The Scottish Fold is an adorable cat species known for its folded ears. They are low-maintenance 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. Still, you can keep this breed even if you’re allergic to cats, but you’ll need to practice precautions to minimize the impact of the allergies.

Keep reading to learn what makes a cat 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 and in their saliva and 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 have fewer of these allergy-causing proteins, which makes them more suitable for people with cat allergies. Scottish Folds are unfortunately not one of these cats.

Are Cat Allergies Dangerous?

Cat allergies aren’t necessarily dangerous. However, depending on your sensitivity, you could experience an array of issues, from minor to severe.

If you have cat allergies but still want to have a cat, it’s crucial to choose a species that’s considered “hypoallergenic” and set some ground rules to lower your symptoms.

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 best pet choice for people with allergies. However, if your heart is set on this breed, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

First of all, choose a Scottish Fold that has short fur because this type of Scottish Fold sheds much less than the long fur variety. Another thing to note is that you’ll need to change your habits and practice specific behaviors to manage your allergies.

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.

The 6 Cat Breeds That Are a Better Option for Allergic People

If you’re a cat lover, but you tend to have annoying allergies that cause problems for your health, choosing a breed that triggers fewer allergies may be a better choice. While Scottish Folds may sound tempting due to their intelligence and cute appearance, there are other species more suitable for these situations, including:

1. Siberian

Siberian cats are large-breed felines with double coats. While they may seem unsuitable for people with allergies due to the length of their fur, these cats are an excellent option for people allergic to cats.

Siberian cats contain low levels of allergy-causing protein, making them much more tolerable for allergic people than other cat breeds. These felines are loving and easy to care for, and they shed moderately. They’re also great around kids.

2. Balinese

Balinese cats are similar to Siamese cats, but they have longer fur. They are social, intelligent, and undemanding, which makes them great pets. Balinese felines don’t shed too much, so they’re typically low maintenance.

This cat contains low levels of allergy-causing proteins, which is why it’s more suitable for people with allergies.

3. Sphynx

Sphynx cats are an excellent choice for people who suffer from cat allergies as they don’t have fur (or not much, at least). These cats are not completely hypoallergenic and can commonly cause allergies due to their dandruff. However, if you bathe them regularly, this problem will be less noticeable.

This breed is fun-loving, smart, and curious, so it’s a great family addition for people looking for an active feline that loves to be around humans.

4. Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex cats have short, curly coats and don’t shed much. Because of this, this breed is more suitable for people with allergies. These cats are great around humans, as they love attention.

5. Devon Rex

Devon Rex cats are similar to the Cornish Rex as they also have short-haired fur. They shed much less than other cat breeds, making them a great option for humans who experience cat allergies.

These cats are energetic and playful, and they require little maintenance. If you have cat allergies but still want to be a cat parent, this is definitely a breed to consider.

6. Russian Blue

Russian Blue cats are famous for their “blue” coats, typically dense and short. These felines are somewhat shy but easily adaptable and love humans. They are low shedding, so they’re suitable for people that have cat allergies. However, you’ll need to groom your Russian Blue feline regularly to minimize its effect on your health.

Final Thoughts

Scottish Folds are unfortunately not hypoallergenic. However, if you’re determined to get this cat breed, choose a short-haired variety and keep up regular maintenance to minimize allergies. It’s also helpful to clean your home regularly and invest in air purifiers, so you don’t experience allergy outbursts when owning this cat breed.

• See Also: Are Burmese Cats Hypoallergenic? What You Need To Know!

Featured Image Credit: xiruwin, Pixabay