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Tag Archives: hypoallergenic
The Russian Blue Cat
Six month old Russian Blue Male
This cat was originally known as the Archangel Cat or Foreign Blue. The breed originated in Arkhangelsk, Russia and is said to have been brought to Europe by sailors who had stopped at the Russian port.
The Russian Blue has a lean elongated body and a distinctive plush blue-grey coat. The coat is different because it is double with the undercoat being soft and downy. But the undercoat is equal in length to the guard hairs which are an even blue color with silver tips. Only the Russian Blue and the French Chartreux have this type of coat. It is wonderfully soft to the touch and compares to beaver or seal in its plush soft feel. The silver tips give this distinctive coat the appearance of shimmering. Set this off with clear and vivid dark green eyes and you have a singularly striking cat.
Another benefit of this coat is ease of grooming. It consists of lots of petting and an occasional brushing. Add in periodic nail clipping and thats it.
This breed of cats is not just beautiful, they are very intelligent too. In fact, they are noted for their high intelligence and activity level. They have been known to open doors and windows and to teach others to play fetch which seems to be a game they enjoy. They enjoy all types of toys and seem to relish play.
Another characteristic of this breed is the extremely close bond they establish with their loved ones. So much so that they are known to ‘clown’ to quiet a crying child or baby and to sit patting their human companion to help chase away the blues. They are also known for getting along with other pets and children in the household and for being very clean and quiet cats.
The Russian Blue is very healthy. There appear to be no inherent problems that would require special care.
The Russian Blue can be a little shy but it is worth the time to bring it out of its shell. They are highly sought after due to their personalities and their distinctive coat.
This cat produces much less glycoprotein Fel d 1 so they are much less of an allergen source than most other breeds. This suggests the Russian Blue might be hypoallergenic. But no cat is truly free of allergens.
It is said that the Russian Blue cat looks as if they are smiling and the meaning of the smile is known only to themselves. I think they are smiling because they know they can wrap us around their littlest toe with two paws tied behind their beautiful blue backs.
Siberian Cat
Felix the Siberian Cat-Photo by Pamela Keasling
I must admit I had not heard of the Siberian Cat until I met Pamela online. We started to communicate about our cats and she introduced me to this wonderful breed . Her cat’s name is Felix and his picture accompanies this article. He is really a proud looking fellow, isn’t he? The following article is about this very old breed and their proud heritage. Thank you Pamela for the picture of Felix and for getting me interested in this unique cat breed.
The Siberian cat is the national cat of Russia. They originated as a working cat on Russian farms and followed people into the cities where they adapted to urban living. Once in the cities they mixed with feral cats of all types and colors. Today this semi- long haired breed is recognized by most cat organizations which accept all colors including color points for competition.
Before the fall of the Communist government in the USSR Siberian cats were not allowed to be exported to other countries. Finally , in the early 1990′s through an exchange of purebred Himalayans for Siberians, the cats reached the United States. They have become successful here and are increasing in popularity.
These cats are large with mature males weighing 11 to 15 pounds and mature females 9 to 12 pounds. They are strong, powerfully built and they are exceptionally agile jumpers. Their jumping ability is aided by their strong hindquarters .
Like the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat, the Siberian cat has large, rounded paws for easy travel in snow and a long, beautiful, fluffy tail to wrap around themselves and protect their muzzles while sleeping in cold weather. They also have a mane of longer hair around the neck somewhat like a lion. But their barrel chests, stockier build and broad foreheads set them apart from their brother forest cats. Like most other large cat breeds they mature slowly over their first five years.
This breed is very intelligent and quite affectionate, playful and loyal. Siberian cats are devoted and love to be handled and cuddled. They also like to be helpful to their owners and can be described as dog-like in their attitudes. Although independent, they may respond to their name when called.
Siberian cats really like the outdoors . If you have a Siberian that you keep as an indoor cat, leash train him so he can enjoy outdoor strolls. If the cat knows he will get to go out sometimes, he will be less prone to try to run out every time a door or window is opened. Another notable trait in this cat is the fact that they like heights and will seek out the tops of bookcases and doors to get the best vantage point in the area.
Grooming a Siberian is relatively simple. They have an easy to care for coat with textured but glossy fur that rarely matts or tangles . A twice weekly combing is enough to keep their coat in good condition. They molt once or twice a year with the first molt coming at the end of winter. Many Siberians also have a ‘mini-molt’ at the end of summer. It is interesting to note that the molting or shedding process in cats is not triggered by heat but by daylight. Longer hours of sunshine trigger the molting process.
Non scientific information from owners and breeders suggest the Siberian cat is hypoallergenic to many allergy suffers. Some Siberians are low in the FeL d1 protein that triggers allergies in many people. But if you are allergic to serum albumin, the Siberian is most likely no different for you. Check with your doctor to find out what specific cat allergen affects you before you bring a Siberian home.
The Siberian breed of cat can be seen in Russian paintings and writings dating back hundreds of years. This sets them apart from most breeds that are the result of recent selective breeding. I personally think it also accounts at least somewhat for their hearty good health and long life span.
Overall, this is a very healthy, charming and beguiling breed and they make wonderful pets
Hairless or Sphinx Cat
by C. Swarens
Individuals that want to have cats may be unable to keep them because of allergies. Depending on the exact nature of your allergy, hairless cats, or Sphinxes may or may not be of help to you. These amazing cats have no hair at all on their bodies. Despite this, their skin coloring often mimics what their fur would look like. As an example, you might see hairless cats with white paws or splashes on their noses.
If your allergy is specifically related to cat hair, you may want to consider purchasing a hairless cats. Even though a hairless cat does not have fur, it still secretes oils that would normally be used to keep fur healthy and shiny. If you are allergic to these oils, or dandruff, hairless cats may even make matters worse.
Considering how expensive hairless cats can be, you might want to have some special allergy tests. If it turns out that the oils are setting off your allergies, you may want to pursue a tolerance improvement program. Typically, your doctor will give you a series of inoculations that will help you overcome the allergic response.
Aside from cost, it would be very unfair to purchase a hairless cat that you cannot care for properly. Among other things, their skin is delicate and abrades easily. Other pets, and even household items can easily tear at the skin. Even though hairless cats are hearty, you will need to make sure that they are protected as much as possible. This includes making sure that the home is warm enough for them. You may also need to give hairless cats an occasional bath to make sure that their skin stays as healthy. As may be expected, it is best to acclimate them to washing while they are still kittens.
As with any other pet, it is also important to understand that a pair of hairless cats is not a license to start a cat breeding mill. Today, hairless cats are an established breed of cat. Unfortunately, there are likely to be irresponsible breeders that force the mother cats to have too many litters. Others may inbreed to the point where the resulting kittens have health problems. If you are considering purchasing hairless cats, do not hesitate to ask about the family lines and health conditions of the parent animals. Similar to dogs, there is nothing more heartbreaking than taking home a new pet, and then see it suffer in later years with genetic ailments.
Today, many people operate under the false assumption that hairless cats will solve their allergy problems. Depending on what part of the cat you are allergic to, hairless cats may be an option. Because hairless cats require a good bit of care, you may want to make sure that you will not develop an allergy to them. Irregardless of why you want to purchase hairless cats, you will also need to carefully investigate breeders. Similar to purchasing a pedigree dog, you will want to know the health history of the kitten’s family, as well as the names of the cats in each parent’s blood lines.
Standard Poodle
Article by Lisa Collins
If you want a confident, intelligent dog that enjoys an active life, a Poodle may be the best breed for you. Poodles are full of life and energy; inquisitive, dignified; and loyal. For at least the last ten years, the American Kennel Club of the United States has listed the Poodle as one of its ten most popular breeds. One reason Poodles are so popular is that they come in a variety of sizes; small, medium and large, known in the dog world as Toy, Miniature and Standard Poodles.
To measure a Poodle’s height against the standard of the breed, measure the dog at the highest point of the shoulder. A Standard Poodle measures more than fifteen inches at the shoulder. A Miniature Poodle measures fifteen inches or less at the shoulder, and a Toy Poodle measures less than ten inches.
The Poodle’s coat is always naturally curly and dense in texture. Several colors are allowed, including black, white, apricot, brown, blue, gray and silver. Within each solid color, slight variations in hue are also allowed.
The origins of the Poodle breed are uncertain, although Germany, Denmark and France have all claimed credit for developing the breed. Over the years, France has come to be recognized as the Poodle’s place of origin, and the French hold a special place in their hearts and in their culture for what they call the Caniche.
The Standard Poodle is thought to have descended from a mix between the Barbet, a French water dog Hungarian Water Hound. The Miniature and Toy varieties were bred down from the Standard Poodle. Once used as a sporting dog, Poodles retrieved waterfowl during gun hunts. The traditional Poodle cut, with extra hair at the joints, was meant to insulate the dogs’ joints against the cold water. Poodles also worked as truffle hunters, and circus performers. In fact, they remain familiar icons in popular culture, and they continue to perform in the modern entertainment industry.
Some Standard Poodles become famous as performers, while others derive their fame from their celebrity owners. Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas loved their first Poodle, Basket, so much that they got two more Poodles, named Basket II and Basket III.
Performer “Weird Al” Yankovic has a Toy Poodle named Bela, whom he put on top of his head for the cover of his album “Poodle Hat”. Wrestling star Rene Dupree, who know uses the professional name “Rene Bonaparte”, often refers to his Poodle Fifi.
Poodles are well known as characters in literature, film and television. The late Jacqueline Susann, the darling of the 1960s, wrote a best-selling novel, Every Night Josephine, about her Poodle, Josephine. One of many examples of Poodles in film is the 2000 film Best In Show, which featured a Poodle named Rhapsody in White as the canine character “Butch”. The TV family in the animated series Rugrats has a Poodle named Fifi as a pet. Although most Standard Poodles will never appear on the pages of a novel or on the big screen, their owners consider them superstars of the highest magnitude.
Lisa Collins is a Poodle breeder and freelance writer who has written four books on Poodles.
If you are interested in adopting a Poodle go here for a list of breed rescues devoted to the Poodle. If you do adopt, please send us your story. Fluffyfeet would love to publish the story of you and your special pet.
Lowchen – The Little Lion Dog
The Lowchen is believed to have originated in Mediterranean Europe and is thought to have its foundation in France. In 1969 The Guinness Book of World Records listed this little dog as the rarest breed of dogs. The Lowchen no longer holds this record but it is still a very uncommon dog.
Photo from Wikipedia Commons
This small breed makes a wonderful pet for people in apartments. They are generally healthy, very active little dogs and play takes care of many of their exercise needs. However, they still do need a daily walk to keep them really happy. With care they live for 12 to 14 years or longer.
Since the Lowchen sheds little to none of their long wavy hair they must be brushed and combed regularly to remove the dead hair and keep their coats in top condition. This breed usually has its hindquarters, the section of tail closest to the body and the front leg areas closely clipped which makes their coats resemble that of a lion and gives them the little lion dog nickname. However, some owners prefer a puppy clip. The dog is probably happy either way. Because of their lack of shedding the Lowchen is considered a hypoallergenic breed.
These are robust, even tough small dogs and males in particular will challenge larger dogs. They are fearless but also cheerful, lively, affectionate, sociable, gentle and sensitive. This breed is also highly intelligent and learns quickly so they present little difficulty in training.
The Lowchen stands 10 to 13 inches and weighs 9 to 18 pounds. Because they are so playful they are generally good with children and other pets. The only problem with the breed seems to be a minor one. They do not like to be left outdoors for extended periods away from people. This can cause them to become unhappy, depressed and maybe even aggressive.
If you would like to get a good idea of this little breeds looks and personality, just catch an episode of the old television series Hart to Hart. The dog on that show is named Freeway and is an untrimmed Lowchen.
