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Balinese cats are an exotic breed of cat known for their long and luxurious coats and friendly personalities. They originated in Southeast Asia, though they are not actually from Bali as their name might suggest.
This is a beautiful breed with a distinctive look, but are they hypoallergenic? In this article, we will be looking at the Balinese breed in more detail, including whether they are a hypoallergenic breed of cat. Let’s get started.
The History Of The Balinese Breed
The Balinese cat is a breed that was developed in the United States, specifically in the 1950s. It is a long-haired version of the Siamese cat and is considered to be a “natural mutation” of the Siamese breed, meaning that it appeared without human intervention.
The first Balinese cat was a long-haired Siamese born in the litter of a Siamese breeding couple. The cat was then bred with other Siamese cats, to produce more long-haired kittens like it. These long-haired cats were named Balinese, after the grace and elegance of the dancers of Bali Island, Indonesia.
It took time for Balinese cats to be recognized as a separate breed, by the Cat Fanciers Association(CFA) which recognized the Balinese in 1961, while other registries like The International Cat Association (TICA) recognized the breed in 1979.
The Balinese cats are known for their sociable, affectionate, and active nature, and also for their intelligence, making them easy to train, and their striking beauty. This breed comes in traditional Siamese colors: Seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac.
Are Balinese Cats Hypoallergenic?
No, Balinese cats are not hypoallergenic. While they may produce fewer allergens than some other cat breeds, they still produce allergens that can cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to them.
The main allergen produced by cats is a protein called Fel d 1, which is found in a cat’s skin cells, urine, and saliva. Balinese cats are thought to produce less of this protein than other cats, which is why they are often considered to be less allergenic than some other breeds.
What Causes Allergens In Cats?
As mentioned, allergens in cats are caused by proteins found in a cat’s skin cells, urine, and saliva. The main allergen produced is a protein called Fel D-1. This protein is present in the cat’s skin cells and is also found in the cat’s saliva, urine, and dander.
When the cat grooms itself, the protein gets onto the hair and skin and is then spread around the house, via dander, and through the air when the cat moves around. The protein can also attach to other particles in the air, such as dust and pollen, which can make it even easier to inhale.
All cats produce Fel D-1, but some cats may produce more or less of it. Factors that can affect how much Fel D-1 a cat produces include the cat’s genetics, sex, and overall health.
It’s worth noting that people who are allergic to cats are reacting to Fel d 1 protein, not the cat’s hair. That’s why short-haired cats can still be allergenic for some people, and why some people might have less of an allergic reaction to a certain cat breed.
Can You Own A Balinese Cat When You Have Cat Allergies?
Owning a Balinese cat may be an option for people with cat allergies, as they are known to produce fewer allergens compared to other cat breeds. However, it is important to note that every person’s allergies are unique and may have different triggers and symptoms.
Additionally, while the Balinese cats may produce less of the Fel D-1 protein, they still produce allergens and some people with cat allergies may still be particularly sensitive to them.
It’s a good idea to spend time with a Balinese cat before adopting one, to see how you react. This will allow you to see how severe your allergic reaction is, and whether you would be able to manage it with medication or other remedies.
If you decide to adopt a Balinese cat despite your allergies, there are ways to minimize exposure, such as regular grooming and vacuuming, as well as using air purifiers and HEPA filters.
It’s important to keep in mind that some people with cat allergies may not be affected by the Balinese cats, but could still have a reaction to other breeds or individual cats.
An allergy test might be needed to confirm whether you are allergic to the breed. It’s best to consult with a doctor or an allergist to find out the best way to manage cat allergies and make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
So there you have everything you need to know about the Balinese cat breed and allergies. Remember, if you do have allergies but are considering getting this breed, try to spend some time with a Balinese cat first to see if you have a reaction.
