hypoallergenic cats

Hypoallergenic Cat

If ones nose starts running, eyes water, throat feels like it is closing or hives develop when a cat is near, an allergy to it is the problem. Immunotherapy, a series of injections is one solution. Another is purchasing a hypoallergenic cat.

Allerca Lifestyle Pets sells hypoallergenic kittens for $5,950. The kitten is a short haired breed based on the British Shorthair. Although not guaranteed, the sex and coat color and pattern are optional. Currently, there is a two year wait but for an additional $1950, the waiting time can be reduced. Allerca offers a one year full refund guarantee.

Allergic reaction to a cat is caused by Fel d 1 glycoprotein which is secreted by the skin and saliva. In worst cases, it can cause asthma in allergy sufferers. Every time a it licks or rubs against something, Fel d 1 is deposited. The allergen builds up quickly existing every where it has been.

How does Allerca create a hypoallergenic cat? The company uses a form of selective breeding. It isolated the gene that produced Fel d 1 and accelerated the genetic divergence process thus minimizing or eliminating the gene. This did not cause any genetic problems with the animal.

There are some breeds that can lessen an allergic reaction. Different breeds have different levels of Fel d 1. Devon and Cornish Rex have a reduced number of hairs leaving less surface area to collect allergens. The Shpynx is almost completely hairless. The Russian Blue has a low level of this allergen. The Siberian has the least amount of this allergen of all breeds. Females have less of this allergen then males. Un-neutered males have more than neutered males.

Some of the ways to minimize the amount of allergens:
Spay or neuter.
Wash it periodically in plain water.
Flea control.
Install an air filtration system.
Ventilate the house.
Vacuum carpets with HEPA equipped vacuum cleaner.
Avoid wearing wool which attracts allergens.
Keep the litter box in a well ventilated area.
Use an enclosure to keep it outside sometimes.

The best way to treat this allergy is not to have a cat. Other alternatives are to suffer with the allergy and use over the counter medications to treat it. Get a series of injections to reduce the allergic symptoms. Contact Allerca and purchase a hypoallergenic cat.

Frank Loethen lives with his wife and three cats, Sunny, Sinclair and Midnite, in Georgia. If you enjoyed this article, please visit my cat products website, http://www.purrfectcatproducts.com, your one stop site for all your cat and kitten needs. Cat food, cat toys, litter accessories and cat treats are among the many items on the site. You can also see my three cats on the site.

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cat

Cat Evolution

Cats are loved by their owners for being individualistic & independent, yet they are often accused by non cat owners of being aloof and/or arrogant. Recent studies conclude this is largely due to the fact they have no eyebrows. Some people then perceive them to posses a flaw in their personality, a coldness not seen in other domestic animals such as dogs.

This is of course not true, when a cat purrs and rubs up against their owner this is a definite show of affection, just like the wagging of a dogs tail.

Cats are first thought to have been domesticated by people on the island of Cyprus about 9,500 years ago and originated from only about five self domesticating African Wildcats (Felis silvestris lybica) which would have lost their fear of humans and come looking for food when prey dried up due to naturally occurring weather conditions.

Cats are very similar to their lion & tiger relatives. They posses the same strong flexible bones & super quick reflexes & the same retractable claws, making it easy for them to run at their pray & then capture it.

The cat is a nocturnal predator, its eye operates differently to a human eye, making it possible for him/her to see far better than other animals in reduced light situations, due to the fact it has a special layer of cells at the back of its retina, called the tapetum lucidum which reflects light back to the cells of the retina, essentially giving the eye another chance at collecting light. Cats have also evolved to hear fainter and much higher frequencies than we can, which is why they know there is a mouse in the cupboard long before we do.

Caring for your cat

As a cat owner you can have a huge impact on the health and well being of your companion by undertaking routine preventive healthcare at all stages of its life - from kitten hood through to old age. This offers the best chance of preventing problems arising or, at least, maximising the detection of any illnesses early on.

Owning a new kitten means you will have to vaccinate at around 8 weeks old, and then again at about 12 weeks. To maintain immunity, all adult cats require annual boosters.

Worming

The most common intestinal worms affecting cats in Australia are roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm. Worms are a common cause of ill health in pets and can result in a loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.

To protect your cat, common worms can be easily controlled with a routine worming treatment. Kittens need to be wormed every two weeks until twelve weeks of age, then monthly until six months of age.

For more great tips on pet care go to http://www.captncanary.com/

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