The Selkirk Rex and Allergies

*texts below courtesy of Marie Noel - De La Fontaine Mamoine Cattery

An American study has shown that Selkirk Rex cats are less likely to
provoke allergic reactions in humans than is the case with other breeds.
The breed’s saliva was found to contain lower quantities of allergy
provoking antigens. It was also shown that the breed sheds less hair
than others.
 
I attempted to reproduce the experiment with the co-operation of four
friends who claim to be allergic to cats. Firstly, in reaction to
"normal" cats, two of the group developed asthma attacks, another
experienced irritated & swollen eyes and the fourth an attack of
urticaria (like nettle-rash).
 
In contact with Selkirk Rex however, the group either exhibited no
symptoms or very reduced symptoms to the point where the allergy was no
longer a problem.
 
Since no formal study has yet been made in France, I have recently
contacted the pneumology department of a hospital located in the south
of France. A team of researchers has expressed interest in the findings
of my study.
 
I will keep you informed of any further progress.
 
Another American study undertaken by the Journal of the American Medical
Association proves that children that are around cats from an early age
are less likely to develop allergies later on. It states that the
presence of pets actually reduces the risk of asthma and allergy
developing and not the reverse, as has previously been thought.
 
The survey was conducted on 474 children by the Director of Allergy
Studies & Immunology of the Faculty of Medicine of Georgia. It
contradicts the widely held belief that the presence of animals in a
household causes allergies. The study followed the development of the
children from birth until 7 years of age. The scientist noted that those
children raised around cats were less prone to develop allergies or
asthma. It seems that having been exposed to shed hair & bacteria (most
notably from being licked by cats) the children developed more robust
and stable immune systems as a response.