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Do hypoallergenic cats even exist? 3 myths dispelled about cat allergies

<p>Cats are great companions, but for some people their company comes at a cost. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091674921000038?casa_token=8de37wAiw_0AAAAA:nwC8PN6RhwxD6qJZYGby_3s35dK00fLeiIKplQwvyi7iUSnI7Pcpp8v7CSfj6TB-YfEOU2pMbWQ">Up to 1 in 5 people</a> have an allergic response to cats, and this figure is increasing.</p> <p>There are many myths about allergies to cats, but what is fact and what is fiction? And can you still have a cat if you’re allergic?</p> <p><strong>Myth #1: People are allergic to cat hair</strong></p> <p>There is an element of truth to this myth. However, rather than the hair itself, substances <em>on</em> the hair are the source of the allergy. Most people allergic to cats react to a protein called Fel d 1. This main cat allergen is produced in the glands of the cat, including the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/sebaceous-gland">sebaceous</a> (oil-producing skin glands) and salivary glands.</p> <p>While Fel d1 is the main culprit, domestic cats have <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1098612X211013016">eight different potential allergens</a>. The second most common is Fel d 4, also produced in salivary glands.</p> <p>Another type, Fel d 2, is similar to a protein found in other animals, and the reason a person might be allergic, for example, to both cats and horses. This similarity can also result in a child with milk allergy having an increased risk of being allergic to animals like cats.</p> <p>When cats groom themselves, they deposit the allergen in their saliva onto their hair. Sebaceous glands are close to the skin and can secrete onto the hair follicles. When you pet a cat’s fur, a reaction is set off, especially if you then rub your nose or eyes.</p> <p>But you don’t need to pet a cat to have an allergic reaction to them. Simply being around dander can be enough. Dander might sound like a dating app for pets, but it’s actually more akin to animal dandruff, and contains tiny scales from hair or skin. As dander particles are so small, they float in the air and we often breathe them in.</p> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/491005/original/file-20221021-21-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/491005/original/file-20221021-21-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491005/original/file-20221021-21-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491005/original/file-20221021-21-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491005/original/file-20221021-21-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491005/original/file-20221021-21-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491005/original/file-20221021-21-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="A grey cat licking its paw" /><figcaption><span class="caption">When cats groom themselves, the allergen is transferred from their saliva onto their fur.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://unsplash.com/photos/Hd7vwFzZpH0">Eric Han/Unsplash</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p><strong>Myth #2: There are hypoallergenic cats</strong></p> <p>There is no evidence that specific cat breeds do not cause allergies. However, if some breeds have less hair, or shed less hair, this may reduce exposure to allergens in the environment.</p> <p>For example, Sphynx cats are hairless, although they <a href="https://ddd.uab.cat/pub/tfg/2022/264236/TFG_amartinmore_poster.pdf">still produce Fel d 1</a>. In this way <a href="https://www.pumpkin.care/blog/hypoallergenic-cat-breeds/">some breeds might be considered “hypoallergenic”</a>, or cause fewer allergic reactions. However, there are no scientific studies to confirm this is the case.</p> <p>All cats produce Fel d 1, but the levels can differ by as much as <a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/crispr.2021.0101">100-fold between individual cats</a>. This may explain why people with cat allergies notice they react more to some cats than others.</p> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/491006/original/file-20221021-24-dnas7u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/491006/original/file-20221021-24-dnas7u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491006/original/file-20221021-24-dnas7u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491006/original/file-20221021-24-dnas7u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491006/original/file-20221021-24-dnas7u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491006/original/file-20221021-24-dnas7u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491006/original/file-20221021-24-dnas7u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="A sphynx cat sitting on a green blanket" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Sphynx cats have little to no hair, but they still produce allergens.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Jesus Vivas Alacid/Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure> <p><strong>Myth #3: You have to re-home your cat if you have an allergy</strong></p> <p>If you have a life-threatening allergy to cats, your only alternative might be to find them a new home. However, most people have less severe reactions and can manage symptoms successfully.</p> <p>Some things you can do to limit reactions include:</p> <ul> <li> <p>always wash your hands and avoid touching your face and eyes after handling your cat</p> </li> <li> <p>regularly clean surfaces and change litter to reduce dander</p> </li> <li> <p>wash your cat weekly with a pet-specific shampoo, <em>if</em> <a href="https://www.drmartybecker.com/wp-content/cache/wp-rocket/drmartybecker.com/fear-free/10-low-stress-tips-for-bathing-and-grooming-a-cat/index-https.html_gzip">your cat likes being bathed</a></p> </li> </ul> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/491004/original/file-20221021-17-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/491004/original/file-20221021-17-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491004/original/file-20221021-17-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491004/original/file-20221021-17-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491004/original/file-20221021-17-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491004/original/file-20221021-17-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491004/original/file-20221021-17-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="A tabby cat being washed" /><figcaption><span class="caption">If the cat is amenable to baths, it can be a good method to reduce the level of allergens.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure> <ul> <li> <p>restrict cats’ access to rooms you want to keep allergy-free, such as the bedroom</p> </li> <li> <p>get a vacuum specifically designed for reducing allergens, such as ones with a HEPA filter</p> </li> <li> <p>use air purifiers with HEPA filters.</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Adopting a cat when allergic</strong></p> <p>If you’re allergic and want to adopt a cat, make sure to spend some time with them first to assess your reaction. Ideally, pick a cat that doesn’t make you sneeze.</p> <p>If cats need to be re-homed, this does negatively affect their welfare. A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4810051/">large study of RSPCA shelters in Australia</a> reported allergy as the reason for relinquishment in roughly 3% of cats out of 61,755 total relinquished between 2006 and 2010.</p> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/491007/original/file-20221021-21-fanr5e.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/491007/original/file-20221021-21-fanr5e.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=401&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491007/original/file-20221021-21-fanr5e.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=401&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491007/original/file-20221021-21-fanr5e.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=401&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491007/original/file-20221021-21-fanr5e.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491007/original/file-20221021-21-fanr5e.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491007/original/file-20221021-21-fanr5e.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="A tabby cat sleeping in the sun on a windowsill" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Adopting a cat is a serious commitment.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://unsplash.com/photos/oA6zqMdnhjE">Roberto Huczek/Unsplash</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p>You can also see your doctor about options for managing symptoms such as over-the-counter medications (such as antihistamines) and longer term solutions.</p> <p>For those with allergies who want to have their cat and their ability to breathe too, <a href="https://journals.lww.com/co-allergy/fulltext/2018/08000/does_evidence_support_the_use_of_cat_allergen.11.aspx?casa_token=Y7rh9GwOUjcAAAAA:VoRFLInOZf_E_oDk2uX0ZrkfrMDNklzrvx1Tl7PsS2MFoaTEu4bR-n7JCG0IjgiPYCImKnpzYVjX9SmnFxmlTuRyt2VvXg">another option is immunotherapy</a>, although there is limited evidence to support this treatment for cat allergies.</p> <p>Immunotherapy involves first identifying which specific allergen is causing the reactions, and then systematically delivering increasing levels of this allergen over several months in an effort to retrain the immune system to tolerate the allergen without a reaction. This may be especially beneficial for those with moderate to severe reactions.</p> <p>There is evidence <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cea.12380?casa_token=aZ0yxtcV_2MAAAAA:zfNPJau3PSSvTr7I5HXWgISCZ8NZm_5Bnrh9eVdZyoeU8V4e_jESrdXMy3Aw4kdtHHBZBSeVA3sJb4LS">exposure to dogs and cats early in life can reduce at least some forms of allergy</a>. Evidence is still conflicting, though, and probably depends on genetics and other environmental factors.</p> <p>What we do know is that pet cats provide companionship and joy to many, and understanding the causes and treatment of pet allergy can only help both cats and humans.</p> <p><em>Writen by Susan Hazel. Republished with permission from <a href="https://theconversation.com/do-hypoallergenic-cats-even-exist-3-myths-dispelled-about-cat-allergies-191662" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</em></p> <p><em><!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. 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Cody Simpson and Emma McKeon dispel rumours

<p>Olympian Emma McKeon and pop star Cody Simpson have discussed how "serious" their relationship is in their first joint interview. </p> <p>The couple sat down with Denham Hitchcock on Channel Seven's <em>Spotlight</em>, as they were quizzed on their romance. </p> <p>During the sit-down interview, Cody described their relationship as having "settled down vibes" and spoke of how "peaceful" they both feel. </p> <p>Emma chimed in, "I feel like we're best friends, which to me is so important. I'm close with my family, that is important to me, as well, so we just have a lot in common." </p> <p>"We're loving where we're at at the moment. And we have fun together. We just love each other's company."</p> <p>"We talk every day about how happy we are and how lucky we are. I think we definitely appreciate it," Cody added. </p> <p>"You know, when you meet someone, you just recognise that there's something there. I always saw her as this special person to me."</p> <p>Cody was then asked what the "best thing" in his life is right now: his relationship with Emma or his swimming career. </p> <p>"It's a loaded question. Like, swimming is that we do together, it's all wrapped up in one," he said. </p> <p>While the couple have been dating for several months, Cody admitted it took him almost a year to tell Emma he had a crush on her. </p> <p>"I always acknowledged that there was a connection that we had. But we didn't act on it until what ended up being a year later," he said. </p> <p>The couple also addressed rumours of tensions within the swimming team, after they found themselves in a complicated love triangle earlier in the year. </p> <p>Reports claimed that Kyle Chalmers deliberately bumped Simpson out of World Championship eligibility in the 100m butterfly by opting to contest the event.</p> <p>However Chalmers, who dated McKeon for several months in 2021, later disputed this saying he had always planned to compete in that event. </p> <p>"There's obviously been drama in the media,' Cody said, but added that there has been "nothing" going wrong in the "team dynamic".</p> <p><em>Image credits: Seven </em></p>

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4 myths about river cruises dispelled

<p>There are many stereotypes and myths that surround river cruising but they couldn’t be further from the truth. Here is the truth behind four common myths surrounding river cruising.</p> <p><strong>Myth 1: It is expensive</strong></p> <p>Although some river cruises are expensive, just like ocean cruises, there are all kinds of price packages to suit the needs of different customers. Unlike other cruises, river cruises won’t charge the lowest possible price and then charge for a wide range of “extras” as your travel begins. Everything from top of the range food to onshore excursions are including in the price. Due to this, once you step on board you don’t need to worry about any hidden costs and you can relax and start your trip.</p> <p><strong>Myth 2: It isn’t social</strong></p> <p>Many hold the belief that river cruising clientele is more reserved and quiet. However, the intimate setting of a river cruise makes for a much easier environment to make friends. Rather than passing by hundreds of people on a mega ship, you will be able to take advantage of an environment that is conducive to meeting other travellers.</p> <p><strong>Myth 3: It is boring</strong></p> <p>It is true that river cruises do not have on board casinos, rock-climbing walls and infinity pools for your entertainment. However, river cruises put a greater emphasis on shore excursions, cultural experiences and guided tours. If you are looking for a fully immersive cultural experience then river cruises will provide you with plenty of opportunities for adventure.</p> <p><strong>Myth 4: It is at the mercy of water levels</strong></p> <p>For the majority of the time, river cruises take place on well-managed waterways with locks. It is rare for a river cruise to be delayed due to low-water levels and modern river cruises are able to travel on significantly shallow water. If you are concerned about water levels, chat to the cruise line and they will give you all the information you need to know.</p> <p>Have you been on a river cruise before? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

Cruising

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New studies dispel diet myths – and the facts will shock you

<p>Just when we thought we had it all straightened out in our heads – what we could eat, what we should avoid eating, and what we shouldn’t even look at, a pair of new studies has been published that turns a lot of what we thought on its head.</p><p>Appearing in the British Medical Journal, the studies took a lot of existing notions of what is good for us, and dispelled them. Similarly, some of the things we’ve been limiting our intake of have been shown to have benefits for our health.</p><p>We’ve taken some of the most surprising revelations and listed them below.</p><p><strong>Butter could be good for you.</strong> Eaten in moderate amounts, butter may have benefits to your health. Contrary to what was once believed, dairy fats don’t work to raise cholesterol levels in your blood stream.</p><p><strong>Olive oil is carcinogenic when heated and shouldn’t be used for frying.</strong> While olive oil is fine to dress salads, and is very good for you, we should substitute it for something like rapeseed oil when frying, which has a higher smoke point and similar nutritional benefits.</p><p><strong>The benefits of drinking wine have been over-stated.</strong> Uh oh, this one’s upsetting. Apparently red wine may not be as universally good for people as once believed. While it has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease in post-menopausal women, there is also a connection between levels of alcohol intake and breast cancer in younger women. So stick to a small glass a couple of times a week.</p><p><strong>Red meat isn’t as bad for you as we thought.</strong> Interestingly, American studies show an increase of risk to your heart from eating red meat – results that don’t show up in European studies. It is thought that this is due to European beef often being fed on grass, and not being injected with hormones and antibiotics.</p><p><strong>Related links:</strong></p><p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/health/wellbeing/2015/01/ways-to-avoid-food-temptations/" target="_blank">4 easy ways to avoid food temptations</a></span></strong></em></p><p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/health/wellbeing/2014/12/fat-and-vitamins/" target="_blank">Here’s why you need fat to absorb vitamins</a></span></strong></em></p><p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/health/wellbeing/2015/01/is-milk-really-good-for-you/" target="_blank">Is milk really good for your bones?</a></span></strong></em></p>

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