Allergies to cats are the most common animal-related allergy, which can be disheartening for cat lovers who want to enjoy the companionship of a feline friend. So, hypoallergenic cats have become an increasingly popular “solution” for people with allergies. But are hypoallergenic cats really hypoallergenic? And what does hypoallergenic mean?
We know that sometimes there can be myths online about hypoallergenic cats. So, in this blog, we’ll explain the truth about them and give some of our tips to help manage cat allergies.
The term “hypoallergenic” can be used for something that contains fewer allergens and is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. There is a misconception that hypoallergenic means allergy-free, but unfortunately this isn’t the case. It means that something has a smaller chance of causing an allergic reaction, but there isn’t a 100% certainty that it won’t.
Contrary to popular belief, the primary allergen of cats is not their fur. Instead, it’s in a protein called “Fel d 1”, which is found in their saliva or secreted onto their skin. All cats produce “Fel d 1” in their fur, saliva, and urine, but hypoallergenic breeds produce lower levels. So, hypoallergenic cats are not cats with less fur; they are cats with fewer proteins that trigger allergies.
Globally, around 1 in 5 adults have a response to cat allergens. When cats groom themselves, they spread the “Fel d 1” protein in their saliva onto their fur and skin, which is then carried into the environment through dander and dead hairs. All cats produce “Fel d 1” regardless of breed, age, and gender, but every cat is different, so the level of “Fel d 1” they produce will vary.
People with cat allergies have immune systems that overreact to these proteins, causing symptoms such as:
Some people will only have a few of these symptoms, but others may develop them all. The severity of the symptoms can depend on an individual’s sensitivity and level of exposure. Cat allergies can be quite common, but these symptoms can also be caused by other allergens, so consult your family doctor for professional advice.
Unfortunately, no cat breed is completely hypoallergenic. All cats produce the protein allergen that can cause an allergic reaction. The “Fel d 1” protein is sticky and attaches itself to any surface, remaining there for a long time. This makes it difficult to avoid if you have a cat allergy.
Although there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat, if you are allergic to cats, don’t lose hope! If your allergy isn’t too severe, there are still ways you and a feline friend can live successfully together. Some cat breeds are thought to produce fewer allergens or shed less, which can be easier for someone with an allergy to tolerate.
While there are no completely hypoallergenic cat breeds, there are some breeds that are thought to cause fewer symptoms in allergy sufferers. Some of these cat breeds include:
When choosing a specific breed, consider spending some time with cats from that breed or litter to see how you react, as there is no scientific proof as to which breeds have fewer protein allergens. It’s also important to always do your research about the breed to check they will fit into your lifestyle and expectations for a furry friend.
If you suffer with a cat allergy, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can never have a cat as a companion. There are things you can do to manage cat shedding and the spread of “Fel d 1” proteins. Although there are no cats that don’t produce allergens, if you have a cat that has fewer allergens or sheds less, there are ways to cope:
For more information about what cat breeds are hypoallergenic, be sure to explore all our articles online. Or to receive the latest news straight into your inbox, sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll keep you in the loop with all the latest FELIWAY guides and info.