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Of all the cat breeds, Ragdoll cats are some of the most popular and most loved. This highly social breed seems to melt when it gets pets, which is how it got its fun name.
Aside from being social and calm cats, ragdolls are also pretty clean because they lack an undercoat, which means that they shed less and don’t transmit as much dander as other types of cats do.
If you really want a cat but unfortunately have allergies, then you may be wondering whether they’re hypoallergenic or not. For those who don’t know, this means a type of fur that won’t cause any allergic reaction.
Keep reading to find out all about whether ragdoll cats are hypoallergenic (see also ‘Best Hypoallergenic Cat‘).
Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic?
Ragdolls sadly are not considered hypoallergenic, but this doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to own one as an allergy suffers, as it all depends on what it is that you’re allergic to.
Because they lack an undercoat, which is the main cause of allergies for people, ragdolls are less likely to produce allergic reactions than other types of cats.
If you do get an allergic reaction to this breed of cat, it will be because of their saliva, not their fur. Their saliva contains the Fel D1 protein.
Some people are only minimally allergic to this and can be perfectly fine around Ragdolls, while other people can fall into a sneezing fit as soon as they enter a Raggie’s territory.
What Causes Cat Allergies?
Unfortunately, there are many potential triggers for allergic reactions, and this is especially true for people whose symptoms are severe. When our immune systems are stimulated in response to the introduction of a foreign chemical or item into our bodies, we experience allergic reactions.
These foreign substances can be anything, from pollen and bee venom to dust and dust mites, as well as some foods and even chemicals; the list is long and comprehensive.
And of course, some of these factors involve animals, or more precisely, the hair or saliva of the animals in question. The majority of people allergic to cats are hypersensitive to either the cat’s saliva or its undercoat.
The Undercoat
In general, cats have two layers of fur, which are referred to as the undercoat and the top coat. The undercoat of a cat is the finer, fluffier hair that lies near the skin and has a softer texture. It provides the cat with insulation and protection.
Because this is the section of a cat’s hair that can tangle easily, the cat’s coat needs to be brushed regularly to keep it in good condition.
Both awn hairs and guard hairs, which are the outermost and primary coat of the cat, are found in the top coat of the animal. The guard hairs are the coarser hairs that stand out from their furry bodies. They are responsible for determining the color of the cat and also help to keep the cat dry.
The undercoat is the source of allergies, as it’s one of the two potential allergens that a person who suffers from allergies could be sensitive to.
Dander, which accumulates in the undercoat and has the consistency of flakes, is the offender responsible for those inflamed eyes and red noses. Dander builds up quickly, and if the problem is not addressed, it will eventually cause the entire house to be infested with minute particles of cat skin that become airborne and spread.
When allergy patients are exposed to dander, the combination of these proteins and the dander can trigger many uncomfortable symptoms, including the following:
- Itchy eyes and a hacking cough
- Hay fever-like symptoms
- Congestion in the nose and sinuses
- Asthma attacks
- Hives and rashes on the skin (very rare)
The Saliva
The saliva of cats is the other factor in triggering allergic reactions in people. To be more exact, it’s the proteins that are found in it. To varying degrees, people who suffer from allergies may be affected by a protein known as Fel D1.
Strangely enough, certain cat breeds produce more or less of this protein, which often earns them a designation as hypoallergenic or not. Cats that have been spayed or neutered produce less protein than cats that have not had these procedures done.
How To Treat Cat Allergies
If you still really want a cat even with your allergies, then there are a few things you can do to make the symptoms better.
Those who suffer from allergies are fortunate in that there’re many they may try to help alleviate their symptoms or even minimize the likelihood that they will react.
Here are a few things to try.
Brush Your Cats Fur
If you notice that your cat’s fur is having a significant adverse effect on you, giving it a good brushing regularly can help solve the problem.
As a result of their shedding, fine hairs as well as clumps of hair can be left all over the house, on every surface, or even float in the air. This is because they shed more frequently than other types of hair.
It’s recommended that you use a nice slicker brush on Ragdolls since this type of brush can get through their lengthy coats, allowing you to brush more deeply.
Get An Air Purifier
The removal of allergens, particularly those that linger in the air, is one of the most effective ways to put a stop to your allergies.
To do this, you will need to buy an air purifier. If you can, look for one that has a HEPA filter because these filters are very good at gathering and catching everything that is in the air.
Not only will you notice an immediate improvement in your allergies, but you may also find that your sleeping pattern becomes better and more effective.
If you want to say goodbye to nights spent hacking and sneezing for three hours before going to bed, all you need to do is bring an air filter and purifier into your bedroom.
Summary
Ragdoll cats are one of the most popular breeds because of their sociable and playful nature. While they are not hypoallergenic, if you are only allergic to a cat’s undercoat then you will be able to have a ragdoll with no issues.
