Are Black Cats Hypoallergenic, Or Should You Avoid Them?

Cats with black coats have an exotic look, especially when their fur contrasts with their yellow, glowing eyes. The backstory of the black cats is also interesting; Various anecdotes and even spiritual meanings are associated with them.

Many cat lovers will fall in love with these attractive kitties, but many will also wonder: Are black cats hypoallergenic?

Since so many people today suffer from allergic reactions, living with a furry pet can be quite challenging.

What to expect in this regard from cats with black fur? Does fur color have anything to do with causing allergies?

Let’s cut to the chase and find out if a black cat is a good choice for you.

Are Black Cats Likely To Cause Allergies In Humans?

They all might look similar to you, but the truth is that a black cat isn’t a specific breed – it’s only the description of her fur coloring.

So, answering the question of whether are black cats likely to cause allergies in humans isn’t so simple, since many cats can be black.

A cat’s tendency to cause allergic reactions doesn’t depend on her fur color, but rather on the breed. 

There are even some studies on the issue of cat coat’s color influence on her production of Fel d 1 protein (which is responsible for allergic reactions in humans).

Robert Siebers [1] and his associates point out that their study on this protein in domestic living rooms showed no effect of cat fur color on reservoir dust of Fel d 1 level. 

Therefore, there is no scientific support for claiming that black cats are hypoallergenic (or that they aren’t!)

The next important information is related to the matter of which cats can have black coats.

What Cat Breeds Can Be Black?

According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), there are a total of 22 breeds that can have a solid black coat.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that black fur color will occur equally often in all the following breeds. Some of them will even rarely have black fur, but it is genetically possible for them to be black.

Thes breeds are the following:

1. American Curl

2. American Wirehair

3. American Bobtail

4. American Shorthair

5. Bombay

6. British Shorthair

7. Cornish Rex

8. Devon Rex

9. Exotic Shorthair

10. Japanese Bobtail

11. LaPerm

12. Maine Coon 

13. Manx

14. Norwegian Forest Cat

15. Oriental 

16. Persian Cat

17. Ragamuffin

18. Scottish Fold 

19. Selkirk Rex

20. Siberian Cat

21. Sphynx

22. Turkish Angora

So, are any of the black cats from this list considered to be hypoallergenic? PetMD explains how some of the breeds eligible for allergy sufferers are the Siberian Cat, Oriental, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, and Sphynx. 

However, you should be aware that having one of these cats doesn’t mean there is a zero chance that you or your family member will develop an allergic reaction.

No cat is one hundred percent hypoallergenic; Since every one of them sheds, even the ones with short hairs.

So, there is a possibility that any black cat will spread dander and hair around your home, causing allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, skin rash, and even difficulty breathing.

But, it’s good to know that some black cats are less likely to cause these reactions. Maybe this data will eventually help you decide which black cat you would like to welcome into your home!

See Also: Bombay Cat Vs Black Cat: How To Differentiate Them?

Should You Live With A Black Cat If You’re An Allergy Sufferer?

You, or some of your family members, are struggling with allergic reactions? You’re worried about whether you should even consider living with a black cat under your roof?

Well, this is doable, and Andrew Sparkes [2] suggests some steps for how to keep your cat allergy under control:

– Drug therapy and immunotherapy

– Bathing a cat more often

– Using an air purifier

– Vacuuming daily, and reducing furnishing and carpets in your home

– Restricting the places where the cat is allowed (such as keeping her off your bed)

I know that many of you allergy sufferers would still like to own a cat. It’s truly an irreplaceable experience, especially for children – to grow up with a furry friend inside your home.

Luckily, with some of the previously mentioned tips, you can still manage to have a black kitten living with you.

Just be ready for less physical contact, and to wash your hand every time you pet your cat. This will significantly reduce the chances of you developing allergy symptoms.

This might also sound like a big sacrifice to make; But, I think it pays off, imagining you can have a cute little black cat in your home, right?

Closing Thoughts

Are black cats hypoallergenic? No, not exactly.

Coat color doesn’t have anything to do with the cat’s tendency to cause an allergic reaction in humans. It’s more important to understand which cats can be black; Then you can consider each breed and the probability of it causing an allergy in you or your family members.

Some breeds with black coats are less likely to trigger allergies, such as the Sphynx, Siamese, Oriental, etc. 

Of course, even if you decide on a black cat that isn’t considered hypoallergenic, such as the Maine Coon, or the American Shorthair, it’s still possible to share your life space with her, but with certain restrictions and even medications.

In the end, I suggest you consult a veterinarian before deciding on welcoming a black cat inside your home. 

Allergies can be held under control, but some people may have too severe symptoms to live with a black kitten under the same roof.

References:

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