Lovers of Selkirk Rex cats, are you wondering if this breed can affect your allergies?
Selkirk Rex cats are known worldwide as a laid back and smart breed that’s bound to get a lot of attention from everyone. An interesting fact we discovered about these cuties is that their curly coats are an outcome of spontaneous mutation. This breed originated from a litter that was born to a rescued cat in 1987 in Montana. Pretty cool, right?
Now you’re probably wondering about whether this makes the breed safe for allergy sufferers. We are committed to finding out if this breed can be a great option for your home. And true to our style, we have done thorough research on whether Selkirk Rex cats can affect allergy sufferers or not.
For answers to your questions, please read on!
Are Selkirk Rex Cats Hypoallergenic?
Selkirk Rexes are possibly hypoallergenic. They are not typically considered to be hypoallergenic although they do shed less than other cats thanks to their curly coats. However, the proteins they produce may still cause allergic reactions in some people.
A major cause of cat allergies is the Fel d1 protein found in their urine, skin, and saliva. All cat breeds produce Fel d1, along with other proteins Fel d2, Fel d3 and Fel d4; therefore, no breeder can really guarantee that his or her cats are hypoallergenic. Some breeds naturally produce less of this protein but the Selkirk Rex isn’t one of them.
Do Selkirk Rex Shed a Lot?
No, just like all the other Rex cats, the Selkirk Rex has a wavy coat that tends to shed minimally even as they grow. Selkirk Rex cats are born with curls, which they lose when they are about six months old. A mature Selkirk Rex has a soft, thick coat that feels like a lamb’s wool.
Selkirk Rex has medium to long hair length: therefore, you will notice their fur around your home when they do shed.
How to Decide If Selkirk Rex Is Hypoallergenic to You
Just like all animals, cats can trigger several types of allergic reactions, and this includes breathing and skin allergies.
Many people claim that Selkirk Rex cats are hypoallergenic due to their curly coats, but it’s not quite that straight forward. The gift that a curly coated cat gives to allergy sufferers is lower levels of shedding. And with that, there are less airborne allergens spread through the home.
This is better for people with breathing allergies than breeds that shed more, but there is always a risk having any kind of pet around.
Just like all cats, Selkirk Rexes also produce dander and other substances that can affect people who typically have skin allergies. These types of cat allergies are caused by direct contact to the allergy-causing protein in their saliva, urine, and dander. It’s better to spend time around this breed before getting one if you want to play it safe!
Selkirk Rex Saliva and Dander Exposure
Allergic reactions are determined by a person’s unique sensitivities; therefore, you could be safe if you are not affected by this cat’s dander.
All cats produce dander, and the Selkirk Rex is no exception. These cats tend to release all the trapped outdoor allergen and dander into the atmosphere as they shed. And this can cause severe allergies in highly allergic individuals. Luckily, this breed has a low shedding rate so less of these allergens are released into your home.
Selkirk Rex also tend to self-groom several times during the day. Therefore, their saliva has a high possibility of affecting allergy sufferers when trapped in their coats. Though again, lower shedding levels means less gets spread throughout your home. It’s still possible allergies will be triggered though so be careful!
Grooming and Coat Maintenance
Selkirk Rex cats are generally clean cats that shouldn’t be washed too frequently. Regular baths can dry out their natural oil that keeps their coat soft. And if you don’t bathe them enough, their coats can get greasy.
Show breeders claim that this cat’s curls are wash and wear. Meaning that you can wash your cat at night, and it will be ready by morning. All you have to do is towel dry his curls and then spritz them in the morning. You can crunch the curls with your hands, and you are good to go.
Selkirk Rex’s curly coat can be harder to maintain than the normal long-haired or short-haired coats. Over brush their coat, and they lose their natural curls. Underbrush it, and you will encounter mats, tangles, and snarls.
To get the right balance, you need to invest in the right grooming tools. A wide comb with long tines can easily brush this cat’s curl coats.
You might also need a degreaser for the many times that you have gone without brushing it.
In Love With the Selkirk Rex Cat and Need One Despite the Allergies? Tips for Reducing Allergies
No cat is 100% hypoallergenic! So regardless of your pet’s hypoallergenic status, you need to look for methods of reducing allergens. Here are a few unique tips to help you reduce allergic reactions.
Training
Selkirk Rex cats are smart and laid back cats that can surprise you. These highly intelligent cats can learn anything, including opening drawers and doors in search of treats and toys. Cheeky things!
They are always ready to learn fun tricks and commands. So, why not use that to your advantage? You should teach them the following:
- To never lick you
- To stay away from your bedroom
- To keep off your furniture and textiled surfaces
- To play within your home’s borders
- Proper potty training can also be very helpful
Fortify Your Residence
Fortify your home by using the following:
- A high-quality vacuum cleaner with the pet extension
- A high-quality air purifier that is made specifically for homes with pets
- HEPA filters for all necessary appliances
- Lint rollers for your textiles areas
As we have just mentioned, no cat is 100% hypoallergenic. So you should look for ways of managing your allergies to stay safe.
Final Thoughts
In love with the Selkirk Rex? Make sure you hang out with a Selkirk Rex before adopting it to see if it is hypoallergenic to you. Other than the above tips, it’s always wise to keep your allergy medication handy if you’re going to spend time around pets.
