Now that you have a better understanding of cat allergies, let’s talk about some of the best “hypoallergenic” cat breeds. In short, while there’s no such thing as allergen-free or hypoallergenic cats, those that are considered “hypoallergenic” are often thought to produce less of the Fel d 1 protein therefore, they cause fewer allergy symptoms. It notes that male cats have been shown to produce three to five times less Fel d 1 after they’ve been neutered and female cats are known to produce less of the protein than males. However, according to a study in the European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the Fel d 1 production can vary greatly among different cats. So, if all cats produce the Fel d 1 protein, is there really such a thing as a hypoallergenic cat breed? To the dismay of itchy cat lovers everywhere, the answer is no. Give it to me straight – Do hypoallergenic cat breeds exist? This also explains why even sitting in the home of someone who has a cat may trigger a reaction – cat allergens can exist on furniture and clothing once shed from the body. This is why less fur does not always mean less of a reaction. Thus, an allergic reaction occurs not from coming into contact with the cat’s fur itself, but from the protein on the fur. Fel d 1 is also spread through dander aka dead skin that comes through when cats shed. This protein originates in a cat’s saliva and spreads when they groom themselves. In fact, cat allergies, the AAFA reports, are about twice as common as dog allergies.Ī common misconception is that cat allergies are mainly caused by cat fur, but the real culprit is a protein all cats produce called Fel d 1. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), as many as three in 10 people with allergies in the U.S.
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