Many folks love cats, and with good purpose: They’re cute, fuzzy and endlessly entertaining. Many individuals are additionally, sadly, allergic to cats. If you’re a type of individuals who sits in the course of the Venn diagram of cat lovers and cat allergy-havers, you’ll have heard that some cat breeds, like Ragdoll cats, are hypoallergenic. While there’s a seed of reality on this rumor, veterinarians be aware that there are some issues that these with allergy symptoms ought to think about earlier than bringing a cat into their home. We requested vets if ragdoll cats are hypoallergenic, and what different cat breeds may be good for these with kitty-related sniffles.
The lowdown on cat allergy symptoms
Pet allergy symptoms are not any joke. In reality, analysis from Allergy, Asthma & Immunology states that as much as 20% of the worldwide population has an allergy to dogs or cats. Within that group, extra individuals are allergic to cats than dogs, and by a major margin: Cat allergies are about twice as common as canine allergy symptoms, based on the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Experts theorize this can be as a result of bodily properties of the allergy-causing protein present in cats known as “Fel d 1.” It’s sticky and microscopic — about one-tenth the size of a speck of dust. Because it’s so small and light-weight, it could possibly keep within the air for lengthy durations of time, and its stickiness permits it to bond simply to garments and pores and skin. Dog allergens are bigger, in order that they don’t keep airborne as simply, which can be why not as many individuals have canine allergy symptoms.
Fel d 1 is answerable for inflicting allergic reactions in 95% of cat-allergic adults. And it’s not simply discovered within the fur such as you may count on — which means Fluffy’s shedding drawback alone isn’t what’s supplying you with the sniffles. “This protein is found in cat saliva, skin and urine,” says Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM and veterinary contributor at We Love Doodles.
So whilst you may sneeze and sniffle whenever you see piles of cat fur gathering within the corners of your front room, it’s really your kitty’s dander — useless pores and skin cells that naturally fall off — mixed with saliva she produced whereas grooming that’s aggravating your allergy symptoms.
Are ragdoll cats hypoallergenic?
Ragdoll cats are well-liked for his or her apparent beauty, however they’re greater than only a fairly face. They’re full of allure and distinctive personalities — and probably hypoallergenic qualities— which have gained them a devoted following.
In reality, it’s mentioned that they’re known as Ragdolls due to the way in which they fully chill out and give up when being cuddled — they go limp like ragdolls. Check out the video under of Bowie the Ragdoll cat exhibiting this lovable trait:
They’re additionally calm and people-oriented, which has gained them some acclaim with those that don’t even think about themselves “cat people.” “They’re often described as dog-like because of their tendency to follow their owners around and their sociable behavior,” says Dr. Kong.
Beyond their look and glowing personalities, Ragdolls are additionally a preferred pet selection for feline fanatics with cat allergy symptoms. “Ragdolls shed less than other breeds due to having no ‘undercoat,’ so there may be less allergens in the environment,” says Dr. Mikel (Maria) Delgado, cat habits skilled with Rover.
“What makes a cat ‘hypoallergenic’ isn’t about fur length or shedding, but rather the amount of Fel d 1 protein they produce,” says Dr. Kong. Ragdoll cats should not absolutely hypoallergenic, say veterinarians, however they could be a superb cat breed for these with cat allergy symptoms. “Ragdolls are known to produce fewer allergenic proteins, which make them a better choice for some allergy sufferers,” says Dr. Kong.
Other cat breeds good for allergy victims
“While no cat breed is completely hypoallergenic, some breeds are known to produce fewer allergens than others, making them potentially more suitable for people with allergies,” says Dr. Alejandro Caos, a veterinarian with The Vets. Keep scrolling to see pictures and be taught the traits of those allergy-friendly cat breeds.
1. Devon Rex
These placing cats have curly coats and have a tendency to shed much less, says Dr. Caos. They’re not known to produce less of the allergy-causing protein, however as a result of they’re not sloughing off as a lot useless pores and skin and saliva that’s usually hooked up to fur that’s been shed, Devon Rexes could also be a superb possibility for allergy victims.
2. Cornish Rex
Not solely do Cornish Rexes not shed very a lot, these kitties are additionally curly coated just like the Devon Rex, which Dr. Caos says could also be useful in trapping allergens as an alternative of releasing them into the surroundings. (Click via to be taught extra about different curly hair cats and their fascinating histories.)
3. Sphynx
While some Sphynx cats have peach fuzz, a lot of them are hairless, which is undoubtedly their most unusual characteristic. They nonetheless produce the Fel d 1 protein of their saliva, pores and skin and urine. But since fur that’s been shed is an enormous provider for airborne Fel d 1 and Sphynx cats don’t (and may’t) shed, they could make a sensible choice for these with cat allergy symptoms. They’re lack of hair makes them liable to a chill, so be ready to place your Sphynx cat in a sweater… or a pancake costume, just like the Instagram-famous Sphynx, Ichabod (@ichabodsphynx):
4. Siamese
Siamese cats are regal and affectionate. They’re generally known as “Velcro cats” due to how a lot they like to stay to their human’s aspect always. They may additionally be extra “hypoallergenic” than different breeds on account of the truth that they don’t shed closely.
5. Balinese
While they simply seem like Siamese cats with fluffy coats, Balinese are their very own breed. And regardless of that fluffiness, they have a tendency to supply fewer allergens as a result of they don’t shed very a lot, particularly in comparison with different long-coated cats.
6. Bengal
With their distinctive coats, Bengal cats are the closest you may get to having a leopard as a pet. They are likely to shed lower than different cats, however additionally they don’t groom themselves as often as different breeds, that means they’re not lined in Fel d 1-carrying saliva. These wild-looking sweeties could also be a superb possibility for these with kitty-related sniffles.
7. Russian Blue
Even although Russian Blue cats have dense coats, they aren’t liable to shedding and they produce less Fel d 1, making them a superb possibility for allergy victims. They’re additionally candy and affectionate, and so they tend to pick a “favorite” pet parent that they bond very intently with.
What to do should you’re nonetheless experiencing dangerous cat allergy symptoms
Even if in case you have considered one of these “hypoallergenic” cat breeds, you should still have allergic reactions, relying on the severity of your situation. The excellent news is that there are some issues you are able to do to mitigate allergic reactions round your cat.
Dr. Delgado recommends minimizing using carpets or drapes in areas your cat spends quite a lot of time since these can cling on to dander. She additionally notes that HEPA air filters can show useful. The most shocking answer, nonetheless, may be what you feed your cat. “There is a new diet for cats from Purina called LiveClear that reduces the amount of Fel d 1 in cats’ saliva, so that can reduce your allergy signs,” says Dr. Delgado.
Indeed, Purina notes that, inside the first three weeks of feeding, this meals reduces the amount of Fel d 1 in your cat’s dander and hair by 47%. The meals comprises an egg-based protein present in eggs that binds to and neutralizes the Fel d 1 protein. Consult your vet to see if switching to LiveClear (Buy from Amazon, $22.31) is an effective possibility to your furry pal — and for you.
Can’t get sufficient cats? Click via to be taught extra about fabulous felines:
Why Do Cats Loaf? Vet Experts Reveal the Sweet Reason Behind This Cute Behavior
Why Cats Stick Out Their Tongue — Vets Reveal the Quirky Reason and When to Be Worried
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