You might be wondering if a Savannah cat is the right pet for you. After all, these cats are known for being hypoallergenic. But what does that mean, exactly? And is it really true?
In this article, we’ll explore the evidence and take a closer look at Savannah cats to find out whether they’re truly hypoallergenic. We’ll also discuss what you need to know before bringing one of these cats into your home. So if you’re curious about Savannah cats, keep reading!
What Is a Savannah Cat?
Savannah cats are a cross between a domestic cat and an African serval. They are a relatively new breed, first appearing in the early 1980s.
So what does this mean for their hypoallergenic status? Well, as with any breed of cat, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people who are allergic to regular cats may find that they can tolerate Savannahs, while others may not.
There is some evidence that Savannahs produce less of the Fel d1 allergen than other breeds of cats, but there is still no hard and fast rule. If you’re considering getting a Savannah cat and you have allergies, it’s best to do a test run with one before you make any final decisions.
The Genetics Behind Savannah Cats
Your fur baby is undoubtedly special, and you may be wondering if a Savannah cat is a good fit for your household. But with their wildcat heritage, are Savannah cats hypoallergenic?
As it turns out, Savannah cats are not hypoallergenic. Allergies are caused by proteins, and the genes that create the Savannah cat’s wild look also produce the proteins that can cause an allergic reaction.
However, this does not mean that you cannot have a Savannah cat as a pet. Many people who are allergic to cats can still own a Savannah without experiencing any problems. It all depends on your individual allergies and how tolerant you are to proteins.
Are Savannah Cats Hypoallergenic?
At this point, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that Savannah cats are hypoallergenic. However, there are some anecdotal reports from people who say that they are allergic to cats but not to Savannahs.
There are a few possible explanations for this. One is that Savannahs produce less of the protein that triggers allergies in people. Another is that the protein they produce is different enough from the one that triggers allergies in people that it doesn’t cause a reaction.
Whatever the reason, if you’re allergic to cats but you’re interested in getting a Savannah, it’s worth talking to your allergist to see if you might be able to make it work.
What Makes Cats Hypoallergenic?
There are a few things that can make a cat hypoallergenic. Some people think it has to do with the breed of the cat, while others think it has to do with the fur. Let’s explore both of these theories.
The first theory is that some breeds of cats are naturally hypoallergenic. This means that they produce less of the Fel d 1 protein, which is the main allergen in cats. The Bengal and Siamese are two examples of breeds that are considered to be hypoallergenic.
The second theory is that it’s not the breed of cat that makes them hypoallergenic, but rather the way they’re groomed. Cats with longer fur tend to produce more allergens than those with shorter fur. So, by keeping your cat trimmed and groomed regularly, you can make them less allergenic for you and your family.
What the Research Says About Savannah Cats and Allergies
What does the research say about whether or not Savannah cats are truly hypoallergenic? The short answer is that there is not enough evidence to definitively prove whether or not Savannah cats are hypoallergenic.
That being said, anecdotal reports from people who own Savannah cats suggest that they may be less likely to cause allergies than other breeds of cat. This may have something to do with the fact that they are a relatively new breed of cat and they have been bred with the intention of producing less allergens.
In addition, some experts believe that certain coat patterns may be more allergen-resistant than others. For example, spotted Savannah cats with a ticked coat pattern reportedly have fewer allergens than those with a classic tabby pattern.
However, it’s important to note that every cat—regardless of breed or coat pattern—produce some amount of allergens in their saliva, so if you are highly allergic, a Savannah cat may still trigger your allergy symptoms.
How to Reduce Allergic Reactions to Savannah Cats
It’s true that Savannah cats can cause allergic reactions, and there are certain steps you can take to reduce your allergies. For one, try reducing the amount of dander in the house. Regular vacuuming, dusting, and mopping can help keep the allergens levels lower.
You should also limit the cat’s access to bedrooms and other areas of your house if possible. And make sure to bathe them regularly—once a month for short-haired cats or every two weeks for long-haired cats. Doing this will help reduce the amount of dander they’re producing.
Last but not least, consider investing in a HEPA filter air purifier to remove pet allergens from your home. This is an especially good idea if you have multiple cats or if you have other pets too! Keep in mind that all these steps should be part of your regular cleaning routine for any pet, not just your Savannah cat.
Tips for Finding a Low-Allergen Cat
If you’re looking for a cat that’s less likely to give you allergies, here are a few things to keep in mind.
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that no cat is completely hypoallergenic. That being said, some cats are known to have lower levels of Fel d1 than others. Breeds such as the Siberian and the Cornish Rex tend to be low-allergen cats, due to their short coats.
For those looking for an exotic breed, my advice is to find a reputable breeder who can provide information on the parents’ allergen levels. If both parents have low Fel d1 levels, chances are better that their offspring will too.
It’s also worth considering if you’re comfortable with grooming if a longer haired cat is what you’re after – regular brushing helps reduce allergens on their fur, so if this is something you might be willing to do then why not look at more traditional long-haired cats?
Conclusion
So, are Savannah cats hypoallergenic? The short answer is maybe. There is some evidence that they produce less of the Fel d 1 protein that can cause allergic reactions in some people, but there is also evidence that they produce just as much of the protein as other cats. More research is needed to know for sure.
If you’re considering getting a Savannah cat and you’re worried about whether you’ll be allergic to them, the best thing to do is to visit a breeder or shelter and spend some time with them. If you start to experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes, then you know that Savannah cats are not a good fit for you.