Are Devon Rex Cats Hypoallergenic? 6 Tips For Allergy Sufferers!

Technically, Devon Rex Cats are widely considered to be hypoallergenic. However, there isn’t any cat breed that is 100% hypoallergenic, so that means, in a sense, the Devon Rex is suitable for people with less serious allergies due to how low the rate of his shedding is.

Knowing how much a cat sheds and how risky it is for someone’s health is important information for prospective yet hypersensitive owners who have an immeasurable penchant for cats. With that, we will help you determine if the Devon Rex is your perfect match. Along the way, you will also learn helpful tips to live peacefully with a fur-ball.

Do Devon Rex Cats Shed a Lot?

No, not at all. The Devon Rex is not a shedding machine. If we rate it, he could score a good 2 out of 10. Thanks to his distinct coat quality, the Devon Rex does not take off a huge portion of his hair making his shedding less annoying. To describe his fur, the Devon Rex sports out very thin strands that are quite fragile. If ever he sheds, the hair won’t be that noticeable whether they end up in your couch or drapes. 

Why Some People Suffer From Cat Allergies

There has been a study that was recently conducted that somehow clears the pathway to understand why some people are allergy sufferers. What scientists try to say is that this might be the outcome of an ancient mechanism. 

In the United States, those who age 6 years and above are affected by cat allergies and there are about 12.1% of them. What’s responsible for all this is a protein called Fel D1 which cats produce. This is released through certain glands as well as through their saliva. Whenever they groom themselves, the allergen is simultaneously spread throughout the body.

Going back to the investigation, the loris produces a venom that is virtually identical to the Fel D1 protein. However, the loris uses the venom as a defense and the same narrative might apply to cats- that the allergenic protein has evolved to protect cats from predators. 

Although this remains to be a hypothesis, scientists agree that this discovery can lead us further into a deeper analysis.

Can an Allergy Sufferer Live With a Devon Rex?

Absolutely! Although we also have to consider how bad his case is. Some allergy sufferers only experience mild reactions and this heightens the chance of them living successfully with a Devon Rex. As long as there are precautions and a whole transformation done both to the environment and lifestyle, someone’s dream of owning a cat is entirely doable. 

6 Tips For Allergy Sufferers to Reduce Cat Dander

By being prepared for the arrival of a new family companion, you would be able to save a hypersensitive family member from experiencing cat allergy signs and symptoms that often include sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and coughing. So, how would you do this? Below are 6 tips you can follow:

Grooming

To control or speed up the shedding process of the Devon Rex, grooming him is an essential step. Use a high-quality Hertzko bristle brush to conveniently remove all dead and loose hairs. It is a self-cleaning tool so collecting all the fur won’t be a burden for you! If you have intense reactions, ask a family member to do the grooming instead. Bathe the Devon too for better results.

Diet

Believe it or not but diet plays a crucial role regarding the coat quality of a Devon Rex. You have to bring the cat to the vet and have him assessed concerning which food or ingredients must he avoid because he may have an allergy to fish, beef, or dairy. If a Devon Rex consumed a meal that contains a prohibited ingredient as per the evaluation of a licensed vet, chances are that his skin and coat will react causing him to have itchy skin, experience vomiting, or suffer from diarrhea. This will make him shed more than usual.

Hygiene

Allergic owners should try to develop a habit of washing their hands after touching their pets. Avoid touching the face or else the allergen might end up getting inhaled by the nose and trigger an allergic reaction. As a piece of advice, designate a particular set of clothing you can wear when you are around cats. Remove and wash them immediately instead of letting them sit in the laundry for too long. 

Restrictions

To further manage the already low shedding rate of a Devon Rex cat, enforcing restrictions and space limitations surely help. Make sure your feline knows that he should not get into your room. Consider it as your sanctuary, free from all cat hairs that might cause discomfort during your rest. Training is highly important because you can freely put an obstacle on the doorway, but cats being cats, can easily jump over to the other side without you knowing. 

House Cleaning

Invest in equipment such as the Eureka vacuum cleaner or a Honeywell HEPA air filter. They both help in maintaining the cleanliness inside your home. After all, this is the place where you must feel relaxed rather than feel like you are in a constant battle with your Devon Rex cat’s shedding.

Medication

It’s possible that no matter how cautious you are, the allergens still find their way to your body. With that, it is always better to have certain medications ready in your cupboard. Several over-the-counter products are available in several drugstores such as Allegra, Cetirizine, and Claritin. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cats With Short Hair Better for People With Cat Allergies?

This is only partially correct. While it is true that a cat such as a Devon Rex has lower levels of allergen, the amount of Fel D1 protein produced still varies according to the genetic structure and qualities of the breed. For a better experience with cats, good house management, hygiene, and lifestyle are major factors that help.

How Can I Cure My Allergy Of Cats?

There are some cases when allergy sufferers end up outgrowing or developing a tolerance to cat allergies over time. However, if you are looking for a cure, there is not one yet. You can get allergy shots as they can decrease your sensitivity to allergens and provide long-lasting relief from cat allergy symptoms. You can also use a combination of medications and avoidance measures for a lower chance of experiencing a reaction after holding an irresistible Devon Rex.  

Is Cat Allergy Deadly?

For the most part, having an allergy will not necessarily mean that you are in a life and death situation. Some people just develop mild symptoms and after taking their medication and taking a break from their pets, their lives go back to normal. There can be severe cases, however, when a severe reaction happens and nothing is done for it to be treated. A person can develop a condition called anaphylaxis which is extremely fatal, so as much as you want to enjoy bonding with your feline, watch out for your health as well.