Showing posts with label cat health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cat health. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds. Low or non allergy cats

Hypoallergenic Cats. Sphynx Cat

Is there really a breed of cat that is hypoallergenic?


The prefix 'hypo' in the word hypoallergenic means 'less than normal'. Therefore the word hypoallergenic does not mean non-allergenic. A hypoallergenic cat is less likely than other cats to produce allergic reactions in some people.

Although some cat allergy sufferers can tolerate any or all of the following breeds not all allergy sufferers can.

Hypoallergenic Cats.  Devon Rex Cat
The most common allergen responsible for cat allergy symptoms in people is a protein named FEL D-1

It is commonly thought that cat hair is the cause of allergy to cats but this is not strictly true. Cat hair can carry the allergen because 
Fel D -1 is a particularly sticky protein.

FEL D-1. can be found in cat saliva. It is also produced by the sebaceous glands. Because cats groom themselves using saliva the protein is transferred to the cat's hair.

These Allergens become airborne as microscopic particles. They are breathed in by the allergy sufferer. These cat allergen particles are very small and can remain airborne for long periods of time.


Hypoallergenic Cats.  Cornish Rex Cat
Devon and Cornish Rex have a reduced number of hairs in their coat. This provides less surface area to trap allergenic proteins from the saliva or the skin. Rexes only have an undercoat and lose only a few of very fine hairs at a time. They do not shed like other cats.

Dander is minute flakes of skin. Older cats produce more dander than younger cats or kittens.

These skin cells contain oils (sebum) which are made by the cat's sebaceous glands and aid in keeping the cat's skin and coat in good condition. These skin cell particles (to which the FEL D 1 adheres)  become airborne and can be breathed in and also will adhere to most things including carpets, curtains and furnishings. It also adheres to clothing and can be spread on people's clothing to areas where no cat exist.


Hypoallergenic Cats. Sphynx Cat
Sphynx cats are almost completely hairless but they do secrete the FEL D 1 protein.

Hairless cats also produce dander

One reason why some allergy sufferers can tolerate Sphynx cats may be because there is less cat hair in the environment. As explained previously FEL D 1 adheres to cat hair.

There appears to be a sex difference in Fel d 1 allergen production. Female cats produce less of the allergen. Male cats which have not been neutered tend to secrete more of the protein than un-neutered male cats.


Hypoallergenic Cats. Siberian Cat
It has been claimed that different cat breeds have different levels of the FEL D 1 protein.
 
Claims have been made that the Siberian Cat produces less
FEL D 1 than other breeds. 









Tips to reduce allergies to cats


* Have your male cat neutered.
* Washing your cat in plain water can be useful to remove the Fel d-1 from the cat's coat.
* Consult your veterinarian about products that you can bathe your cat in to help reduce the  allergens
* Ensure your cat does not have fleas as this causes the cat to scratch and to throw more dander into the air.
* Limit your cat to certain areas of the house. Do NOT allow it in bedrooms.
* Keep your cat outside for part of the time. A cat enclosure can be built to keep your cat safe outside
* An air filtration system will reduce the amount of allergens circulated.
* Ventilate your house. Opening windows and using exhaust fans can help increase air exchange and decrease air borne allergens. 
* Vacuum carpets with a HEPA equipped vacuum cleaner. This will reduce the allergens. Cat dander settles onto carpets and soft furnishings, which act as a reservoir for the allergen, releasing it back into the air when touched. Remove the carpeting, if possible
* Wool attracts allergens. Try to avoid wearing it.
* Reduce your other allergies. Few individuals are allergic only to cats
* Keep the litter tray in a well ventilated area.




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Allergies to Cats Information

Devon Rex Cat
For more information and pictures of hypoallergenic or low allergy cat breeds see our Hypoallergenic Cat Breed Page












Does cat hair cause my allergy?


It is commonly thought that cat hair causes an allergy to cats but this is not true. The allergen responsible for the cat allergy is a protein which is found in the dander and saliva of cats. The cat allergens become airborne as microscopic particles and these are breathed in by the allergy sufferer. These cat allergen particles are very small and can remain airborne for long periods of time.

Scientists have named the protein in the feline saliva FEL D-1

What is an Allergen?


An Allergen is a particle of foreign material such as cat dander, pollen grain, dust particles and enzymes from dust mite droppings. Allergic people often have a sensitivity to more than one substance.

Allergic reactions are determined by the amount of allergens in the environment and the person's individual sensitivity to those allergens. 

What is Dander on a cat?


Dander is minute flakes of skin.


These skin cells contain oils (sebum) which are made by the cat's sebaceous glands and aid in keeping the cat's skin and coat in good condition. These skin cell particles become airborne and can be breathed in and also will adhere to most things including carpets, curtains and furnishings. It also adheres to clothing and can be spread on people's clothing to areas where no cat exists.

What are the Symptoms of Cat Allergy?


Asthma

Hay Fever. Sneezing, the most common, may be accompanied by a runny or clogged nose

Itching eyes, nose, and throat

Contact Urticaria (itchy skin)

Watering eyes Conjunctivitis 

Is there a hypoallergenic cat breed?


Hypo means 'less than' not 'none' indicating that some breeds of cats may produce fewer allergens which cause an allergy to cats in humans.

All cats have skin and all cats groom themselves with cat saliva.

Is there any breed of cat less likely to cause allergies? See also: Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds with Pictures

Cornish Rex, Devon Rex and Sphinx are claimed to be hypoallergenic and some people with cat allergies can tolerate them The two Rex breeds have very fine, short, wavy hair. Sphinx have almost no hair For a reason not fully understood, some people with a cat allergy can tolerate the rex breed of cat although this is not the case for all cat allergy sufferers.

It is a theory that the Devon Rex, Cornish Rex and Sphinx coats do not hold as much saliva as other cat breeds. It is also a theory that less hair in the air means less saliva and dander allergens.

It is generally believed that the Rex breed of cat (Devon Rex and Cornish Rex) do not shed hair. However this is not entirely true. Some moult so gradually as to be virtually unnoticeable others shed their coats all at once and go through a period of temporary baldness until their new coat emerges in the autumn.

Are Siberian Cats Hypoallergenic?

There Are claims that the Siberian Cat produces less allergens than other breeds. The claim is that the Siberian has less of the FEL D1 protein. As with the Rexes some people with allergies can tolerate the Siberian breed but that does not apply to every cat allergy sufferer.







At right, a Siberian Cat.
Siberian Cat Breed Profile
See also: Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds with Pictures

Should I visit a Devon or Cornish Rex Breeder to test if I am allergic to these cats?


One visit to a rex cattery is not always sufficient to test if you will have an allergic reaction to these cats. Often it can take months or years for an allergy to build up. Several exposures are often necessary. Allergies are cumulative. In other words, they build up. Every allergic person has a tolerance level above which an acute reaction takes place.

Should I try handling a kitten to see if I'm allergic to it?


Often handling a kitten will not trigger an allergy. The kitten's skin is more supple than an older cat and produces less oils (sebum). As the kitten ages it will produce more sebum and therefore more allergens.
People can acquire a new kitten and not experience any allergy symptoms until much later. It can take anywhere from a few months to a number of years for a  person to build up the antibodies which cause allergies.

How can I reduce cat allergens?


Interestingly a spayed or neutered cat produces less allergens. Male cats produce more allergens than female cats. It has been found that the sebum produced by a cat is highest in unaltered males and lowest in neutered males.
Have your cat neutered or spayed.
Washing your cat in plain water can be useful to remove the Fel d-1 from the cat's coat.
Consult your veterinarian about products that you can bathe your cat in to help reduce the allergens
Ensure your cat does not have fleas as this causes the cat to scratch and to throw more dander into the air.
Limit your cat to certain areas of the house. Do NOT allow it in bedrooms.
Keep your cat outside for part of the time. A cat enclosure can be built to keep your cat safe outside
An air filtration system will reduce the amount of allergens circulated.
Ventilate your house. Opening windows and using exhaust fans can help increase air exchange and decrease air borne allergens.
Vacuum carpets with a HEPA equipped vacuum cleaner. This will reduce the allergens. Cat dander settles onto carpets and soft furnishings, which act as a reservoir for the allergen, releasing it back into the air when touched. Remove the carpeting, if possible
Wool attracts allergens. Try to avoid wearing it.
Reduce your other allergies. Few individuals are allergic only to cats
Keep the litter tray in a well ventilated area.

I'm having terrible cat allergy symptoms. Should I re-home my cat?


Before taking the drastic measure of re-homing your cat first make sure that it is a cat allergy that you are suffering from. Your doctor can perform an allergy test to determine which allergens affect you.

Also remember that allergens from a cat can remain in your home for a long period of time after the cat has been removed and you may still suffer from symptoms.

source : catsofaaustralia 




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Monday, August 24, 2015

How to Stop Your Cat from Scratching Your Furniture

Why do cats scratch furniture?        

It is completely natural for a cat to sharpen it's claws. In the wild a cat needs it's claws to hunt and catch food and for climbing and protecting themselves. Scratching also helps keep the claws in top condition and helps remove the transparent sheath that grows over the claws. It is also a territorial instinct. Many wild cats mark trees with their claws.
Cats have scent glands in their paws and use this to mark their territory. Scratching also makes your cat feel good, as they scratch they also stretch (improving muscle tone) and they love to do this especially just after they wake up.






How do I stop my cat scratching the furniture?


One thing is absolutely certain. You will never stop a cat from scratching but you can divert his claws from your sofa, furnishings or carpet to something more appropriate. It is relatively easy to stop your cat scratching your furniture. First you must buy or make him a scratching post.

 

What kind of scratching post to I need?


If you are handy you can make your own scratching post. If not there are many scratching posts available that can be purchased in a price range of $10 up to over $500
Pictures of scratching posts below.






Another choice is a Scratch Box. They are catnip impregnated, strong corrugated cardboard boxes which can sit on the floor or be attached to the wall if you want to save room. Because of the enticement of catnip once the cats begin to use the box they will not scratch anywhere else. A scratch box will last around five or more months, depending on how much an individual cat scratches

 

How do I train my cat to scratch the scratching post or scratch box?

To train your cat to use a scratching post instead of scratching your furniture is a lot easier than you think.
Don't assume that all you need to do is place the scratching post in the room and the cat will automatically use it (although some cats may do this) First, place the scratching post as close to the area where the inappropriate scratching is taking place. Then wait and watch.

Whenever you see your cat scratching the furniture tell him NO... or AH-AH in a firm voice, then gently pick him up and take him to the scratching post. Do this is a very gentle way so as not to scare him. Place his paws on the scratching post and simulate scratching. Praise him and tell him 'Good Kitty' and stroke him to make it an enjoyable pleasant experience. You will have to be diligent at first and try to catch him in the act of scratching your furniture.
Never punish him for scratching inappropriately but praise him well when he does the right thing.  It's all about reward and pleasant experiences.
Over the coming weeks reinforce this acceptable behavior with praise whenever he uses the scratching post on his own and keep up the NO or AH-AH when he scratches the furniture.
Cats are smart. Most cats will learn to use the cat scratching post within a few days.
IMPORTANT - Remember... no punishment for inappropriate scratching other than a verbal reprimand and lots of praise and stroking for scratching at the post.
Under no circumstances consider declawing.   Read this article about declawing

 








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Cat Toys - Homemade toys and purchased toys



Cats are very playful animals. Kittens spend most of their waking hours playing and an adult cat of any age will still enjoy a silly moment or two and will enjoy playing with cat toys.

Cats Play


Kittens practice their predatory skills during play. Cats are by nature are hunters and kittens are learning skills they would need in the wild for survival. The play they engage in usually consists of stalking, pouncing, ambushing, tossing, biting and wrestling.
You must be careful playing with young kittens as they can become a little aggressive and act like little tigers sometimes scratching and biting you. Teach kittens not to scratch and bite you when they play.

Toys you can make for your cat


You don't have to spend a lot of money on toys, you can make your own. Cats will get as much pleasure from homemade toys as they do from shop toys. Listed below are some ideas.

Cardboard boxes are irresistible to cats. Close the box and cut out a door just large enough for your cat to get in, add a small window for more fun.
Pine Cones are great fun. Attach a piece or string or yarn to the cone for even more enjoyment. Usually the simplest ideas are the best.
 
Silver Foil Ball.  Make a ball out of aluminium foil. For even more fun work a pipe cleaner into the ball. (A mouse tail)
Make spiders from the ties that come from bread wrappers. You can also use pipe cleaners to make an awesome spider.
Newspaper. Just open up a few sheets of newspaper on the floor and watch your cat have hours of fun diving under it.
Fold a small piece of newspaper and tie it to the end of a piece of string or yarn. Whiz it around the room. Your cat will go crazy chasing it.
Toys don't have to be expensive.
This cat has found himself a fun bean to play with.
You can make a 'Fishing Rod' toy. Attach a small plush toy to a piece of string then tie the string to a stick. Dangle in front of your cat.

Cats and kittens can play for hours with a ping pong ball
 

Pipe cleaners can be fun


Save your wine corks. Kittens can have hours of fun with them



Feathers are always popular



Toys you can buy for your cat


These cats are enjoying a DVD made especially for cats.
The inventors of this toy have taken the fascination cats have with bugs and other flying creatures and created an innovative toy so real that cats will be enticed for hours!
Fan-powered air circulates within shatter-proof bug jar, making the mylar bugs come alive.
Specially weighted and designed on a rocking base, allowing kitty to swat and play without tipping the jar over





This unique cat toy bounces, rolls, wobbles and hops when your cat pounces, bats, and slaps it. Scratch it and it releases the fragrance of fresh catnip with every scratch. Its tail, whiskers & ears stick out for added fun and intrigue.













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