Persians are one of the most loved cat breeds for many people. This is because they have a royal look and can be very loving and affectionate when attached to their owner. Unfortunately, though, there is a common myth that persists sometimes that Persian cats cause allergies in some people. Although it may seem like your favorite fluffy buddy should cause you to break out in hives and sneeze all day while still craving his company, this isn’t accurate information.
Persians aren’t hypoallergenic cats
When we think about someone who is allergic to a certain thing, it’s natural to imagine that only people who have a certain allergy will react to that thing. For example, if someone has an allergy to chocolate there’s a good chance that is all they will experience. However, the fact of the matter is that allergies are genes and these can be passed on to other people. It’s not so much that anyone person reacts to something, but rather if their immune system has the capability of reacting to it.
This means there’s no way of knowing for sure whether or not you’re allergic to something just because your parents aren’t. Each person has different capabilities when it comes to what they can sense and who knows how you might react even though your family doesn’t?
And keep in mind that just because someone else in your family isn’t allergic doesn’t mean that you won’t be either! There are plenty of other factors like age (allergies, in general, tend to be more common in children and fewer adults), level of exposure, and other health-related factors that might cause someone to experience an allergy response.
Persians aren’t hypoallergenic cats
It’s also important to note that so-called “hypoallergenic cats” don’t exist. For example, the hair or dander from a cat can contain proteins that will elicit an allergic reaction in some people – no matter what type of breed they belong to.
So even if you do manage to find a cat without fur (yes, such a thing exists!) there’s still a chance that you’ll react since the allergens are contained within the saliva and urine!
If you’re wondering why allergies exist in the first place, it’s because your immune system can recognize what is supposed to belong inside of you and what belongs outside.
In the case of allergies, certain proteins cause a type-1 hypersensitivity reaction which results in sneezing, itching, watery eyes, trouble breathing from swelling in the throat, etc.
Persians aren’t hypoallergenic cats
In short, if someone tells you that Persian cats are hypoallergenic they likely don’t know what they’re talking about. No cat breed will be completely safe for every person with an allergy but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a chance for compatibility. You just have to find out what works best for you!
This means carefully exposing yourself to your potential new pet, keeping a close eye out for any reactions, and even giving allergy medication right before your first exposure to seeing if you can predict how you might react. In the end, it’s best not to rely on hearsay but find out what is right for you!