Cute, cuddly, and super calm, Ragdoll cats make excellent kitty companions for almost anyone. With fluffy fur and a docile personality, the Ragdoll is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after cat breeds. However, for those looking for a hypoallergenic cat, the Ragdoll is not for you. While Ragdolls are not hypoallergenic, they do lack undercoats and shed much less than other long-haired breeds.
Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic?
Pets are considered to be hypoallergenic if they produce fewer allergens than other animals, including dander. However, most people who are allergic to cats aren’t allergic to their dander. They’re actually affected by the protein Fel D1, which is present in a cat’s saliva. When a feline licks her fur, the dried saliva can become airborne, enabling you to breathe it in.
The more cats that are in a home, the higher levels of cat-related allergens are in the air. Characteristics such as a cat’s gender, fur length, and the amount of time she spends inside are not associated with her allergen levels.
Am I Allergic to Cats?
Before you bring a new cat home, it’s important to know if you’re allergic to her. Cat allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on your sensitivity and the level of allergens in the air.
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Hives or skin rash
- Nasal congestion
- Red, itchy, or watery eyes
If you notice any of these symptoms popping up when you’re around a cat, closely consider if you want to bring a feline into your house.
Grooming Your Ragdoll Cat
While Ragdolls don’t shed as much as other breeds, their fur can still trigger an allergic reaction. To decrease the likelihood of shedding, it’s important to regularly groom your kitty. Aim to thoroughly brush your Ragdoll twice a week. This will help to prevent matted and tangled fur and reduce shedding.
Grooming your cat is especially important during the spring and fall because this is when your pet will change out of her coat.
Living with Your Ragdoll When You Have Cat Allergies
If you have mild cat allergy symptoms, you may still be able to live a comfortable life with a Ragdoll.
- Give acepromazine to your cat. This medication can be added to your Ragdoll’s food in very tiny doses and help to alleviate allergy symptoms.
- Keep your cat out of your bedroom. If your Ragdoll regularly sleeps on your bed, allergens can easily become trapped in the blankets and pillows.
- Dust your furniture often.
- Invest in a vacuum that has a micro-filtration device, such as a HEPA filter. This will help to reduce the number of allergens in the air.
- Buy an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove cat allergens from the air.
These tricks can help to reduce allergic reactions to your cat.
Conclusion
Ragdoll cats aren’t hypoallergenic. However, their lack of an undercoat means that they shed far less than other breeds. If you decide to bring a Ragdoll home, you can take preventative measures to control cat allergy symptoms. Regular grooming and HEPA filters can greatly reduce allergic reactions.
Ragdoll cats make amazing pets and it is possible to live comfortably in a house with a Ragdoll when you have allergies.
Featured Image: Linn Currie, Shutterstock
