The ragdoll cat is one of the coolest, most lovable, gregarious, and most relaxed cats. Their exceptional personality makes them one of the most desirable cat species. They are especially appealing because of their fluffy coat. The main concern here is that are ragdolls hypoallergenic.
A ragdoll’s fluffiness and social charm come at a price. Regrettably, the answer to “are ragdolls hypoallergenic” is NO; they are not. This does not imply that you will sneeze uncontrollably the entire day. Their salivary, which tragically contains the Fel D1 protein, can mainly trigger allergic reactions in people. Ragdolls may be entirely OK for some persons with only slight allergies, while Ragdolls may cause sneezing fits in others the moment they step foot in their territory. Along with saliva, the undercoat of a cat can also cause allergic reactions due to the development of dander. In this post today, we will learn more about whether or not ragdolls are hypoallergenic.
Are Ragdolls Hypoallergenic?
Being hypoallergenic refers to a trait through which a cat is unlikely to cause allergic reactions or infections in humans. Due to Fel D1 protein present in their saliva and dander in the undercoats of most cats, humans or pet owners might suffer through some allergic reactions. Nevertheless, the main question is, “Are Ragdolls Hypoallergenic?” They are not. They might trigger allergic responses in humans, even though they lack an undercoat.
Causes Of Ragdolls Being Not Hypoallergenic:
Since we have established that ragdoll cats can trigger allergic responses in humans, some people are unaware of these sensitivities. Some cat owners realize their sensitivities after adopting a cat. Allergic reactions include regular sneezing or coughing, skin rashes, red nose, nasal issues, asthma attacks, and sometimes fever.
Due to the presence of an undercoat in most cats, dander develops. Dander is a flaky substance in the undercoat of most cats. They are airborne and might spread throughout the house if left unchecked. Hence it is essential to keep the undercoat of a cat clean. In this case, a ragdoll cat is lucky because it lacks an undercoat. Therefore, the answer to our ragdolls hypoallergenic is no when the undercoat is considered.
The saliva of cats is the other major factor in cat allergy. To be more precise, the enzymes in it. There are different ways that this protein called Fel D1 might impact allergic patients. Oddly, certain cat species generate more or less of this enzyme than others, frequently earning them the label of being hyper- or hypoallergenic. Female and sterilized cats both create less Fel D1 than untreated cats.
Therefore whether or not your ragdoll cat will be hypoallergenic or hyperallergic depends on the number of protein enzymes it produces. Also, whether it is a sterilized cat or not. Sometimes it also depends on the intensity of your sensitivity to these proteins. You might face some allergic issues if you are hypersensitive even after sterilization.
Are Ragdolls Hypoallergenic: Can Ragdolls Be Allergic?
Like every other animal, Ragdolls have allergies too, but it is not for the same reasons humans face allergies. Ragdolls have allergies due to seasonal changes, changes in diet or shampoo, and changes in habitat. Elements like dirt, mold, and even lawn might cause habitat-related allergies. While nausea, itching, or diarrhea are some ways, food intolerances can manifest themselves.
It is typically an intelligent practice to consult your veterinarian if you have any suspicions about allergens, no matter how slight or severe. They will be able to identify the type of response, any possible treatments, and ways to prevent similar problems in the long term. With that, it is also suggested that you take your ragdoll to regular check-up and groom it properly to avoid such allergic reactions in your cat.
Grooming your cat is probably the best way to avoid allergies for them and you. Brushing twice weekly will be enough; try not to brush regularly to avoid allergies in yourself. The key is moderation here, you do not want to groom your cat so much that you get allergies, yet you do not want to groom your cat so less that your cat develops allergies.
Therefore, the answer to the question “Are ragdolls hypoallergenic?” might be no, but you can always prevent such allergic reactions.
Recommended Reading | The Cream Point Ragdoll: Is It Rare?
How To Treat Cat Allergies?
There are a few ways to treat cat allergies or instead prevent them. Here are a few of them:
- Brushing your cat not more or less than twice a week. The more your cat shed, the more allergies you will have; if you do not brush them at all, they will have allergies. Hence twice a week is sufficient.
- Bathe them once every month.
- Provide them with an immunity-rich diet and nutrition. The stronger your cat’s immunity, the stronger its body will fight allergies.
FAQs on Are Ragdolls Hypoallergenic
Are ragdolls hypoallergenic due to less dander?
Firstly, it is not that due to lack of an undercoat, ragdoll cats do not produce dander. They still have dander and will still trigger allergies in humans. Hence, keeping your cat and home clean is the only way to prevent this.
Do hypoallergenic ragdolls exist?
No, they do not exist. Ragdolls are bound to be non-hypoallergenic. Particular ragdoll cats might be less hypoallergenic, but the answer to whether are ragdolls hypoallergenic does not change.
Are Siberian cats hypoallergenic?
Siberian cats are hypoallergenic. Ragdolls are not hypoallergenic, but Siberian is. This means Siberian cats do not have the Fel D1 protein in them. They will not cause any sort of allergic reactions.
Do ragdolls make you sneeze?
The answer to are ragdolls hypoallergenic is no; ragdolls can make you sneeze due to their non-hypoallergenic nature. They might trigger sneezing, coughing, fever, rashes, or even asthma attack.
Can Ragdoll cats cause asthma?
Ragdoll cats being non-hypoallergenic might trigger allergic reactions. If you have a history of being an asthma patient, it might also trigger an asthma attack. In this case, we recommend you go for a Siberian cat or other hypoallergenic cats.
Final Thoughts:
Are ragdolls hypoallergenic? Do they cause allergies? Are they allergic to dust? All these questions were answered in this article today. Ragdoll cats are not hypoallergenic, but they can easily be prevented with proper care, health, and sanitation of your cat and your home and you. Good sanitation will ensure your cat a healthy, allergies-free life.
