In veterinary medicine, therapeutic laser therapy (called photobiomodulation) can relieve both acute and chronic pain in dogs and cats by targeting involved nerves that send pain signals to the brain. The way laser energy works are that it increases the speed of tissue repair by increasing circulation in the problem area, at the same time stimulating the immune system and reducing swelling and inflammation.  Laser therapy uses light waves of a specific wavelength to alter the body’s cells and tissues, and when the light is absorbed by the cells, electrons are activated and work to promote cell growth, and repair.  Laser therapy can also aid muscle healing, and speed up post-operative recovery.

Therapeutic laser treatments can also trigger nerve regeneration, and as dogs and cats experience nerve issues as they age, such treatments can relieve chronic pain and inflammation.  It can also provide relief to pets who suffer from degenerative neuropathy, myelopathy, osteoarthritis, and intervertebral disk disease.  Laser therapy has been demonstrated to support the re-innervation of weakened muscles, and promote functional recovery following injuries to peripheral nerves.  

There are no “true” hypoallergenic cats, because all cats produce allergens, regardless of breed and whether or not they shed. However, certain cat breeds can make good companions for people sensitized to cat allergens.

A cat who sheds less, or not at all, means fewer allergens end up in the environment, so many of the hypoallergenic breeds tend to be breeds that shed very little. Below are some cat breeds that may be a good choice for allergy sufferers.

10 hypoallergenic cat breeds

• Cornish Rex: With its big ears, the Cornish Rex has a distinctive look and possesses a very soft coat because it lacks an outer coat. This breed is a good choice for allergy sufferers since they shed very little, and have only the undercoat layer of hair.
• Devon Rex: Like Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex only has one undercoat, so it doesn’t shed as much as other breeds.
• Russian Blue: The Russian Blue is a short-haired, gentle and quiet breed, and does not regularly shed like other breeds. This breed is considered a hypoallergenic cat and is noted for its blue/grey colored coat.
• Balinese: Also called the “long-haired Siamese,” the Balinese is one of the few breeds that produce less Fel d 1 than other breeds, which makes it a good option for allergy sufferers.
• Javanese: Like the Balinese, the Javanese cat lacks an undercoat, and has only one of the three layers of coat that regular cats have. This cat breed possesses only the top layer of coat, so it doesn’t shed as much as other breeds.
• Bengal: The Bengal looks like a little wildcat, a miniature leopard. This type doesn’t shed as much as other breeds, and it produces less of the Fel d protein that makes people allergic to cats. Also, its hair coat requires less maintenance and grooming, meaning their coats do not contain as much saliva.
• Oriental Shorthair: This friendly breed has a short hair-coat that is fine and silky, and won’t shed much as long as the owner provides regular brushing.
• Siamese: The Siamese cat is also hypoallergenic, and sheds considerably less than other cat breeds. Due to its short hair coat, it can be another good choice for allergy sufferers.
• Sphynx: This breed is very affectionate, and because it’s hairless, it sheds few allergens due to its lack of hair. As a result, this breed has no hair to trap allergens in the saliva.
• Siberian: Siberian cats have a double fur coat, however, their fur does have a lower level of the Fel d 1 protein, making it a good option for cat lovers who like long-haired cats.

What can I do to reduce cat dander and shedding?

There are several things that cat owners can do to reduce shedding and triggering allergic reactions:

• Provide your cat with a healthy diet. Cats with poor diets shed more often, and to improve your cat’s coat, make sure their diet is rich with omega-3 fatty acids as they reduce the amount of the Fel d1 protein present on a cat’s body. Owners can also give them fish oil supplements in addition to their normal food.
• Regular grooming. Regular grooming can help with shedding, and owners can remove excess hair and dander with fine-tooth combs. However, brushing tends to aerosolize the allergic protein, so it may be best to brush your cat outside or make an appointment with a professional groomer.
• Bathing. Although most cats are not fond of water, regular bathing is a good option for reducing shedding. If it’s too much to bathe your cat, consider purchasing some grooming wipes. Many of these products contain oatmeal, jojoba oil, aloe Vera, vitamin E or chamomile extract that help to moisturize the skin and removing excess hair.
• Clean bedding and toys regularly. A lot of hair and dander in the home is obviously where your cat lives, including their bedding, toys, couches, and furniture. Regular cleaning and vacuuming can help reduce the buildup of cat dander and hair.

As mentioned above, there are no “true” hypoallergenic cats, but you can research certain breeds that shed very little and produce reduced amounts of Fel d1, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about hypoallergenic cats, contact your veterinarian for more information.