"We would like to get a cat for our family, but my husband is allergic. I have heard there's a product you can wash the cat with to make it non-allergenic. Do you know what this is? Also, are there any non-allergenic breeds?" ---Marge via email to CCHS

Marge's husband is not alone

10 - 15% of us suffer from pet allergies, with cat allergy twice as common as dog allergy. The allergic symptoms are caused by the body's reaction to a specific protein (allergen) found in the pet's saliva, urine, or dander (dead skin flakes). People aren't allergic to pet fur, but rather to the allergen that clings to the fur, carpeting, or furniture. Microscopic flakes of dander also float through the air. In fact, researchers found enough cat allergen to cause allergic symptoms in homes that had not harbored a cat in over 3 years!

Are there any "non-allergenic" breeds?

Since all cats and dogs have skin, there are no non-allergenic breeds. Mildly dog allergic people may find that they can tolerate certain individual animals (usually wire-haired dogs), but even this is a hit or miss proposition. Some individual dogs and dog breeds may produce less allergen than others, but all produce some. Allergic symptoms tend to build, peaking around 12 hours after handling an animal. In addition, as the pet spends more time in the home, allergens accumulate, and a person who seemed fine when they handled a pet at the shelter, begins to show allergic symptoms hours or days after they take the pet home.

Is there anything I CAN do to have a pet?

If you are allergic, but are really determined to have a pet, you may be able to limit your symptoms by reducing your exposure to allergens. Prevent the accumulation of pet allergen in your home by using plastic mattress and pillow covers, replacing carpeting with hard flooring and washable throw rugs, and cleaning frequently. Vacuuming stirs up allergens, which can fly right through the bag unless you have a HEPA filter. The pet should be kept out of your bedroom entirely, since so many hours are spent there. Brush your pet outside while wearing a face mask. Change your clothes immediately afterward. "Allergy shots" may improve, but usually don't eliminate all allergic symptoms. The National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases has no official statistics on the effectiveness of immunotherapy for pet allergy, but informal estimates indicate a 50% success rate. It takes 3 - 4 years to complete the series of shots. Some good news on the horizon is that a vaccine for cat allergic people is being tested and may be available in the next two years. Preliminary studies indicate 87% of patients receiving the four shot series, experienced relief.

What about treating the animal?

The product Marge inquired about, Allerpet- C, was tested with two other suggested "treatments" for pets: weekly distilled water baths, and daily doses of the tranquilizer, acepromazine. The 1995 study found that none of these treatments reduced the shedding of allergen.

What's the bottom line?

In short, forget about trying to make your pet "non-allergenic." If your allergies are severe, it is best to stick with reptiles or fish for pets. Those with milder allergies may be able to have a pet if they are strongly committed to taking steps to limit exposure to allergens.

© 1997 - Humane Education Committee, Champaign County Humane Society, 1911 East Main, Urbana, IL 61801 USA