| Hairless cats, such as the Sphynx breed, do have a | | | | Since the protein is secreted from the skin (the |
| small amount of hair similar to the fuzz on a peach, | | | | sebaceous gland), cat hair usually serves as a barrier. |
| but lack the usual massive quantities of hair, and | | | | This is not true with a hairless cat. So you actually |
| appear bald from a distance. Many owners have | | | | closer to the problem than you would be with a cat |
| found that they are affectionate, love to snuggle and | | | | that has hair. |
| stay close. And the reduced quantity of hair does | | | | 3. They require more maintenance which will properly |
| reduce the number of overall pollutants in the air. But | | | | amounts to more physical contact unless you |
| if you are thinking this breed of cat will relieve cat | | | | delegate this to someone else. Normal oil production is |
| allergy symptoms, here are 5 things you should | | | | readily apparent on the surface of their skin and can |
| consider before adopting a hairless cat as a feline | | | | easily rub off on furniture, bedding, floors and other |
| allergy solution. | | | | surfaces that they frequent. Proper maintenance |
| 1. Hair is not generally an allergen. While airborne cat | | | | should include regularly scheduled baths to keep |
| hair can be a real nuisance, and constantly breathing | | | | these oils from becoming a problem. |
| large amounts is certainly not recommended, the | | | | 4. There is no guarantee that a particular hairless cat |
| allergen that cats produce is a protein called Feline d1. | | | | will solve your allergy problem. Each cat, regardless of |
| This is produced by glands in the skin and is found in | | | | breed, is individual in the amount of this protein it |
| your cat's dander, urine, and saliva. Cat hair is often | | | | produces. The only way to find out if the cat you're |
| only one means of transporting this allergen rather | | | | interested in will help is to live with it for a while. It |
| than the source of it. | | | | can be a painful discovery for both you and the cat |
| The Fel d1 allergen is hardy and remains active for | | | | to make a space for it in your life only to find that |
| long periods of time. It can and does also attach to | | | | your allergies will not allow you to keep it. |
| common airborne household pollutants found in the | | | | 5. Because they are so affectionate and enjoy |
| cleanest of homes such as household dust, dander | | | | cuddling, you are likely to receive more licks, and |
| (which is produced by all warm blooded pets-even | | | | kisses. When the saliva dries, it can easily flake off |
| hairless ones), bacteria, and viruses to name a few. | | | | and become airborne causing problems for those |
| 2. The lack of hair brings you closer to the allergen. | | | | who suffer with allergies and allergic asthma. |