Savannah Cats are considered Hypoallergenic!
Hypoallergenic cats are becoming more and more popular now that many people are realizing their extreme or slight allergies to cats.
As breeders, it is important for us to explain what a hypoallergenic cat is to those who may have allergies to cats and do not completely understand what the definition of hypoallergenic really means. We often receive messages from customers whom ask us if Savannah Cats are hypoallergenic when they are interested in purchasing a Savannah cat. The simple answer could just be, "yes", but not everyone understands what hypoallergenic truly means. Our mission is not to just sell you a cat. We want you to be fully aware of everything to expect when it comes to your Savannah cat and that includes understanding the meaning of owning a hypoallergenic cat before you make the decision to purchase a kitten. We educate our customers with as much information as we can prior, during, and after the purchase of their kittens with the intention that your Savannah kitten is the perfect companion for you in many ways while protecting your health as well.
Hypoallergenic does not mean not Allergenic. It does not mean that someone who is allergic to certain types of domestic breeds of cats cannot be allergic to a hypoallergenic cat.
Hypoallergenic means “below normal,” "less allergenic," or “slightly allergenic"
Hypoallergenic cats can still produce allergens, but because of their coat type, absence of fur, thin pelt-like coat, or absence of a gene that produces a certain protein Fel d 1 (one of the main causes of human allergies to a cat), the hypoallergenic cat will typically produce fewer allergens than other non-hypoallergenic breeds.
**Some people who have allergies to cats may never have a reaction to a hypoallergenic cat.
Some people who have allergies to cats may have a very mild reaction to a hypoallergenic cat.
Some people who have severe allergies to cats may still have a serious reaction to a hypoallergenic cat.
Most Savannah cats, like many other breeds we have listed at the bottom of this article, carry less - to almost no traces of the Fel d 1 protein that most people are allergic to.
Is a F1 or F2 Savannah more hypoallergenic than a F5 or F6?
From experience, we do believe that the dander and protein in the higher generation Savannah Cats may be somewhat different than a Domestic Cat. From research on the Savannah breed, we have learned that it may be possible because of the higher serval content in the F1 and F2 generation Savannah, some of the higher generation Savannahs seem to be more hypoallergenic compared to a lot of the lower generation Savannahs because the lower generation Savannah Cats have more mixed domestic cats in their genes. We have also seen people who have had severe allergies to cats and never have been able to be around a cat without a reaction be completely fine with no allergy symptoms or reactions at all when owning one of our F4 Savannah Cats for many years!
What if I have allergies to some cats but not others?
Sometimes, even with hypoallergenic hybrids, it is within a cat's domestic heritage that can trigger certain allergies. You can have two cats in your home of the same breed (Savannah, Bengal etc.) and have allergies to one cat but not the other. Your Breeder might be aware of your new desired kitten's ancestry and familiar with the domestic line within either side of their pedigree. You can reach out to your Breeder to discuss what breeds of cats may be in your Savannah kitten's line that can possibly help you decide which kitten is right for you. Your Breeder may have knowledge of what kitten would be right for you depending on an individual pairing they have by breeding more hypoallergenic breeds within their Savannah Queen and/or Sire's ancestry.
Can I still own a cat if I am allergic to it?
There are many people with allergies to cats who will still own a cat. Some people who can coexist with a cat whether it is a hypoallergenic cat or not.
How can I live with a cat that I am allergic to?
The best way to live side by side with allergies to your cat's saliva is to bathe your cat regularly. (a bath tub, washcloth or wet-wipe) This is because the saliva you may be allergic to can dry on the cat's coat from self-grooming and transfer to your skin.
The best way to live side by side with allergies to your cat's hair or dander, is to brush your cat regularly and vacuum/clean more often. (this includes vacuuming furniture as well. Wash sheets and blankets that your cat may lay on etc.
You can also have air purifiers in the rooms you or your cat are in most of the time to help clear the air from pet dander.
There are also antihistamines that can help significantly with allergies to cats, Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra, Benadryl etc. for allergies that help extremely well. (please contact your doctor for approval of this before you take any medication)
Types of Cats that are Hypoallergenic:
Savannah
Bengal
Sphynx
Oriental Shorthair
Russian Blue
Cornish Rex
Devon Rex
Balinese
Siberian
Burmese
Javanese
Ocicat