Are there really hypoallergenic cats or cat breeds is an interesting question that many owners of these cute animals probably raise.
All of us, fans of our furry friends (and not just furry ones), want so much to fill our homes with the gentle meow of kittens or the glorious purr of a fat old cat nestled in our laps.
Unfortunately, we should keep in mind that if you suffer from allergies, it is the cat allergens that can negatively affect your health.
Cat allergies have been proven to be the most common animal allergy, affecting about one in five adults worldwide.
Nevertheless, when someone says that a particular cat breed is “hypoallergenic” – here we would like to clarify some nuances and reveal the truth, whatever it may be.
Can it be true? Are there cats that do not cause allergies in humans?
Our thoughts and conclusions in this article are, as usual, based only on reliable sources, like official international organizations, research results, and publications in authoritative sources.
So where is the truth – are there cats that are not allergic or not? Let’s try to get to the bottom of this challenging question…
Table of Content
Watch OUR Video – The Truth About Hypoallergenic Cats!
What Are Cat Allergies?
According to The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), about 3 in 10 people with allergies or asthma also react to dogs and cats.
However, cat allergies are much more common, about twice as common as dog allergies.
An allergy is the body’s hypersensitive immune response to some substance that is harmless to most people.
Some common allergies: to molds, foods, medications, pollen, insects, and, of course, pets.
It is the function of the immune system to find foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria, and to get rid of them.
Normally, this immune system response protects us from dangerous diseases. However, people with pet allergies may have an overly sensitive immune system. It may react to harmless proteins in pet hair, urine, saliva, or dander (dead skin cells).
The resulting symptoms are an allergic reaction. And substances that cause allergic reactions are allergens.
Pet allergens can accumulate on furniture and other surfaces. They remain strong for a long time. Sometimes allergens can stay high for months and cling to walls, furniture, clothing, and other surfaces.
Tip! Pet hair itself may not be an allergen. However, it is the one that can collect the dander, urine, and saliva of cats that contain them. Hair can also carry other allergens, such as dust and pollen.
When a person with allergies is exposed to allergens, the body’s immune response causes inflammation, which can take the form of itchy or swollen eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itchy skin, or hives.
In the worst cases, the allergic reaction leads to a more serious reaction called anaphylaxis. During anaphylaxis, the body’s immune response releases a flood of chemicals that can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure and inability to breathe.
When a person is allergic to a cat, even minor exposure can cause an avalanche of different symptoms.
It is worth noting that each person with a cat allergy is different.
Therefore, it is quite possible that someone can keep a cat for a long period of time and tolerate only mild symptoms. While another person just setting foot in a home with a cat may get full-blown asthma symptoms.
People who are allergic to cats, not other animals, are usually allergic only to Fel d 1 substance (we’ll talk about it a little later). This allergen is very stable and can remain in the household for six months after the cat leaves 💡.
Where in the House Could Animal Allergens Be?
Cat and dog allergens can be found everywhere. They are even found in homes and other places where pets have never been kept.
This is because cat or dog allergens can be on people’s clothing.
Allergens can also enter the air when a pet is stroked or groomed.
In addition, allergens can get back into the air during dusting, vacuuming, or other household chores. Once in the air, the particles can stay in the air for a long time.
How Can Allergens Get Into the Body?
It should be noted that allergens can enter our bodies in different ways.
- You can inhale allergens through your nose. Many are small enough to float in the air. Examples: pollen, house dust, mold spores, cat and dog dander, and latex dust.
- You may swallow allergens by mouth. This includes foods and medicines you eat or swallow.
- Artificial allergens can be injected into your body. These include medications injected with a needle and poison from insect bites.
- Your skin can also absorb allergens. Plants such as poison ivy, oak, or nettle can cause a reaction when touched. Other examples are latex, metals, and ingredients in cosmetics and household products.
Why Are People Allergic to Cats?
When someone is allergic to cats, it doesn’t always mean that the animal’s fur is the cause, as is commonly believed.
So it’s not surprising that so many people think that hypoallergenic breeds have a special type of coat or are not as prone to shedding.
But according to experts, if you are allergic to cats, it’s not the fluffy fur that you should be worried about, but the special protein that all cats produce.
It’s the protein in saliva, skin, urine, and anal glands that causes allergies. After all, every cat has saliva, skin, and glands.
Cat allergen is a very small glycoprotein that is produced in saliva, lacrimal glands (tears), sebaceous glands (skin), and perianal glands.
For example, cat saliva contains a very specific protein called Fel d 1 (see figure).
Salivary Fel d 1 is airborne during grooming, and greasy Fel d 1 tends to be distributed throughout the coat, with the highest levels found near the skin.
The perianal glands, on the other hand, release this allergen into the feces.
When a cat starts grooming itself, she uses saliva. The saliva on her coat dries out, and then the saliva particles filled with Fel d 1 are released into the air. When she molts, her saliva-covered hair makes its way into every corner of your home.
Fel d 1 is also produced by the cat’s sebaceous glands, which are naturally secreted as dandruff.
“There are several proteins that people respond to: from Fel d 1 to Fel d 7,” explains Tarina L. Anthony (MD, DVM).
“Fel d 1 is the most common allergen and is mostly present in saliva and dandruff. These small proteins cause hives, itching, sneezing, and lacrimation when inhaled or in contact with the skin, eyes, and nose.”
What kind of allergens do cats produce?
Cats produce a number of potential allergens that can affect human health.
To date, at least ten allergens derived from cat hair, saliva, and urine are known.
Moreover, eight of these allergens, Fel d 1- 8, have been registered with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS).
Table of allergens that cats can produce
| Allergen | Biochemical name | Level of sensitivity to human |
|---|---|---|
| Fel d1 | Uteroglobin | 60%‐100% |
| Fel d2 | Serum albumin | 14%‐54% |
| Fel d3 | Cystatin | 10% |
| Fel d4 | Lipocalin | 63% |
| Fel d5 | Immunoglobulin A | 38% |
| Fel d6 | Immunoglobulin M | unknown |
| Fel d7 | Lipocalin | 38% |
| Fel d8 | “Latherin-like” protein | 19% |
The most important cat allergen is Fel d 1 is the most affecting allergic people.
Fel d 1 is a glycoprotein (uteroglobin) produced mainly by the salivary and salivary glands of cats.
Although the exact biological role of Fel d1 has not yet been determined, it is thought to serve many functions in cats. These could be skin protection or the transport of lipids, especially steroids, hormones, and pheromones.
It has been proven that Fel d 1 can get on the coat exactly when cats are groomed.
In addition, because of its small size and molecular structure, Fel d 1 can remain in the air for long periods of time and can adhere to fabrics and furniture in the home.
When exposed to sensitive individuals, Fel d 1, binds to human antibodies (IgE) and leads to allergic reactions.
It is said that about 90 to 95% of cat allergy patients are sensitive specifically to Fel d 1 (according to Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 108 (2012) 74 -76).
How many cat allergens can trigger allergies?
It is mentioned that for Fel d 1 the presence of over 0.29 µg/gram in dust, maybe a threshold level for sensitization or symptoms of allergy to cats.
Research on Allergen Levels in Cats
The topic of exposure and levels to specific cat allergens is the most interesting on the one hand, and controversial on the other.
We have found some material that we would like to share with you without fail.
What are the most common cat allergens?
Here are the results of an interesting study published in 2016 by the National Library of Medicine.
The main objective of the study was to find out which allergens are most common in people with cat allergies.
Research Methods.
The study group included 70 patients (42 women and 28 men, ages 18 to 65) with a positive diagnosis of cat or dog allergy.
The control group also included 30 patients with a negative diagnosis of allergy.
Total IgE (antibody) levels were measured in all allergic patients as well as their allergen-specific IgE to cat and dog allergens.
Results and Conclusion.
The study yielded some interesting data regarding cat allergens:
- sensitivity to only one type of allergen – 30% of patients;
- the most common allergen Fel d 1 – was detected in 94% of patients;
- cases with Fel d 1 single allergen – 46% of patients;
- Fel d 4 allergen – detected in 49% of patients.
What are the levels of Fel D 1 and Fel D 4 in cat fur, saliva, and urine?
Here are the results of other analyses published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
The main objective of the study was to understand the quantitative content of allergens in cats’ hair, saliva, and urine.
Material pick-up.
After obtaining owners’ consent, a mixed cohort of 26 cats was selected: including spayed, healthy, and of various breeds.
The animals ranged in age from 5 months to 12 years, half of them were cats, about half belonged to the domestic short-haired variety, and the majority (65%) were spayed.
What was gathered as materials:
- samples of about 100 mg of hair were collected from the front legs of the cats, cut close to the skin with a shearing machine;
- 0.25 to 0.50 ml of saliva was pipetted;
- approximately 2.5 ml of urine was collected by catheterization.
Results obtained.
- The total levels of Fel d 1 and Fel d 4 in cats’ fur, urine, and saliva are shown in the figures below.
Based on the results we can say that:
- Fel d 1 allergen is found more in wool;
- Fel d 4 allergen more in the saliva of cats;
- urine contains insignificant amounts of Fel d 1.
The exact results of the study are shown in the table below.
| Mean (range) | Hair, µg/g | Saliva, µg/ml | Urine, µg/ml |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fel d 1 | 12,2 (5,4 – 20,7) | 2,4 (0,9 – 5,1) | 0,02 (0,065 – 0,071) |
| Fel d 4 | 0,09 (0,03 – 0,19) | 7,6 (1,4 – 17,4) | <0,4 |
- Levels of Fel d 1 and Fel d 4 in fur and saliva by sex and sterilization.
Further, the dependences of Fel d 1 and Fel d 4 levels on the sex and sterilization of the cats were determined.
Note: In hair, both antigens were unrelated to sex and sterilization.
However, there may be a potential relationship in saliva between Fel d 1 and Fel d 4 in sterilized and non-sterilized animals.
See the table below for visual results.
| Fel d 1, mean | Fel d 4, mean | |
|---|---|---|
| In the coat (µg/g) | ||
| All cats females (count = 13), including: | 10.08 | 0.12 |
| – spayed (count = 7) | 10.1 | 0.05 |
| – not spayed (count = 6) | 10.1 | 0.22 |
| All cats males (count = 13), including: | 12.72 | 0.08 |
| – neutered (count = 10) | 10.89 | 0.09 |
| – not neutered (count = 30) | 14.5 | 0.02 |
| In saliva (µg/ml) | ||
| All cats females (count = 10), including: | 3.3 | 9.71 |
| – spayed (count = 5) | 0.59 | 17.42 |
| – not spayed (count = 5) | 5.01 | 2.2 |
| All cats males (count = 7), including: | 3.30 | 6.71 |
| – neutered (count = 5) | 3.3 | 1.41 |
| – not neutered (count = 2) | 0.76 | 17.05 |
Conclusions of the results.
The following conclusions about cat allergens can be drawn from the results of the study:
- in hair, Fel d 1 levels exceeded Fel d 4 levels;
- in saliva, Fel d 4 levels exceeded Fel d 1 level;
- there was no difference in hair depending on sex or spaying;
- age differences in the levels of Fel d 1 or Fel d 4 in the hair or saliva were not detected;
- urine is not a significant source of Fel d 1;
- Fel d 4 levels in saliva were higher in spayed cats;
- differences in Fel d 1 level by sex were not observed.
However, other studies state that cats (males) can produce 3-5 times less Fel d 1 after neutering (according to the European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology).
Presumably, it is the testosterone produced in cats that may have an effect on the production of Fel d 1 allergen.
It should also be noted that the number of allergens themselves can vary from cat to cat and can vary greatly over the course of a year in the same cat.
In addition, there can be an 80-fold difference in Fel d 1 level in saliva between the cats with the lowest and highest allergen presence in a group of 64 cats.
Bald Cats Are Not the Answer for Allergy Sufferers
Some people have been known to mistakenly believe that fur is the cause of allergies. They believe that a bald cat, such as a sphynx, is the answer to their dreams.
While it is true that a bald cat does not have fur that can trap and spread allergens throughout the house, they are still continually producing allergy proteins just like any other cat.
Here it should be recalled that Fel d 1 is produced mainly by the saliva and sebaceous glands. Therefore, the presence or absence of fur in a particular case has no effect on the hypoallergenic of your cat.
Here are the results of the studies described above (where 26 cats were analyzed).
| Fel d 1, average µg/g | Fel d 4, average µg/g | |
|---|---|---|
| Short hair (count 14) | 15,32 | 0,12 |
| Medium hair (count 3) | 5,2 | 0,05 |
| Long hair (count 9) | 9,22 | 0,1 |
What Are Genetically Modified Hypoallergenic Cats?
Would you pay $27,000 for a specially bred hypoallergenic cat?
Some people did.
That’s how Lifestyle Pets, formerly known as Allerca, conned desperate cat lovers out of their money.
Lifestyle Pets was founded by Simon Brody, a man previously involved in many fraudulent operations.
Brody claimed to have bred cats with a mutated version of the Fel d 1 gene but never submitted any of the cats for official scientific review.
A 2013 ABC News report claimed that the cats sold by Lifestyle Pets were no more hypoallergenic than any other cat. But by then many people had already paid for animals they never got.
In 2010, Allerca announced that it would no longer breed cats.
However, other companies, including Felix Pets in Denver, USA, and Indoor Technologies in Virginia, filed patents regarding the fact that cats could be genetically modified to actually be hypoallergenic.
A gene-editing tool called CRISPR theoretically makes it easy to “edit” a cat. But creating a healthy animal can be quite a challenge.
No one knows what will happen if a certain gene is removed. David Avner, the founder of Felix Pets, said he had been “working” on creating an allergen-free cat since 2004.
The Allerca website claimed that their pets produce fewer allergens (e.g., Fel d 1 and Can d 1 cats and dogs, respectively) due to gene mutations.
However, websites of professional organizations, including the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, cite references refuting these claims.
In fact, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology website states that “there are no truly hypoallergenic breeds.”
What Are the Symptoms of a Cat Allergy?
Recall that a cat allergy occurs when the immune system perceives a substance as harmful and overreacts to it.
The severity of the symptoms of an allergic reaction can vary widely.
Symptoms of allergic reactions
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction to cats include:
- itchy, watery eyes;
- itching in the nose;
- sneezing;
- runny nose;
- rashes on the body;
- urticaria (a rash with red spots protruding);
- stomach cramps;
- vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- abdominal bloating;
- swelling;
- redness of parts of the body;
- pain;
- swelling of the tongue;
- cough;
- throat issues;
- whistling breathing (whistling sound when breathing);
- chest tightness and difficulty breathing;
- a feeling of weakness, and dizziness.
Let us also try to list the common groups of the most common diseases associated with allergic reactions to cats (and not only).
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. It happens quickly and can lead to death. Symptoms usually affect more than one part of the body, such as the skin or mouth, lungs, heart, and intestines.
What are eye allergies?
Eye allergy is the most common and widespread phenomenon.
It is a reaction to internal and external allergens that enter the eye specifically.
The tissue lining the inside of the eyelid and the outside of the eyeball becomes inflamed and swollen, resulting in itching, redness, tears, and eye irritation.
What are skin allergies?
Skin allergies occur when your skin comes in contact with an allergen.
It can also be an allergy to other things, such as food or proteins that you inhale or touch.
An allergic reaction usually occurs within 48 hours of first contact with the allergen.
Symptoms often include the following: redness, swelling, blisters, itching, hives, and a rash.
The allergen does not have to be new to you. It can be something you have consumed or eaten for years. Common skin allergies include allergic contact dermatitis, eczema, chronic urticaria, and angioedema.
What is rhinitis?
The word rhinitis means “inflammation of the nose”.
When the nose is irritated by allergens or irritants, it can produce more and thicker mucus than usual.
Such secretions can irritate the back of the throat and cause coughing. Allergic reactions can also cause nasal congestion, an itchy nose or throat, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
What is a sinus infection?
Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the sinuses. These sinuses are lined with the same tissue as the inside of the nose.
Things that can cause nasal swelling, such as allergies or infections, can also affect the sinuses.
When sinus tissue becomes inflamed, mucus secretions increase. Over time, air trapped in swollen sinuses can cause painful pressure inside the head and a headache.
How Can You Reduce the Impact of Allergic Reactions?
As unfortunate as it is to say, naturally the most effective and easiest way to avoid allergies is to get rid of your pet.
However, if you do want to keep your pet, there may be some strategies to reduce the effects of allergies.
- Get your pet out of the bedroom. After all, you spend one-third to one-half of your time there. You should keep the bedroom door closed and clean it thoroughly. It is also advisable to consider using a HEPA air purifier in your bedroom.
- Animal allergens have been proven to be quite sticky. So, you should remove your pet’s favorite furniture from the bedroom, remove carpeting as much as possible, and wash all walls and woodwork well. Keep the surfaces in the house clean and uncluttered. It’s best to have your floors and walls free of fabric coverings.
- If you do need a rug, choose one with a low pile and steam clean it often. Better yet, just use rugs and wash them in hot water.
- Use the right vacuum cleaner in the household. Vacuum cleaners have been known to pick up large amounts of dust, including allergens settled on the carpet. If possible, use a vacuum cleaner with the right HEPA filter to protect against asthma and allergies.
- Change clothes after prolonged contact with the animal.
- Air intake heating and air conditioning are also known to spread allergens throughout the home. Cover your bedroom vents with a dense filtering material, such as gauze.
- Get an air purifier and use it at least four hours a day. Some models with an electrostatic filter remove particles the size of animal allergens from the air. Remember, however, that no air cleaner or filter removes allergens stuck to surfaces.
- Washing your pet every week can also reduce the amount of airborne allergens.
- Ask someone who is not allergic to pets to brush the pet outside to remove dander, and clean the litter box or where they sleep.
What’s the Bottom Line?
We would like to point this out again.
There is no published scientific data indicating that hypoallergenic cats really exist.
In addition to the major allergens (e.g. Fel d 1), there are secondary allergens (e.g. Fel d 2, Fel d 3, Fel d 4) that also affect people with cat allergies.
All cats produce the major allergen Fel d 1 regardless of breed, age, coat length, sex, dwelling (indoors or outdoors), or body weight.
There are no cats without allergens or so-called completely “hypoallergenic.”
However, there are some breeds that do have slightly lower levels of allergens.
We hope our publication has clarified a little bit about cats that are supposedly not allergic and the concept of “cat allergy” in general.
And don’t forget to share our article – it’s a great incentive for us to create even more interesting materials
Frequently Asked Questions
The article partly uses materials from:
1. Studies «Analysis of feline and canine allergen components in patients sensitized to pets» — National Library of Medicine
2. Studies «Fel d 1 and Fel d 4 levels in cat fur, saliva, and urine» — The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
3. «Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America» materials
Murmeo link to the article: https://murmeo.com/en/are-there-hypoallergenic-cats/
