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If you’re a cat lover with kitty allergies, the dream of having a feline friend can seem impossible. That is, until a well-meaning friend or family member brings up “hypoallergenic” cats. But is there any truth to no- or low allergen-producing cats? What cats are hypoallergenic?
If you’re one of the 10 to 20 percent of people who suffer from pet allergies, you’ve probably heard the rumors that Ragdolls and Russian Blues create less of the major cat allergen Fel D1. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
“Truly hypoallergenic or allergen-free cats do not exist, since all cats produce allergens in some quantity,” explains Dr. Lauren Foley, Associate Veterinarian at CityVet Addison.
However, if you have a burning desire for some kitty companionship, there are ways you can live harmoniously with a cat despite your allergies. Here’s what you need to know about being a cat parent with cat allergies.
What Are “Hypoallergenic” Cats?
Cat allergies develop when the immune system considers cat allergens harmful. It creates antibodies to fight them in a process known as sensitization. It’s what leads to common allergy symptoms like:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Rash and hives
- Itchy eyes
- Eczema
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Potentially fatal anaphylaxis
One of the most common misconceptions about “hypoallergenic” cats is that low-shed and hairless cats are the best cats for allergies.
But as Dr. Foley points out, hair isn’t the problem. In fact, cat hair isn’t itself an allergen. So breed of cat, fur color, and hair length don’t have any relation to the amount of allergens cats produce.
“The primary source of allergens created by cats is spread through their saliva and oil glands on the skin called sebaceous glands,” Dr. Foley explains. And the amount of an allergen that a cat produces varies from cat to cat. So that means there aren’t best cat breeds for allergies—but there also aren’t any breeds that are worst for allergies either.
Cat allergies are more than Fel D1
“Fel D1 is the major cat allergen, but it’s not the only existing cat allergen. There are at least eight that we know of,” Dr. Foley says. “Cat allergens can be carried in urine, fecal matter, and dander, [known as] shedded dead skin flakes.”
Cats can also be carriers for other things notorious for triggering allergic reactions in humans, like pollen and dust mites. Cats can carry these allergens in their fur or on their skin, but they don’t create them.
Nils Jacobi via iStock
Are There Any Hypoallergenic-ish Cats?
Searching for hypoallergenic cats online usually leads to the same breeds over and over again:
- Russian Blue
- Bengal
- Sphynx
- Siberian
- Ragdoll
- Cornish Rex
- Oriental Shorthair
These cats are often championed as better for cat allergy sufferers because they’re low-shed or hairless. There might be a kernel of truth in this. Because these cats shed less, their saliva allergen-coated cat hair wouldn’t spread as much dander around the house.
But the reality is, cats don’t need to shed their fur to spread their allergens. Cat allergies are a result of proteins we can’t see—not hair piling up in the corners.
There’s no research to back up hypoallergenic cat breeds
There are no published results for studies of specific cat breeds producing less allergens, like Fel D1.
“Some cat breed associations have reported that they pooled Fel D1 samples from their adult breeding cats to get a general Fel D1 average for their breeding adults used, but even within those breed populations, they still found significant individual variation,” Dr. Foley says.
Another problem with those breeder-collected samples is twofold. First, they’re self-reported and based on anecdotal experience. And second, there are no established levels or guidelines of Fel D1 for cats. So there’s no way to say a cat creates less allergens, since there’s no baseline to compare those numbers to.
Dr. Foley believes since there’s no scientific testing to back up hypoallergenic claims, these cats being considered hypoallergenic comes down to marketing tactics.
Do other factors influence the allergens cats create?
So breed doesn’t have any role in whether a cat is hypoallergenic or not—but there are some other factors that might.
Some studies have found that feline hormones, specifically testosterone, and aging might have an influence on the amount of allergens cats produce, Dr. Foley says.
From the limited research out there, intact, unneutered, male cats might produce higher amounts of allergens compared to neutered males and female cats (whether spayed or not).
Researchers have also observed that senior cats sometimes produce fewer allergens than kittens, indicating that cat allergy production slows as they age.
It also appears that the highest density of allergens will be on a cat’s face and neck regions, regardless of their fur type.
But these aren’t hard facts, and they’re subject to change as research into cat allergens continues.
Can I Have a Cat Despite My Allergies?
Maybe—but the help you need isn’t a hypoallergenic cat breeder. Your best bet is to work with a doctor or dermatologist who understands your body’s response to specific cat allergens.
Dr. Foley explains. “We need to take into account each individual human’s reactivity to each individual type of known cat allergen. It can be very complicated to not only identify a hypoallergenic cat but also match them to an appropriate cat-allergic human.”
Allergists are the only ones capable of giving people with cat allergies more information on which of the eight cat allergens they’re most sensitive to. Dermatologists are also equipped with the medical know-how and skills to help someone with cat allergies treat cat allergy-induced skin-related problems.
In short, it’s best for people allergic to cats to work closely with their allergist and dermatologist to decide if they can have a cat despite their allergies. You’ll need an individualized solution and care plan.
Valeriy_G via iStock
What Can I Do To Reduce My Cat Allergies?
For the especially determined, there may be ways to improve your environment. You can take some proactive and preventative measures to set yourself up to successfully live with cats.
Here are ten suggestions from Dr. Foley, who personally suffers from cat allergies herself.
- Limit the number of cats in your household. If you can stick to one cat, that’s best, since more cats means more allergens.
- Keep your cat indoors. This is the best way to prevent your cat from carrying in extra environmental allergens like pollen on their fur.
- Cat allergy-proof your home. Block off access to rooms, especially bedrooms, to avoid cat allergen shedding where you sleep. Limit your cat’s access to areas where you prepare and eat food, like kitchens and dining rooms. Use washable covers on mattresses, pillows, couches, and other furniture.
- Use air purifiers. Put HEPA air purifiers around your home and install air filters.
- Clean frequently. Dust and vacuum using a HEPA-filtered vacuum weekly, ideally while wearing a disposable dust mask to avoid breathing in airborne cat allergens. Use wet cleaning products, like mops and wipes, to trap and dispose of cat allergens on hard surfaces.
- Do weekly laundry. Wash all sheets, blankets, pillowcases, clothing, and fabrics your cat comes in contact with, paying special attention to cat beds and bedding, weekly. High temperatures can help, as may enzymatic cleaners.
- Groom your cat weekly. Brush and comb your cat weekly to maintain their fur and reduce shedding. Bathing your cat weekly with cat-safe shampoo can also temporarily reduce the allergen load on their coat for a few days. Avoid this if it causes your cat anxiety or distress.
- Put your cat on a special diet. One diet commercially available for cats shown to reduce the amount of allergens cats produce is Purina Pro Plan LiveClear. Speak with your veterinarian to determine if this would be a good diet option for your cat.
- Wash your hands often, especially after touching or petting your cat.
- Pursue allergy management with your allergist. Options for cat allergy management include immunotherapy, daily antihistamines, and medications such as steroid nasal sprays and eye drops.
Even though there are no truly hypoallergenic cat breeds, it is nice to know that there are allergy-friendly options for cat lovers looking for a feline to add to the family. Just make sure to do your research so you can make sure you’re finding the perfect cat or kitten for your situation!
