As a hybrid between wild African servals and domestic cat breeds, Savannah cats are gorgeous animals with unique personalities. Because they tend to shed less than many other breeds, you might wonder if Savannah cats are hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, Savannah cats are not considered hypoallergenic, nor does a 100% truly hypoallergenic cat exists.
In this article, we’ll tell you why Savannah cats aren’t hypoallergenic, including details on what triggers an allergic reaction in people. We’ll also give you tips on minimizing the allergens your Savannah cat spreads around the house.
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Why Savannah Cats Aren’t Hypoallergenic
While it is generally true that Savannah cats don’t shed heavily, a cat’s hair isn’t the usual trigger for allergies, contrary to common belief.
The most common source of cat allergies is a protein found in the saliva and on the skin. While grooming, the Savannah cat spreads these proteins onto their fur. As the cat sheds, the allergy-coated hair disperses into the environment, in this case, your house.
Dander is another common trigger for cat allergies. These particles are small enough to spread through the air and be carried on human clothing and hair. Even if you keep your Savannah cat well-brushed, dander can still make its way onto furniture and carpet, triggering allergies.
Top 5 Cat Allergy Prevention Tips
According to one estimate, 15-30% of people with allergies react to pets and cat allergies are twice as common as those to dogs1. However, many allergy-suffering cat lovers can still share their home with kitties like the Savannah by taking some precautions. Here are some tips to help you live more comfortably with your cat if you have allergies.
1. Create a Cat-Free Zone
The more time a cat spends in a location, the more allergens they leave behind in the environment. By keeping your cat out of certain rooms in your house, you keep the allergens to a minimum. For example, keeping your cat out of your bedroom is a good idea.
2. Reduce the Allergens on Your Cat
Spayed or neutered cats generally produce fewer allergens, so add this to the list of good reasons to get this surgery for your kitty. If your cat tolerates bathing, a monthly bath with a pet-safe shampoo can significantly reduce the allergens on their skin and coat. Savannah cats may enjoy the water more than many other breeds, so this may be a beneficial option.
3. Clean the House Regularly
If you’re the one with cat allergies, cleaning could aggravate them by stirring up settled dander and hair, so consider wearing a mask or letting someone else take on this chore. You can also vacuum frequently using a machine with a filter designed to trap allergens.
Avoid sweeping and dusting since they can push more particles into the air. Instead, use wet or static-cling cleaning products. Use an allergen-reducing filter in your central heating and cooling system, and consider using an air purifier as well.
4. Replace the Carpet
It’s much easier to control allergens on smooth surface flooring like tile and hardwoods. Carpet traps and holds a high percentage of particles released by your cat. If possible, replace the carpeting with these other flooring options.
5. Talk to Your Doctor
Many medications and therapies may help control your allergies and allow you to enjoy owning a Savannah cat. Talk to your doctor about your options, or ask for a referral to an allergy specialist. It’s vital to determine whether it’s your cat causing your symptoms rather than another allergen.
Conclusion
If you suffer from allergies, a Savannah cat will likely trigger your symptoms just as any other cat would. Before adding one of these pets to your household, spend time around other cats to see how your immune system reacts. However, remember that reactions can vary widely between individual cats, even those of the same breed. If you’re considering a Savannah cat, you’ll need to double-check state and local laws since it is not legal to own in all locations.
See also:
- 10 Best Cat Litters for Allergies – Reviews & Top Picks
- Are Maine Coon Cats Hypoallergenic? Facts & FAQ
Featured Image Credit: Kolomenskaya Kseniya, Shutterstock
