It’s no secret that cats can be a source of various allergens. This refers to proteins known to cause allergies. Most of these allergens find a home on the saliva, skin, and fur of these tiny animals. The more cats in your home, the more the levels of allergens floating around. However, there are cats that are considered hypoallergenic, but are Bengal Cats hypoallergenic?
Yes Bengal cats are hypoallergenic, which means that the chances of them causing allergic reactions are very low. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t produce the proteins that may trigger your reactions, especially to the most allergic of persons. The more sensitive you are to cats, the more you should be on the lookout as the fact that Bengal cats are considered hypoallergenic only means that the allergic reactions caused by Bengal cats are lower compared to other none hypoallergenic cat species.
Are Snow Bengal and Silver Bengal Cats Hypoallergenic?
Yes they are, as stated, being hypoallergenic does not guarantee all people won't suffer any allergic reactions to Bengal cats, however, all Bengals including the snow and silver Bengals are known to be less allergy triggering than other cats as they produce lowers amounts of the Fel d I protein, which we will look at now.
What Makes Cats to Be Allergic?
The Fel d 1 is responsible for the allergic reactions presented by cats. This is a protein that is very light in weight, making it comfortably float on air for longer periods. It’s found in cat dander which is basically the skin, saliva, and urine of these furry creatures.
As much as fur isn’t the root cause of allergies, shedding is paramount as it aids with the grooming process. This means that it helps rid of the Fel d 1 protein it making it safer for the humans around it.
While all cats produce the sais protein, some breeds are safer to be around, and the Bengals are top of the list.
Why are Bengal Cats Hypoallergenic?
The hypoallergenic Bengals have grown in popularity, especially amongst cat owners that are prone to allergies. With dander being the reason behind the allergies, its availability in the air leads to sneezing and even having watery eyes, which are some of the symptoms of cat allergies.
One of the reasons the Bengal cats are hypoallergenic is because they have a single coat, unlike other cats with a double coat. This means the fur is less minimizing the spread of dander in your space. Besides, they do have a pelted cost. It is short and soft, accentuating the sleekness of the fur. This makes it cleaner.
Also, this cat species doesn’t shed as often as other cat species. Grooming is a natural process that helps them to be neat and also maintain their scent. You see, the more this type of pets shed, the more dander is left in your space. Whether it’s your living room or the bedroom. Shedding less often means that the rate of the dander spreading has been lessened.
Also, there is a theory that alludes to their ancestry being the reason behind being hypoallergenic. These pets came to exist as a result of crossbreeding the Asian Leopard cat with the domestic felines. This may also be the reason behind their beauty.
For cat lovers, it should also not escape you that the gender of these animals should be considered if you are looking to tame your allergies. Male cats are known to produce more fel d 1 proteins compared to the female.
How to Know if You Are Allergic to Bengals
Before committing to owning one, it’s important to be aware of your reaction to the cats. This especially goes to the highly sensitive when it comes to cat allergens. You can help seal your fate by visiting a home or center that houses the Bengals. This will help you take note of your reaction from the kittens to the adults.
Things to Do to Lower Chances of Allergies for a Bengal Owner
For those that really love their pets, and especially the Bengals, there is good news. There is no way you can hinder a cat from shedding, urinating, or producing the allergy-causing protein. However, there are things you can do to make sure that you are safer from its exposure. Read along to find out ho
• Proper Hygiene: Maintaining healthy hygiene for cat owners will make sure that you help rid of the floating and available dander. Make sure that the surfaces are cleaned with the right products, such as the Norwex. Also, clean your beddings and clean your sofa sets more often.
• Vacuuming: Regular vacuuming helps rid of the cat fur and dander around your home, especially the carpet and seats. A vacuum that is equipped with a HEPA filter will be perfect for this occasion.
. Appropriate Diet: A good diet for your Bengal cat will not just be of nutritive value but also help with the skin. The healthier the skin, the lower the chances of faking, dander, and presence of allergens.
• Limited Exposure: Also, try and limit your direct exposure to the cats. This entails not sleeping in the same bed, not holding them for long, and avoids kissing the Bengal. Besides, be sure to wash your hands and face after any contact with them.
• Use medication: You should also have medication for your allergies, whether it’s the decongestants or the antihistamines.
• Brushing: Also, consider brushing your Bengal. This helps rid of the already loose hairs on the cat. Sing wet clothes to wipe the cat also works the trick. For those that prefer washing their cat, the downside is that it may lead to extra drying of the skin, which could make the situation worse.
All cats are known to produce the Fel d 1 protein that is responsible for the allergies caused by cats. However, the Bengal species are more popular among the most allergic because of their hypoallergenic nature. This is attributed to their pelted fur and also the fact that they shed less often.