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The Scottish Fold is an adorable cat species known for its folded ears. They are easy to care for and love being around humans, making them great for families with kids.
Scottish Folds are smart and caring, so they’re the perfect in-house pet. However, these cats might not be the best option for people with allergies, as Scottish Folds are not hypoallergenic. If you’re allergic to cats, you should contact your doctor before adopting one.
Keep reading to learn why some cats are labeled as hypoallergenic and whether a Scottish Fold is the right choice for you.
What Makes a Cat Hypoallergenic?
Cats can cause allergies in humans due to the Fel d1 protein on their skin, in their saliva, and in their urine. The allergens are thus easily spread around your home, especially when the cat is shedding. But what makes a cat hypoallergenic?
In reality, there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat. However, some cats shed less fur, and that’s why some people consider them to be less capable of triggering allergies. This is, unfortunately, not true.
Are Cat Allergies Dangerous?
Cat allergy sufferers can experience an array of issues, from minor to severe.
- Coughing
- Rashes and hives
- Redness of the skin
- Red, itchy eyes
- Sneezing
- Runny or itchy nose
- Allergic asthma
Do Scottish Folds Shed?
Scottish Folds shed moderately, so shedding won’t be much of an issue for pet owners with this cat breed.
Scottish Folds can have both long and short fur, and the short-furred varieties shed a lot less. The short-haired variety is a much better choice if you have allergies, but you should still practice regular grooming to manage the shedding levels in your feline.
Are Scottish Folds Suitable for People With Allergies?
Scottish Folds may not be the ideal choice for individuals with cat allergies. However, allergen levels can vary between individual cats. If you’re considering adopting one, it’s best to consult your allergist first and spend time with the breed and the specific cat to see how your body reacts before making a decision.
Allergy Management Tips
While it can be hard to manage your allergies if you live with a cat, there are still specific things you can do to minimize their effect.
- Make one room that will be a cat-free zone so that you have a safe place to rest, free of allergens
- Keep your home clean and tidy, as that will reduce the number of allergens
- Install HEPA filters or invest in an air purifier
- Minimize the use of carpets, as they collect a lot of dandruff and fur
- When washing fabrics, use hot water
- Keep up regular grooming and bathe your feline regularly
- Keep up your personal hygiene and wash your hands frequently
- Teach your cat to stay away from furniture and textiles inside your home
- Teach your cat not to lick you
- Don’t keep multiple cats in your household
Final Thoughts
Scottish Folds are not considered hypoallergenic, so they may not be the best fit for individuals with cat allergies. If you’re drawn to this breed, it’s important to speak with your doctor or allergist first and spend time around cats before making a commitment. Choosing a short-haired Scottish Fold, keeping up with regular grooming, cleaning your home frequently, and using air purifiers may help reduce allergens—but there’s no guarantee these steps will eliminate symptoms entirely.
Featured Image Credit: xiruwin, Pixabay
