Do Hairless Cats Have Dander?

There are many reasons why prospective cat owners are concerned about dander, the potential for allergies is a common one. So, do Sphynxes and bald cats in general shed dander?

Sphynxes and other hairless cats do have dander and could shed more dander than furry cats do. Regular baths, including sponge baths, do reduce the amount of dander. Some cats benefit from having their skin moisturized, with small amounts of coconut oil, for example. Sphynx cats are still less likely to cause allergies but it is not due to being bald but because they produce less Fel d1 protein than most cats do.

What Is Cat Dander?

Cat dander is comprised of dead skin cells that are cast off, as well as cat saliva. Cats are clean animals and most spend a lot of time grooming. That’s the reason their fur and, in bald cats’ case, skin is covered with some saliva.

Dander In Hairless Cats

Since a hairless cat’s skin goes through the same processes as that of furry felines, they do produce dander. Dander could appear more profuse in some Sphynxes and other bald breeds because there is no fur to prevent it from sloughing right off.

Do Sphynx Cats Cause Allergies?

Bald cats, including Sphynxes, produce the main allergy-causing protein just like all other cats. The protein is called Fel d1. Since the protein is present in large quantities in saliva and cats transfer saliva to their skin by grooming, their dander contains plenty of Fel d1, too. It becomes diffused into the environment easily, especially if the cat has no fur or very short fur.

Sphynx cats, however, are less likely to trigger a reaction in people who have allergies because they produce smaller amounts of Fel d1 than most cat breeds

Some people are more sensitive to other proteins produced by cats or triggered even by a small amount of Fel d1. In other words, Sphynx cats are not considered hypoallergenic but they do have a lower allergenic potential than most cat breeds. That is one of the reasons Sphynx cats are popular.

HOW TO REDUCE DANDER IN CATS

Use Special Food

There was a news story in USA Today about a special kind of cat food produced by Purina, designed to reduce the amount of the allergenic protein Fel d1 in cats. The name of the product is Purina Pro Plan LiveClear.

The project to design the special food was spearheaded by the company’s director of molecular nutrition an immunologist and a group of scientists working with Purina. Switching a cat to this kind of food reduced the amount of Fel d1 the cat produced by almost half in three weeks, which makes a marked difference for many sensitive people.

The article does not discuss how supplementation with other foods affects the product’s effectiveness. If allergies are a problem for your household, it could be worth trying to offer this kitty food to your furless pet.

Consider The Grooming Needs

To reduce the amount of dander produced by your pet, it is important to find a routine that works well for your kitty. Hairless cats are more dependent on their owners to keep their skin healthy.

Proper skin care prevents excessive dryness and removes excess oil, which reduces the amount of dander. It also physically removes dander and prevents it from being spread around your home.

Sphynxes and other bald cats need regular baths in warm water, using either a cat wash or other very mild soap. Castile soap could be a good option because it is natural. One bath a week is sufficient for some hairless animals, some need to be bathed twice a week.

A Sphynx could enjoy baths but many hate being bathed just like most other cats. You could give your pet sponge baths instead. Use a washcloth with some soap and one with just water. Your pet could be more likely to accept this practice than being immersed in water.
Using disposable dander-reducing wipes could also be a part of the routine
Use a massaging brush to improve blood circulation to the skin. Most bald cats enjoy being brushed.

You could try moisturizing your cat’s skin. Since felines love grooming, the moisturizer should be non-toxic to the animal. A small amount of coconut oil is a good option.

Regular House Cleaning

There is no way to circumvent the fact that having pets means an increased need for cleaning your home, more or less depending on your pet.

Having a hairless cat does help with the fur part but you still need to clean regularly to minimize both the amount of dander and remove any oil traces on your furniture if your bold kitty has oily skin.

Generally, having fewer carpets in the house is best for people with allergies and simpler for households with pets. If you do have carpets, it is important to vacuum them frequently. If possible, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, especially if you have someone at home who is allergic. An air filter could be helpful, too.