Are British Shorthair Cats Hypoallergenic?

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Is British Shorthair Cat Hypoallergenic

British Shorthair Cats Hypoallergenic

Many BSH lovers ask, “ Are the British Shorthair hypoallergenic?”

The answer to this question will drop down many jaws but unfortunately, the British Shorthair is not hypoallergenic.

Not only British Shorthair, but no cat breed is completely hypoallergenic. The allergic effect of one can breed can differ from the other breed, but all of them are one way or the other, non-hypoallergenic.

If you have been thinking that British shorthair is hypoallergenic, you must have been following a myth, gone viral on social media.

The British Shorthair is also one of the cute and fluffy cats with a short and dense coat. This coat gives them an adorable look. This short coat is easy to groom and maintain and most people think that this cat breed is hypoallergenic.

Also Read: Health Problems with British Shorthair Cat?

Myths about British Shorthair being Hypoallergenic

All the cat breeds are not hypoallergenic. It means that they contain allergens that can cause allergic reactions to the people who are sensitive and allergic to cats. These sensitive people when come in contact with a cat breed, they start showing symptoms of allergy like coughing, sneezing, breathing difficulty, and vomiting.

People have been assuming for a long time that the British Shorthair has a short, dense, and clean coat thus they are hypoallergenic. It is not good news to reveal but the British shorthair is not hypoallergenic and this is just a myth.

British shorthair is just as same as the other cat breeds. The fur or coat or this cat breed also contains the same kind of allergens that bother those sensitive people.

This myth that British Shorthair is hypoallergenic is not very old. It originated from a company that aimed to introduce a genetically hypoallergenic cat breed. The first sample breed they took for testing was the British shorthair. It is not certain whether the experiment got successful or not, but this myth started spreading like a fire that British shorthair is a hypoallergenic cat breed.

It was also very easy to circulate and believe in this myth because a British shorthair possesses a very clean, tidy, dense, and short coat which can be easily assumed as being hypoallergenic.

How do the British Shorthairs become allergic?

The British shorthair cats have a short and dense coat which is self-grooming. Cats have an instinct to clean their body now and then. When the cats like British shorthair clean up their bodies, their dander and saliva contain allergens that are transferred into their fur and start breeding there.

Also Read: Are British Shorthair Cats Friendly?

How do allergens spread allergic reactions?

The main cause of the spread of allergy is a protein on the bodies of these allergens. The protein is called Fel D1. It is a very strong and stable kind of protein that does not break easily. When the sensitive and allergic people hold the British shorthairs, pat the, or brush their coat, this protein gets into their body and results in allergic reactions.

So, this point makes one thing clear that the people are not allergic to cats, but the proteins carried by their fur. All the cat’s fur contains this protein and this is a naturally occurring process. There is nothing that can be done to remove this protein from its fur.

How can you protect yourself from these allergic reactions?

No one can stop the natural existence of the allergens or the protein they carry. There is one thing that is possible and applicable. You can try to reduce the number of allergens to a certain level where they stop bothering you.

Allergens do spread allergic reactions but only when they reach a certain amount or number. You can protect yourself from these allergies if you start taking protection against them before they get too much in number.

You can try the following few ways that can work as a protective shield for you against the allergens.

  • Before bringing a British shorthair home, test how your body reacts with the cat. Spend some time with a friend’s cat and then increase the time gradually. When you can easily spend an hour or 2 with a cat, then bring a new British shorthair home.
  • Visit your allergist and ask him to give you medication that will help you tolerate a cat. This medicine will work like an anti-allergen and will provide you a protective shield against the allergens.
  • Always use a face mask and gloves while brushing your British shorthair. Also when you are bathing it and playing with it, especially when your allergy has gone worst.
  • After dealing with your British shorthair, wash your hands properly, discard the face mask, and if possible, change your clothes as well.
  • An air purifier is a must-have for the people who want to keep a cat despite their allergy. A good quality air purifier in your living room will keep the air purified from allergens and will keep you safe from allergic reactions.
  • Do not take your British shorthair inside your room and train it as well not to enter your bedroom. This will keep your bedroom free from allergens and will give you a fearless and peaceful sleep.
  • Brush your British Shorthair twice a week. It will keep the cat feel great and will also lessen the number of allergens growing in the extra fur of the cat.
  • Wash your British Shorthair once a week. It is essential for you if you are allergic. It will help in removing the dead cells of your cat and will reduce the growth of allergens.
  • After grooming and brushing your British shorthair, immediately use a vacuum cleaner to clean the excessive fur and hair. Do not let it spread in the house at it will spread the allergens everywhere in your home and will cause more difficulty for you.
  • Use anti-allergen sprays to reduce allergens if you can’t use a vacuum cleaner.

Also Read: Can a British Shorthair Cat Be Left Alone?

Are there any Hypoallergenic Cats available?

There are also many misconceptions about the hypoallergenic cats. Like British Shorthair, many people think that cats with a short coat are hypoallergenic or at least, less-allergic. About the bald cats like Sphynx, people assume that as they do not have a coat, they are completely hypoallergenic. All such concepts are incorrect. There is no such cat breed that is completely allergen-free. One way or the other, every cat breed is going to bother the people with sensitivity and cat allergies.

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Final Words

People with allergies should not get disappointed. Their love for cats is natural and their allergy is also a fact. They can be the owners of a cat, like British shorthair but for this, they have to be very careful. They must follow the suggestion to keep themselves safe from the allergens as much as possible while keeping a cat in their house.

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Dr. Halime Bamsi

Dr. Halime Bamsi

Halime holds several certificates and diplomas in Feline Care, Nutrition, Behaviour and First Aid. She remains busy throughout the day - mothering her two toddler sons, caring for her hubby, dealing with her Persian Kitten, and helping people with their cat-related-queries on PetsBeast.com

About Me

Aamir Iqbal, the devoted owner of PetsBeast blog website, has an extraordinary bond with animals. His deep affection and attachment to furry companions inspire him to share invaluable insights and create a loving community.

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