This is Floki, our 1 year old Russian Blue Cat. Did you know Russian Blue's are known for the slightly upturned mouth which mimics them smiling? Their coat is double layered and super soft. Some people would say it feels like silk. Yes his eyes really look like that though they change slightly in colour depending on the light in the room, Russian Blue's all have those beautiful emerald eyes. Have you heard that they are hypoallergenic cats? Well here's the low down, there is no Cat that is completely hypoallergenic. An enzyme in a cat's saliva and skin secretions called FEL D 1 is the allergen that people react to in. Russian Blue's have a low level of this enzyme which makes it less likely for one to have an allergic reaction to Russian Blues. They also do have dander which people can react to but tend to shed less than other cats.
When we did our research on Cats, we were looking at the breeds that were considered to have a low level of this enzyme because both my husband and I have allergies to cats. I did react to Floki the first couple of weeks and have not reacted to him since. I have such bad eye allergies that if I got cat hair in my eyes, they swell. Sometimes they swell so bad, I can't open my eyes. I have not had this problem with Floki.
So now I know what you are thinking.......'How can you be a Cat Photographer and be so allergic?' It's pretty simple, I love cats so much that I am willing to make the sacrifice. Everything about them speaks to me. From their sleek cat walk to their fluffiness to their cuddles to their sometimes standoffish personality, I can't get enough of it. I have always felt a strong connection to cats to the point that when I was little I thought I was a Cat. My Grandfather he nicknamed me Cat. It made me so happy every time I head him say it.
So if you are thinking about adding a hypoallergenic cat to your family, make sure you do your research. Every Cat is different and you want to make sure their personality will fit your family. Some Cats need way more exercise than others. Some need mental stimulation. Some need to be cuddled and clings to their person. Others are very independent and will only snuggle when they want to. Also make sure you do research on breeders. Not all breeders are made the same. A good breeder will take the time to answer any and all of your questions. Afterall, they want to place their kittens with the best possible people.
Some other cat breeds to research should you have allergies:
1. Devon Rex;
2. Cornish Rex;
3. Siberian Forest Cats;
4. Bengals;
5. Sphynx;
6. Balinese;
7. Oriental Shorthair.
I can't stress enough to do your own research though. If you are considering bringing in a cat to your home, visit the breeder. Spend sometime with their cats and see how you will react. Some breeders will even send you a piece of clothing or a blanket that their cats have slept on to see if you react to it. I believe that goes a long way.
Sending love to everyone.
Lisa
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