29.06.2022

Are Siamese cats hypoallergenic? Find out the truth!

Siamese cats are wonderful pets—they are fun, cuddly, and highly affectionate, which is what makes them so popular. Since they shed considerably less than many other breeds, they are considered suitable pets for people who suffer from cat allergies. But does the shedding frequency really influence a breed's hypoallergenic status?

Are Siamese cats hypoallergenic? Read this article to find out what actually causes allergies to cats and whether a proper diet and care regimen can help minimise allergic reactions in cat parents.

Cat allergies explained—what are people allergic to?

There is a common misconception that people who suffer from cat allergies react to feline hair. Allergy sufferers actually react to proteins, predominantly Fel d 1 protein, produced by felines’ sebaceous glands. This means that the allergens are present in a cat’s:

1. Urine and faeces
2. Saliva
3. Tears
4. Mucous
5. Skin and dander

Studies show that 80 to 95% of people who suffer from cat allergies react to Fel d 1 protein. Only a small percentage of people react to Fel d 2 and Fel d 3 proteins, also produced by cats’ sebaceous glands. Since all kitties produce these proteins, regardless of their breed, hair length, and the intensity of shedding, there are no hypoallergenic cat breeds. 

I know I shouldn’t be on the sofa, but let’s find a compromise.

Source: liliy2025

Do Siamese cats cause severe allergic reactions?

Some cat breeds, including Siamese cats, Bengals, Russian Blues, Burmese, Sphynx, and Siberian cats, don’t produce large amounts of the Fel d1 protein, which is why they might cause milder reactions in allergy sufferers. Besides producing small amounts of this protein, Siamese cats also shed less. Since cat fur and dander carry the allergens, cats who shed less seem to be better pets for allergy-prone cat parents. 

Siamese cats and allergy sufferers—can they cohabitate?

If you have mild cat allergies, you can live with a Siamese cat without experiencing severe reactions. Antihistamines like loratadine can help control symptoms such as:

• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Throat irritation
• Itchy skin

It is possible to avoid medication altogether if you take some precautions, namely:

• Washing linens more frequently
• Not letting your cat sleep in your bed or restricting their access to the bedroom
• Washing your clothes often
• Vacuuming and dusting daily
• Keeping washable covers on the furniture
• Grooming your cat outdoors while wearing gloves and face masks or asking someone else to handle grooming

Doctors don't recommend adopting a cat if you experience severe symptoms, including:

• Vomiting
• Swelling
• Severe asthma
• Difficulty swallowing

Caring for your Siamese to control the exposure to allergens

You can reduce shedding and the amount of dander (and allergens) in your home significantly if you care for your Siamese cat adequately. You should:

1. Groom your cat regularly
2. Treat underlying health issues
3. Invest in quality food

How to groom a Siamese cat

Regular grooming helps get rid of dead fur and skin and prevents allergens from spreading all over your living space. Brushing your cat multiple times a week should do the trick.

Brush away, hooman, as long as I get to spend some time outside.

Source: klimkin

Here are some tips you should follow:

1. Brush your Siamese outside—Cat hair is so fine that it flies everywhere, so brushing your Siamese outside helps keep dead fur and dander out of your home. Always brush in the direction of the hair growth and use a soft bristle or rubber brush. You can also ask someone who is not allergic to cats to do the brushing for you
2. Wipe your cat's fur with a damp cloth—This will ensure that the remaining dead fur and dander stick to the cloth
3. Bathe your Siamese regularly—You should bathe your feline friend once a week. Start bathing them while your cat is still a kitten so they can get used to the whole process

How can health niggles affect shedding?

Siamese cats are prone to two conditions that can cause excessive shedding:

1. Psychogenic cat alopecia—Siamese cats are prone to compulsive behaviour, such as overgrooming, which can cause them to lose hair in patches. The primary causes of this condition include chronic stress, psychological trauma, anxiety, and boredom. The treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and antidepressants
2. Feline hyperesthesia syndrome—Also known as the twitch-skin syndrome, this condition is common in Siamese, Burmese, and Abyssinians cats. Their skin becomes extremely sensitive, so they lick, bite, and scratch excessively, which can lead to open wounds. The condition can be caused by:

• Fungal infections
• Parasites
• Food allergies
• Allergies to particles in the environment

How can quality cat food help manage cat allergies?

An inadequate diet can increase shedding in cats and your exposure to allergens. The following ingredients commonly found in commercial cat food are particularly problematic:

• Additives—artificial flavouring and colourants
• Common allergens—eggs, dairy, beef
• Filler ingredients—grains, such as rice, sweetcorn, corn, wheat, soya, etc.

To reduce shedding and prevent many skin-related issues, you should feed your cat food that resembles their natural feeding pattern. In nature, cats hunt and eat small animals, like birds, mice, and slugs, so the food you feed them should mimic that, which means it should contain:

1. Sufficient amounts of suitable protein—Cat food should contain at least 50% of animal protein because meat is the only source of essential amino acids, such as taurine, arginine, and histidine, that cats need to maintain healthy skin and fur. These amino acids also support the immune system and help build muscle and bones. Since cats are carnivores, a plant-based diet and proteins obtained from vegetables are not suitable for their digestive system. The best sources of protein for felines are lean meats (such as chicken, liver, turkey) or fish
2. Moderate amounts of fat—Besides being a good supplementary source of energy for felines, animal fat also provides omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that ensure a healthy and shiny coat and reduced shedding. Fat also helps with dry skin, plays a vital role in metabolic processes, and is crucial for wound healing and proper inflammatory response. Tuna, sardine, salmon, and mackerel are good sources of essential fatty acids
3. Vitamins and minerals—Vitamin B complex, vitamin E, and selenium help hydrate the skin and are necessary for healthy coats in cats. All the essential vitamins and minerals can be found in meat

Wet food vs. dry food—which is better for a Siamese cat's fur?

Many vets recommend choosing wet cat food over kibbles and feeding your kitty at least two portions of canned food a day because this diet:

• Keeps felines hydrated
• Lowers the chance of urinary tract problems
• Contains more protein
• Helps keep your cat's skin hydrated 

Unlike dry food, which only has 10% moisture, wet food typically has about 70%. This is crucial because cats don't have a high thirst drive, and dry food can make them dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to loss of elasticity in skin and accumulation of dander, as well as loss of fur.

Besides coat issues, dehydration can also cause more serious health niggles, such as urinary infections (e.g. struvite crystals and cystitis) and constipation.

Minimise Siamese cat shedding with Untamed

A well-balanced diet can reduce shedding in Siamese cats.

Image (c) Untamed

With Untamed, you can manage your cat allergies more easily. Our wet cat food helps maintain your feline's overall health, nourishes their skin and coat, and minimises hair loss. 

All our gravy and jelly recipes are made with high-quality ingredients and are entirely free from:

• Meat derivatives
• Plant proteins
• Grains
• Sugar
• Additives

Check out the benefits of Untamed meals below:

Take our Try Now quiz and see which products your cat will like the most. Order a trial pack and get your Siamese hooked on delicious goodness packed in Untamed tins.

Untamed will do much more than keep your allergies at bay

Untamed meals are suitable for felines of any breed, age, and size. You can rely on Untamed to:

1. Ensure your kitten develops properly by gaining healthy weight with adequate meal portions
2. Keep your adult Siamese playful and fit by offering suitable servings according to their breed, gender, and activity levels
3. Maintain a healthy weight and appetite in senior cats and prevent muscle tone loss

They say we will share the food soon. I’m not sure how I feel about that.

Source: liliy2025

Once they switched their kitties to Untamed, many cat parents noticed considerable improvements in their felines' shedding frequency, mood, and overall health. According to their feedback, you can expect the following effects:

Get your trial pack in no time!

Switching to Untamed meals begins with three simple steps:

1. Take the Try Now quiz
2. Pick the meal plan
3. Complete the order

The starter pack will arrive the next day. You can serve the meals to your kitty and see how they like our recipes. Once they give us a meow of approval, you can get monthly deliveries of Untamed supplies. If you need to postpone a delivery, change the meal plan, or cancel your order, you can do it easily from your account.