Ragdoll cats are incredibly fluffy, gorgeous, and affectionate. They get their name from the way they relax and flop when held, making them irresistible and cuddly.
No cats are truly hypoallergenic. However, some cat breeds are easier to live with if you have cat allergies. Allergies to cats don’t just depend on their fur but also on the amount of Fel D1 protein and dander they produce.
Ragdoll cats are not hypoallergenic, unfortunately. They are gorgeously fluffy, shed/blow their coat twice a year, and produce high Fel D1 protein and dander levels. These factors make them more likely to aggravate someone’s cat allergies.
The dander and excess fur produced during shedding will undoubtedly trigger your allergins if you suffer from breathing allergies.
Likewise, if you suffer from skin allergies, the cat cleaning process covers the coat with Fel D1 protein via the saliva triggering skin allergies.
Breathing allergies and triggers
If you suffer from breathing allergies like me, you will know that some things can easily trigger it.
- Pollen
- Dust
- Dander
- Fur
- Some perfumes/body sprays
Breathing allergies can be severe and can trigger asthma if you have it. I have allergies and asthma, but I also live with a domestic short-haired cat and a husky. You can probably live with a pet, but you need to do your research and have good cleaning habits.
Ragdoll cats shed twice a year, which is when your allergies will be most triggered. However, the fur and dander won’t stay on the cat the rest of the year, and you will find the air polluted with dander and hair all year round.
Skin allergies and triggers
Certain things can cause skin allergies, such as;
- Perfumed soap
- Strong detergent
- Latex
- Metal
- Fel D1
The Fel D1 protein produced by cats is found in their saliva, dander, and urine. Wearing gloves to clean the litter tray is an option; however, it coats the fur with saliva when the cat grooms itself. And any animal parent will tell you that their home and clothes are always covered in fur.
Are any cats hypoallergenic
Unfortunately, no cat is truly hypoallergenic. However, some breeds may be easier to live with if you have allergies. Some people are more sensitive than others, so it will be dependent on your level of allergies.
Some cat breeds produce less dander, and others have less Fel D1, which may be ok if your allergies aren’t too sensitive. For example, female cats and neutered male cats produce less Fel D1 proteins than un-neutered male cats.
Cat Breeds that produce less Fel D1 and are more hypoallergenic
- Siberian Cats. Incredibly fluffy, they produce low Fel D1. They are also known as one of the most hypoallergenic cat breeds. However, they shed a lot.
- Bengal Cats. These cats have short fine hair and great markings. They don’t shed a lot and require minimal grooming.
- Balinese Cats. Also known as long-hair Siamese cats produce less Fel D1 proteins, although they are fluffier than Siamese cats.
- Russian Blue. The distinctive Russian Blue’s thick fur is known to reduce dander in the air, and it also has less Fel D1 than some other breeds.
- Cornish Rex. This cat has short curly hair, doesn’t shed much, and requires minimal grooming. However, it produces the average Fel D1 protein amount as other breeds.
- Devon Rex. Like the Cornish Rex, this cat has short curly hair which doesn’t shed much or needs much grooming. However, it does produce the average Fel D1 protein as other breeds.
- Sphinx. The Sphinx may be hairless and doesn’t shed, but its skin produces Fel D1 protein. This means that you will still need to be careful of your allergies.
If you suffer from allergies but cannot live without a cat in your life, it will be worth getting an allergy check with your doctor. You will be able to find out what causes your allergies and make a decision around that.
I have allergies and asthma, and Iive with a short-haired domestic cat and a husky. Both the cat and the dog shed – the husky really sheds and blows her coat twice a year. So I have a good pet hair vacuum cleaner used pretty much every day.
I got my Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal+ vacuum cleaner from Amazon around 2014, and it’s still going strong coping with a cat, a husky, and the rest of my family!
Our Dyson is no longer in production and has been replaced by the Dyson 216041-01 Ball Animal Upright Vacuum. This will be the one I consider purchasing when the time comes.
There are times when my allergies get aggravated, but I take an antihistamine tablet and get my vacuum cleaner out. I can’t imagine my life without them. Pets make a house feel like a home!
I hope that you found this article helpful.
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