Allergic reactions may be debilitating for many who have them – much more so when the reason for the allergic response is a beloved pet.
Second solely to mud mites, the humble home home cat is without doubt one of the main causes of indoor allergens for individuals.
However what’s the precise supply of the allergic response? And are sure breeds much less allergenic than others? There are lots of myths and misconceptions associated to cat allergens, so let’s debunk a couple of.
It’s not the hair!
Opposite to widespread false impression, cat hair shouldn’t be the reason for allergy symptoms in individuals.
Somewhat, the allergy is all the way down to a pesky protein generally known as Fel d 1. This protein is produced in a cat’s saliva and pores and skin glands. Whereas cats produce no less than eight allergens, it’s Fel d 1 which research have proven to be the main cat allergen.
Fel d 1 is a microscopic protein that readily sticks to clothes and different surfaces. It will possibly additionally stay airborne for lengthy durations of time, making it straightforward to inhale.
Research have proven it could actually even be present in houses with out cats, introduced in from outdoors on garments and different objects – not nice information for individuals with a extreme allergy.
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The Fel d 1 allergen is transferred to the cat’s hair and pores and skin once they groom themselves. It then spreads into their surroundings once they shed hair and dander, which is usually comprised of useless pores and skin cells.
Though the cat’s hair can carry the allergens, the hair itself shouldn’t be at fault right here. Even hairless Sphynx cats secrete the protein. That is additionally why longer haired, fluffier cats don’t essentially make you extra allergic.
It’s not the breed, both
Actually, analysis has proven that neither the size of the cat’s hair, nor the color of its coat, seem to have any vital bearing on how a lot allergen the cat produces.
No matter a cat’s breed, intercourse and particular person variation within the manufacturing of Fel d 1 are the primary motive why some cats appear to trigger a larger allergic response than others.
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It has lengthy been recognized that on common, unneutered male cats produce extra Fel d 1 than females or neutered males. Some research have additionally discovered that older cats have a tendency to provide decrease ranges of Fel d 1 than youthful cats.
Whereas there are breeds known as “hypoallergenic”, you will need to bear in mind this doesn’t imply “allergen-free”. Based on a evaluate printed in 2024, “so far, there is no such thing as a scientific proof for a hypoallergenic cat breed”.
Though the jury is out on the scientific proof for “hypoallergenic” cat breeds, some cats actually are much less allergenic than others. (Photograph: Freepik)
Nevertheless, placing our strict hypoallergenic definition apart, a couple of small research have reported diminished ranges of Fel d 1 manufacturing in a few of these breeds. You will need to bear in mind although that even in particular person cats, manufacturing of Fel d 1 can differ extensively all year long.
Additional research in these breeds, utilizing bigger pattern sizes, is required to verify these findings.
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Total, the truth that delicate individuals report an elevated allergic response to some cats slightly than others is probably going on account of variation in how a lot Fel d 1 the person cat produces.
Can we make cats much less allergenic?
In the previous couple of years, a number of research have investigated the potential for vaccinating cats in opposition to the Fel d 1 protein.
Whereas this is able to be nice information for allergy victims, the difficulty is that researchers are at present uncertain what function the protein performs in cats. Present proof suggests it might play a task within the dispersal of pheromones, and doubtlessly in defending the cat’s pores and skin; additional analysis is required.
There’s additionally some preliminary proof to counsel that therapeutic diets through which an antibody is added from hen eggs (IgY antibodies) can cut back the manufacturing of Fel d 1 {that a} cat produces. Nevertheless, bigger research are wanted earlier than we would begin seeing “anti-allergy” cat meals on the cabinets.
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There’s some proof to counsel that publicity to cats at a younger age might cut back the chance of an individual creating an allergy.
In the event you’re an grownup allergic to cats however nonetheless want to have one, there may be good proof to counsel common cleansing can considerably lower the quantity of cat allergens in your house.
Though the jury is out on the scientific proof for “hypoallergenic” cat breeds, some cats actually are much less allergenic than others.
Regardless of the challenges for these which might be allergic, you aren’t doomed to need to keep away from cats for the remainder of your life. With the fitting administration and care, cat possession is completely potential – and completely value it.