Are Abyssinian Cats Hypoallergenic?

Are you a cat lover but have allergies that refrain you from keeping this loving creature? Abyssinian cats may be your savior!

The truth is that no cat is hypoallergenic. Every cat has a certain degree of allergens produced on its skin and fur. As for Abyssinian cats, in particular, they might be a safer option but are still not 100% hypoallergenic.

Despite the degree of allergens in their fur and skin, Abyssinian cats can still make good pets for allergic people. Here is how you can make that work!

Cat Allergens

People who are sensitive to dust and pollen tend to be sensitive around cats and dogs too. This is because these animals constantly shed their fur. It becomes a part of the air and when breathed in, the allergic person is attacked by a series of sneezes and constant itching.

According to research conducted by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), no cat is 100% hypoallergenic. The research concluded that no matter which cat breed you own, your allergies will always be triggered to some extent.

The bottom line is: cat allergies are caused by hair shedding and allergens that are present on the skin, fur, or saliva of the cat. What we are allergic to is the protein Fel D1 present in cat saliva and dander. Since cats groom themselves, the saliva also gets on their fur, causing an allergic reaction.

Abyssinian cats certainly do shed, but not a lot. Since they have shorter fur than the majority of other cats, their shedding is at a lower scale. This also minimizes the owner’s exposure to allergens.

Minimizing Allergen Attacks

If you or your partner are allergic to cats but still want to own an Abyssinian beauty, these steps will help you minimize the effects of allergens. The thing is, you must keep your environment clean to steer clear from triggering your allergies.

Vacuum Often

Vacuuming regularly will have a major impact on the outcome. Use a vacuum on your floors, carpets, sofas, chairs, and any other furniture that you might have. If your vacuum comes with tiny fittings, utilize them to clean every nook and corner of the home. This will remove all shed hair along with dust and allergens that may cause irritation for an allergic person.

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Do The Laundry!

Any washable pieces in the home that might have come in contact with the cat must be washed at 140 degrees Fahrenheit temperature. Even the things that are out of reach for your cat must be washed in hot water twice a month. Since the allergens are in the air, they might have settled on anything in your home.

Use a coat cleaner to remove cat hair from your coats and sweaters. Keep a lint remover at hand to clean excess cat hair off your clothes. This will not only keep your clothes clean-looking but also keep allergies at bay.

Use An Air Purifier

A HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) air filter will be a very useful purchase for allergic people. Paired with a vapor steam cleaner, your atmosphere will remain free of any allergens. The air filter will remove unwanted particles while the steam cleaner will kill the bacteria.

Lastly, it is suggested that you assign one area in your home to the cat. This will limit the objects that are coming in contact with the cat and its allergens. Therefore, you’ll have lesser cleaning to do and the risk of allergy attacks will also minimize.

How To Prevent Allergy Attacks

A great part of owning a cat while being allergic is preventing steps that will worsen the situation. Abyssinian cats are somewhat hypoallergenic but if you aren’t careful enough, even these cats will become hard to keep.

Your allergies will not be triggered if:

  • You keep your atmosphere clean
  • Prevent the spread of allergens

Keep Your Cat Clean

To lower the probability of contact with allergens, bathe and brush your cat regularly. If your cat isn’t particularly fond of water, you can use a damp towel to wipe her down.

Keep Your Hands Clean

Do not forget to wash your hands after you touch your cat. Never take the risk of eating without washing your hands, especially after you pet your cat. Make sure your cat’s hair does not get into your eyes or nose.

Bedroom Should Be Off-Limits

Another thing to avoid is giving your cat access to your room. If your cat sleeps with you on the bed, you must immediately stop. The allergens and dander will get all over your sheets and could cause a severe reaction. You can get your cat a cat bed so they can enjoy sleeping with you in their own space.

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Train Your Cat

Train your cat to not lick or bite you. Provide plenty of toys and mental stimulation to lower the chances of this behavior. If your cat gets its saliva on you, wash your hands immediately.

Allergy Relief

When having an allergy attack, you can do the following things:

Medication is the quickest way to treat allergies. Make sure you always have your allergy medication on you or use OTC antihistamines to counter any sudden attacks.

If prescription medication isn’t working for you, you can opt for the next step. Allergen immunotherapy involves a couple of shots that make your immune system stronger against allergies. This will be an effective and long-lasting solution. Consider a professional before opting for any of these relief methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Abyssinian cats friendly?

These cats love to play. In fact, they can hardly sit and relax. Abyssinian cats are always playing and looking for a source of entertainment. Their playful nature makes them very active, social, and friendly.

Is it easy to keep an Abyssinian cat?

In terms of nature, Abyssinian cats are naughty. They won’t sit in one place and play with their toys only. They require a new source of entertainment every few minutes. If you can handle that, the cats will be good enough for you. Health-wise, Abyssinian cats must be taken care of as they are very vulnerable to common illnesses.

How long do Abyssinian cats live?

Abyssinian cats can live for 12 to 15 years. However, that is only if they have been given proper care over the years. Poor health can lead to a number of fatal diseases. Abyssinian cats are prone to loss of vision, dysfunctional kidneys, kneecap dislocation, and much worse sicknesses.

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Nadine Oraby

My name is Nadine; I am a passionate writer and a pet lover. People usually call me by the nickname “Joy” because they think that I am a positive and joyful person who is a child at heart. My love for animals triggered me to create this blog. Articles are written by vets, pet experts, and me. Thanks for visiting. Your friend, Nadine!

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