Are British Shorthair Cats Hypoallergenic? (2022)

Are British Shorthair cats hypoallergenic? No, as a matter of fact, British Shorthair cats are not hypoallergenic. The British Shorthair cats are affectionate, playful, loyal, and friendly to their owners. They have medium to large-sized coats that come in several color options and patterns. The majority of the owners would have you believe that they cause little to no allergic reactions because of their thick, dense, plush coats, but similar to most cats, they can trigger severe allergic symptoms. For most lovers, cat allergies can be truly troublesome.

If you have your heart set on a fuzzy and sweet feline companion, just like the British Shorthair, it would be disheartening to find out that their mere presence nearby can cause you to sneeze. Some people try and get anti-allergic shots to avoid allergies, but that does not always work. The reason why British Shorthair cats are not hypoallergic is that they have short but very thick fur. Any Shorthair owner can attest that the cat’s coat tends to spread everywhere, even if you brush the cat weekly. As a result, British Shorthair cats produce the same allergens in large quantities as do the others. The saliva and dander molded in it certainly cause sneezing.


How Do British Shorthair Cats Cause Allergic Reactions?

How Do British Shorthair Cats Cause Allergic Reactions

Just like any other cat, British Shorthairs have an instinct to clean and self-groom their bodies. If you pay attention to their daily routine, they spend approximately 4-5 hours a day on self-grooming. That also includes cleaning and licking the fur continuously. As a result, the dander and saliva that have allergens in it transmit into the coat and become airborne. Those who are allergic to cats will experience allergic reactions as a result of this.

There are common symptoms that confirm if you have an allergy or not. Some of the symptoms are wheezing, sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, coughing, chest tightness, skin rashness, hives, red and itchy eyes, shortness of breath, and facial pain because of nasal congestion. Some people with a weak immune system can develop a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Its symptoms include low blood pressure and trouble with breathing that can even send a body into shock.


Dealing With Allergies From Cats

Dealing With Allergies From Cats

Although it depends on the symptoms you have, you can build a good tolerance for cats. What’s certain is that if you come in contact with a cat before this and haven’t had watery eyes or a sneeze, consider yourself lucky! However, if you have asthma, do not even consider owning a cat because it can be harmful. Building up a tolerance for a British Shorthair cat isn’t a piece of cake, that’s for sure. You’ll have to take baby steps to really start building up to something.

One of the most significant and foremost steps should be to visit your allergist. The allergist will conduct tests to determine how much of an impact a cat could have on your health. The medication will set your foot in the right direction. The next is to clean your house and make it a tolerable place. You will have to ensure not too many allergens fly around. Try vacuuming every corner and piece of furniture daily.

Avoid using fabric. Instead, start using leather to cover up your essentials. The airborne allergens won’t even get near to it. Moreover, try dumping your air fresheners and scented candles. Not only are these bad for your health, but they produce allergies. However, you can use natural air fresheners that only pull the scent from the air. These scents will be beneficial under these circumstances.


How Do You React In This Situation to Cats?

How Do You React In This Situation to Cats

Before you bring a cat home, it’s essential to test your reactions to these cats. A decent way to do that is by spending some time with your relative’s cat, preferably at their place. Keep in mind that baby steps are vital. Start with one cat and then add others into the mix. Remember to take the prescribed medicine as well. If the cat displays calmness and affection towards you, start petting the back and see how your body lays out a reaction.

Even if you struggle at first, you shouldn’t discard the process. You can try the same method next week to see how it goes. Repeat the process until you finally get it right. After some time, if it all goes well, you can bring the British Shorthair cat home. However, just because you welcome it home doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be around the cat every time. Don’t play with it frequently to see how your body develops reactions.


Does a British Shorthair Cat Have an Intolerance?

Does a British Shorthair Cat Have an Intolerance

British Shorthair cats have many intolerances like their counterparts. The most commonly noticed are lactose and food intolerance. Cats also have an intolerance to perfumes, cleaning products, cigarette smoke, and fabrics. If your cat starts sneezing or has itchy skin, back, eyes, tail, and ears, or if it’s coughing too much, that means it is developing allergies. Other symptoms include diarrhea, snoring, and vomiting.

The responsible thing to do under these circumstances is to take your British Shorthair cat to the vet immediately. The veterinarian would detect the allergies and tell you exactly what to do to avoid them. A mistake that many cat owners often make they rely on the internet in cases like these. The information available on the internet can be contradicting. Thus, take your British Shorthair cat to the vet immediately.


Conclusion For “Are British Shorthair Cats Hypoallergenic”

Conclusion For Are British Shorthair Cats Hypoallergenic

You would think that the British Shorthair cats are hypoallergenic, but they are not. Like all the other breeds, their fluffy hair can cause severe sneezing and wheezing. However, just because they are not hypoallergenic doesn’t mean you can’t get one. You can follow the steps and guidelines mentioned above to get one for yourself, even if you are allergic to cats and their counterparts. You can also avoid tolerances if your British Shorthair has one. Also, remember to take your British Shorthair to the vet if it develops allergies due to the exposition towards one of the many intolerances.

Find a British Shorthair breed near you:

There are many things you probably don’t know about this cat breed. Watch “British Shorthair Cat 101” from Facts About Cats to learn more about this breed: