Often, people want to get a pet even if they are allergy sufferers. Moreover, it is believed that there are so-called 'hypoallergenic breeds.' Allergist-immunologist V. Bolibok discusses whether allergy sufferers can safely keep such pets.
According to the doctor, the amount of antigens that provoke allergies is influenced by the breed and health condition of the animal. If a cat is unhealthy or elderly, it will produce more allergens.
As the physician stated, sphinxes, for example, are less allergenic only because their epidermis sheds instantly. However, other sources of allergens, namely urine and saliva, will contain just as many allergy-causing antigens.
Owners of thick-coated cats accumulate more epidermal flakes. Additionally, dust mites and dust itself gather in the fur, so individuals allergic to pets will gradually develop increased sensitivity to dust mites that feed on human and animal secretions.
The more pets live in a house and the less frequently cleaning is done, the more allergens accumulate, the doctor concluded.
