No, Lambkin cats are not hypoallergenic. Their coats retain the same amount of dander that most other cat breeds do. They do not produce less of the protein allergen Fel d 1 compared to other breeds. Just like most cat breeds, they are not advisable for people with severe cat allergies, but they may be a good option for people who only have mild cat allergies.
As long as you are able to keep their dander excretion to a minimum, there is no reason for the Lambkin cat not to be your next kitty. So, if you or someone you know is thinking about adding a Lambkin cat to the household, keep reading.
What is a Lambkin cat?
The Lambkin cat is a mixed breed that crosses the popular Munchkin cat with the Selkirk Rex. What you get is a cat with the munchkin cat’s short legs and the Selkirk Rex’s curly coat.
These cats have a small to medium sized body and weigh from five to nine pounds when full grown. It has an interesting looking tail that is long, curved, fluffy, and it tapers to a rounded tip. Because it is a dwarf breed, these kitties will have short, thick legs on a long body. Often the hind legs are taller than the front legs. They have a round face and round eyes. Their chest is full, round, and broad. Lambkin kittens will have curly hair which straightens at 16 weeks of age, but will become curly again when they turn eight to ten months old.
Lambkin cat personality
The Lambkin personality is also a cross between the Munchkin and the Selkirk Rex.
They are outgoing, social and love to interact with their humans. They are very playful and can often be found chasing after their toy mice, but are equally happy to cuddle up in your lap at the end of a long day. They do not like to be left on their own and they will follow you around everywhere if they have to.
Lambkins love to climb despite their short stature. They will find ways to reach windowsills and tabletops even if it takes them all day to do it.
Fortunately, their shortness has not resulted in any Napoleonic complexes. They are calm and just the perfect blend of upbeat friendliness and easy-going relaxation.
Do Lambkin cats make good pets?
Lambkin cats inherit the kind, sweet-natured personalities of their two parent breeds, which makes them ideal family pets.
They are often a social breed, who love company and physical contact.
They are not too high maintenance, which mostly depends on whether they are long or short-haired. But they will need, as any other cat, basic maintenance and regular health checks.
Are Lambkin cats hypoallergenic?
No, Lambkin cats are not hypoallergenic. They shed just about the same amount of dander as any other breed of cat and do not produce less of the protein allergen Fel d 1 compared to other cat breeds.
The Lambkin’s coat is quite delicate, meaning they can break easily and release dander into the air, triggering an allergic reaction. So proper and frequent grooming, including brushing of the coat and bathing, can help lessen the loose hairs, thus controlling the amount of dander released into the home.
What do I do if I want a Lambkin but have cat allergies?
Before you commit to bringing a Lambkin cat home, try exposing yourself to them. Visit a friend who owns a Lambkin and see how you react. If you have family members who also have cat allergies, take them with you.
This is important because you risk having to rehome the cat if you are allergic to Lambkins and get one without doing the proper due diligence.
Tips for Lambkin cat lovers who are allergic to cats
If despite your allergies you are still committed to getting a Lambkin and making it work, here are some steps you can take:
1. Feed Lambkins a breed appropriate diet
Lambkins, like all cats, are obligate carnivores. This means that they prefer to consume fresh raw meat. By feeding them food that they need and keeping them well hydrated, the quality of their skin improves. Healthy cats have less dry, flaky skin, less dander and therefore less allergens for you.
2. Cleaning is key
Wipe down the exposed surfaces in your home every day. Concentrate on areas your cat loves to climb onto, like furniture and countertops. Use a dust mitt or mop that has microfibers which help in picking up loose fur well. Wiping surfaces with microfiber cloths means you are not using chemicals to clean, which are often allergens themselves.
Avoid having a carpet in your house. Dander settles into the fabric, making the allergens harder to remove.
3. HEPA air filter
A high efficiency particulate air filter, or HEPA filter, is a mechanical air filter that works by forcing air in the room through a fine mesh that traps particles like pollen, dander, dust mites, and tobacco smoke. Because the Fel d 1 protein is so lightweight, it stays in the air for a long time. Investing in a good quality HEPA filter will reduce the allergens in the air significantly.
4. Limit exposure to your cat
Wash your hands after touching your cat. Do not kiss or snuggle him. Keep him out of your bedroom to make sure you have a room in your house that is allergen-free.
5. Brush your cat
Bathing a cat too often can dry out their skin and may not be a pleasant experience for them. Dry skin means more dander, worsening the situation. Bathing also only reduces allergens for the next 24 hours, so it is not the best option.
Rather than bathing your cat, brush him regularly to remove any loose fur. Wipe him down with a damp microfiber cloth as a stress-free alternative to baths.
6. Keep the litter box clean
Have a non-allergic family member scoop out the litter box twice a day to limit urine-to-air exposure.
7. Medicate yourself
If none of the tips mentioned above are working, take allergy medication. There are different forms of allergy medication such as oral tablets, decongestants, or shots. Choose the one you feel the most comfortable taking, or consult a medical profesisonal.
Conclusion
Lambkin cats are not hypoallergenic. They shed just as much as any other cat. They produce the protein allergen Fel d 1 just as much as most cat breeds. So, they are not advisable to be around people with severe cat allergies. But they can be an option for people who only have a mild cat allergy.
Make sure that you groom your cat by brushing them often and giving them infrequent baths to lessen the loose hairs and dander that carry the protein allergen. Feed your cat a breed specific diet to ensure that they are getting the right nutrients that they need. Clean your house by vacuuming and wiping down surfaces where dander may have settled. Investing in an air purifier is a good idea to clean the air around your house.
Image: istockphoto.com / GlobalP