Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic?

If you have allergies but are interested in adopting a Ragdoll cat, you might be wondering: Are ragdoll cats hypoallergenic?

Ragdoll cats are known for their playful nature and long fur and are one of the most popular breeds of cats, so it’s no wonder that you’re asking this question if you happen to be allergic to cats.

» You might be interested in whether Cats Can Catch a Cold?

 

While every cat sheds and the ragdoll cat is no different, every cat also produces dander, which is what causes allergies in humans. There are differing degrees to which each cat breeds sluffs off dander, so it can affect you in different ways. That’s why it’s important to know the details of any cat that you’re looking to purchase.

Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic?

Ragdoll cats are unfortunately not hypoallergenic. In fact, despite popular belief and what certain breeders might tell you, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat.

This comes down to the fact that all cats produce dander. Allergies can also develop from the cat’s skin, saliva, as well as their urine.

When cats lick and groom themselves, saliva is transported from their mouth to their fur, and your cat’s fur has the potential to shed all over your home.

So, if there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat, then why are some cats recommended over others for people with allergies?

This is primarily down to how much protein a cat produces.

Certain cats might be better for people with allergies because they are hairless or don’t shed as much fur, which in turn means that there is less of their fur covered in their saliva around your home.

Some breeds of cat that are considered to produce less dander include:

• Bengal cats
• Burmese cats
• Siberian cats
• Russian Blue cats
• Sphynx cats

However, just because these particular cats might not cause your allergies to flare up as much as others, does not mean that they are hypoallergenic. 

Anyone that tries to convince you otherwise, such as a breeder trying to sell a cat by labeling them as hypoallergenic, is lying.

As a result, you have a duty of care to the cat by not adopting it if you think that you will have to get rid of them later on down the line as a result of your allergies.

Do Ragdoll Cats Have Less Dander?

No, as a breed, Ragdoll cats don’t have less dander. In fact, Ragdolls are no different from other breeds when it comes to producing dander.

The Fel d 1 protein is in both the dander and saliva of Ragdoll cats, which can cause allergic reactions in people that suffer from allergies.

If you have an allergy, be prepared to have allergic reactions no matter what you try.

If you think you can get around this problem by adopting or buying a hairless cat instead, you should know that even hairless cats have the potential to cause allergies.

Fighting off allergies is not about the hair of the cat, but about the protein and the dander that they produce. Regardless of a cat’s type of fur, any cat has the potential to set off your allergies.

The Bottom Line On Adopting A Cat When You Have Allergies

You should never adopt a cat, including Ragdoll cats, knowing full well that you have an allergy to them.

This isn’t fair on the animal and could result in you having to give them up for adoption if your allergies can’t cope with the amount of dander in your home. 

Despite the fact that some cats are better suited for individuals with allergies, the cat should be your priority in this instance.

As there are already so many cats that have to go without a home, to give them a glimpse of what life could be like and then be forced to put them up for adoption is not only cruel but is also completely unnecessary.

You never know how you’re going to react to a certain breed of the cat until you’re in a permanent living situation with them.

By the time you’ve bought or adopted them and got them settled in their new home, they will already be making an attachment to you.

To risk bringing a cat into your life when you know that you’ve got allergies is both irresponsible and selfish.

The quality of life for the animal that you’re adopting is important, and you don’t want to ruin their chance of being adopted into a loving home that doesn’t have to give them up.

Make the responsible decision by avoiding buying a cat if you know you will be put in a position where you can no longer take care of them or give them the best life possible.

In Summary

Ragdolls aren’t hypoallergenic. In fact, there is no such thing as hypoallergenic cats.

If you have allergies, you shouldn’t adopt a cat knowing that they could cause your allergies to flare up. If you end up having to give the cat up for adoption as a result of this, it won’t be fair on the animal.

Think very carefully about adopting or buying a cat if you or someone in your household is allergic to cats.

 

Like this? We’d love to hear from you on our Facebook page! If you’re hungry for more, follow us on Pinterest so you never miss a thing.