Are Savannah cats hypoallergenic

Answer 1

I am HUGELY allergic to cats and have not been able to own a cat for about 20 years, as contact with cats have sent me to hospital emergency rooms. Then, about six months ago, I heard about the relatively new Savannah species which is supposed to be hypoallergenic. I decided to get a kitten and find out for myself. I bought my kitten from one of the most well-established and long-standing breeders in the country. I wanted to get an F5 generation kitten or higher, just to be on the safe side. The F1-F3 generations of savannahs have a high percentage of African Serval blood, which may increase their hypoallergenic properties (as with the Bengal breed, it seems like the percentage of wild cat blood has something to do with the chances of a cat being "allergy free.") But F1-F3 Savannah cats are usually more expensive and tend to be more wild and less touchy-feely. So, I opted for a F5 kitten, with about 5% serval blood and a fantastic temperament.

The RESULT? I would say I am mildly allergic to the cat, as opposed to insanely allergic. If I kiss and cuddle the cat, unless I wash off my hands and face, I usually get mild Asthma or sinus conditions. I DO NOT get itchy, watery eyes, though, and my face doesn't swell up like a balloon. The cat is so awesome (Savannahs have a very friendly, dog-like personality and are hyper-active, like a cat on speed) that I just deal with it and use my albuterol inhaler when necessary. It's wonderful to be able to have a cat in my life again.