Ragdoll lovers, would you like to know if this cat breed can affect your allergies?
Ragdolls are lovely cats that are known for their affectionate nature. A unique fact we discovered about this breed is that its name ‘’Ragdoll’’ was derived from the tendency of this breed going limp and relaxing when picked up.
For individuals with cat allergies, we plan on answering several questions, and one of them is finding out if this breed is ideal for you. We have gone straight to the details on whether Ragdoll cats are hypoallergenic or not.
So, let’s dive right in…
Are Ragdolls Hypoallergenic?
Sadly, the answer is no. Ragdolls are not considered to be hypoallergenic cats since they can trigger allergies.
The main reasons why Ragdolls are not considered hypoallergenic include:
- Single-coated cats with seasonal blowouts
- Medium to high shedding levels
- Medium levels of saliva exposure
- Medium to high levels of dander exposure
Cats, in general, can cause a wide range of allergic reactions, but the most common ones are either skin or breathing allergies. And Ragdolls can trigger both.
Need more details on this? Please read on.
How to Know If Ragdolls Are Hypoallergenic to You
Ragdoll cats produce a wide range of allergy-causing proteins that can trigger different types of allergies. As mentioned, we will focus on breathing and skin allergies in this article. And we have rated Ragdolls for both:
If you have breathing sensitivities or allergies, the amount of shedding may be an issue for you. There’s also the issue of dander and other airborne allergens that Ragdolls produce which have a high chance of aggravating your allergies.
On the other hand, if you’re prone to skin allergies, your main risk is coming into direct contact with the allergenic proteins that cats produce. Let’s dive deeper into each of these factors so you get the full picture of how Ragdolls affect allergies.
Do Ragdolls Shed a Lot?
No. Ragdolls don’t have an undercoat therefore, they shed less than other cats. However, they do experience seasonal blowouts. Ragdolls change their coats twice every year (fall and spring) and there’s no escaping your exposure to cat hair.
Ragdolls have small to medium hair length; therefore, when they do shed you will notice their fur all over your home.
While regular brushing and grooming can help reduce this cat’s shedding level, it’s best if you wear gloves or have someone else who is not allergic handle this on your behalf.
Ragdoll Dander and Saliva Levels
Since allergies are determined by an individual’s sensitivity, you could be safe if you are not affected by the Fel D1 protein that cats produce. This protein is found in dander, saliva, urine and other substances that cats produce.
Just like most other cat breeds, Ragdolls produce a substantial amount of these substances. If you’re prone to breathing allergies, dander and other allergens trapped in the cats fur will be released into the air when they shed.
For skin sensitivities, your risk is coming into contact with saliva on the cats fur due to their self-grooming practices. Also, during shedding seasons, you’ll also have a carpet of hair, dander, saliva and other allergens that are released onto the surfaces of your home as your Ragdoll sheds.
Like all felines, Ragdolls do produce the Fel D1 protein, which is known for causing allergies in human beings. Even though further research is needed, studies have confirmed that females and kittens produce less Fel d1. Neutered male Ragdolls are also known to produce less Fel D1.
So if you absolutely love this breed and still want one anyway, aim to get one of the above options to help minimise your risk from the outset.
Grooming and Coat Maintenance
Ragdolls are generally clean cats that should not be washed regularly. Bathing them just once a month can help keep them smelling fresh and clean!
Unlike all the longhaired cat breeds, the Ragdolls’ semi-long coat requires minimal grooming. Due to their unique coats, Ragdolls don’t matt as much as other cat breeds. Therefore, regular brushing of their coats can help keep the matts at bay.
They’ll take care of the rest of their grooming needs.
In Love With Ragdolls and Want One Anyway? Tips for Reducing Allergies
We totally understand!
If you are still determined to adopt this breed despite your allergies, here are some tips to keep your household as allergen free as possible. Use these tips to help you keep the allergies at bay.
However, even with implementing all of these practices, living with this breed in your house still puts you at risk of allergies so make sure you don’t rush into such a life altering decision!
Training
Ragdolls are affectionate creatures that love their entire human family. They don’t like to be left alone for a long time as they can get depressed and lonely. However, without proper training, these cats can drop allergens all over your home. So we recommend that you train them to:
- Not lick you, especially if you allergic to cat saliva
- Stay away from your bedroom, furniture, and textile surfaces
- Do their business outside or in a designated area of your home
Fortify Your House
To keep your home as allergen-free as possible, we recommend that you get the following:
- HEPA filters for all cleaning appliances
- A high-quality air purifier, also with HEPA filtration
- The best vacuum cleaner for pets that you can afford
- Reduce the textile surfaces in your house
- Always keep your allergy drugs near you
Adopt a Hypoallergenic Ragdoll Mix Breed for Less Allergic Reactions
You can look into getting a hypoallergenic Ragdoll and Siamese cross breed. This hypoallergenic mix breed is unique, and it has the personality of a Ragdoll and beauty of a Siamese cat.
Since the Siamese cats are hypoallergenic, there is a huge probability of this hybrid being hypoallergenic though it largely depends on the characteristics of each kitten’s coat and Fel d1 protein production. You’ll want to look for ones that take after their Siamese parent in both aspects to increase the likelihood of the cat being hypoallergenic to you.
Final Thoughts
While Ragdolls aren’t hypoallergenic by nature, they are indeed a beautiful breed. If you want to minimise your risk of allergies but still want a hypoallergenic cat in your home, check out our list of all hypoallergenic cat breeds. There are some truly gorgeous breeds, even ones with long coats!
