin and breathing allergies. And the Persian cats can quickly trigger both.
Need more details on this? Please read on!
Persian Cats and Breathing or Skin Allergies
As above mentioned, cats can trigger both breathing and skin allergies, and we will consider both in this article. Here we have rated the Persian cats for both:
While shedding is one of the main things individuals with breathing allergies have to worry about, people with skin allergies have more to worry about. We will explain how the unique features of a Persian cat can affect both types of allergies in the upcoming sections.
Do Persian Cats Shed a Lot?
Yes, Persian cats are moderate shedding cats with a seasonal blowout. These cats shed moderately all year long, but you can expect them to shed more during spring when they shed their winter coats in preparation for the coming season.
Since they have long hair length, you can expect to see their hair all over your home when they shed! In fact, most people believe that they are heavy shedders due to their thick and long-haired coats.
And as the Persians shed, all the dander and outdoor allergens that were trapped in their coat also get released into your house. Say hello to an airborne allergy delivery system right there!
This, my friends, is exactly why and how breathing allergies and asthma are triggered by Persian cats.
Persian Cat’s Saliva and Dander Levels
Individuals with skin sensitivities are usually affected by the proteins or antigens found in the cat’s saliva, dander or other substances they produce. Allergies depend on an individual’s sensitivities, so you could be safe if you are not affected by the protein an individual cat produces.
However, that is highly unlikely if you’re prone to skin sensitivities around cats.
Persian cats have a high dander production rate. The high dander exposure is also attributed to their thick and long coats which trap dander and then release it into the atmosphere as they shed. Furthermore, your Persian’s dander production can become uncontrollable if you don’t wash your cat regularly.
As for saliva exposure, drooling is quite normal in cats. In fact, they tend to drool more when they are relaxed and happy. Unfortunately, Persian cats are on the moderate drooling side of life so you risk higher chances of saliva exposure.
They are also prone to excessive self grooming whereby they lick themselves clean and distribute their saliva all throughout their coat. And there’s yet another allergen they release around your home as they start shedding.
If you are still in love with Persian cats and want one despite the allergies, then please read on as we do offer tips for managing your allergies. However, we also invite you to read our list of the top hypoallergenic cats and choose a different breed instead.
Grooming and Coat Maintenance
Persian cats have a long thick coat that must be washed at least once every 15 days. However, over-washing them can aggravate their dander and fel d1 production rate. Show cats should be degreased and washed regularly. Make sure you wash them with the right shampoo that will leave their coats shiny and healthy.
Grooming breeds with long and thick coats can seem quite overwhelming, but don’t fret! Caring for these babies is not as hard as it seems. Persian cats are high maintenance cats that must be groomed daily. So you should be ready to brush their coats every morning.
They are prone to over shedding, tangles and matting. So, you should target specific areas, including ears and armpits, when grooming these cats.
Brushing them using an appropriate brush is essential! After all, nobody wants their brush to yank their cat’s healthy hair. Therefore, make sure you select a wide metallic comb with blunt bristles, like this excellent Hertzko brush.
Tips for Reducing Allergies With A Persian Cat Around
The Persian cats are beautiful cats that are loved by many people, so we do understand if you still want one despite their non-hypoallergenic nature. Here are some tips to help you manage your allergies while living under the same roof with a Persian cat.
Training
Training a Persian cat can be quite challenging. These cats are usually reluctant to bond with their owners during the first few days. So, you have to be very patient with them.
So we recommend that you should teach them the following as early as possible rather than leaving it to the point of no return!
- To always stay within your home’s boundaries (avoids outdoor allergens)
- To stay away from your bedroom, furniture, and textile surfaces
- Not to lick you if you are allergic to pet saliva
- To do their business in a designated area
Fortify the House
Look for as many allergy-fighting devices as possible and install them in your house. We recommend that you start with the following:
- HEPA filter for all cleaning devices
- A high-quality air purifier for all major rooms
- The best vacuum cleaner for cat hair and dander
- Reduce the number of textured surfaces in your home
Choose a Hypoallergenic Persian Cat Mix for Less Allergic Reactions
Our final tip is to opt for a mix breed that is hypoallergenic. Siberian and Persian mixed cats, also known as Himalayan cats, may be hypoallergenic if the kitten in question takes after it’s Siberian parent. In particular, the lower levels of fel d1 protein and also the type of coat it has are the things to look out for here.
Overall, the Siberian Persian hybrid is an attention seeker that loves playing around. And since the Siberian cat is hypoallergenic, this hybrid can have a low probability of triggering allergic reactions.
Final Thoughts
Even though Persian cats are an absolutely gorgeous breed, they aren’t hypoallergenic and certainly not the best fit for allergy sufferers. We do invite you to take a look through our list of hypoallergenic cats if you’re keen to find a more suitable breed for your home!
