Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic?

You may love cats but your allergies may not. Even if you spend a few minutes near felines, your eyes start tearing and you sneeze all the time. You think that you can’t bring a furry ball into your home because of your allergies.

However, you’re willing to risk and adopt a cute Ragdoll cat. Do your allergies strike again? Are Ragdoll cats hypoallergenic? Well, you’ll find the answer in this article.

Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic?

Some people believe that there are hypoallergenic cat breeds and those who suffer from allergies should adopt cats and kittens of these magic breeds.

Actually, it’s important to realize that’s not exactly true. No cat breed is totally hypoallergenic and Ragdoll kittens and cats aren’t exceptions. But this fact doesn’t make a Ragdoll cat breed less popular among cat fans.

A Ragdoll cat price can vary from $800 to $2500 and these amazing furry balls are known as one of the best favorites that can get on well with all family members.

Even though Ragdolls aren’t 100% hypoallergenic felines, the cats of this cute breed are considered more allergy-friendly pets than the rest of cat breeds. Due to the lack of an undercoat, Ragdoll cats can greatly reduce the chance of allergic reactions.

Ragdoll Cat Characteristics

What is a Ragdoll cat? How can this lovely cat breed be characterized?

Let’s start with their outside features. A Ragdoll cat breed belongs to the world’s largest cat breed. These domestic giants with huge blue eyes and silky medium-length coats can leave no one indifferent. They are awesome, charming, and breathtaking creatures with tender nature. A cute Ragdoll cat looks like a perfect pet. Maybe that’s the main reason why this cat breed is one of the most desirable ones in the world.

Ragdolls have a patient, affectionate and loving temperament. Usually, the Ragdoll cats totally depend on their masters and easily become favorites for all family members. Besides, these felines love to be in the center of attention, constantly get much attention from their owners and even guests. They like being cuddled with and purr a lot.

Ragdoll Dander and Saliva Levels

Because allergies depend on personal sensitivity, you have nothing to fear if the Fel D1 protein that all felines produce doesn’t affect you and your health. Cat’s dander, urine, and saliva usually contain this protein and in such a way influence human health.

Most cat breeds Ragdoll one among them also produce a significant amount of this protein. If you suffer from respiratory allergies, the allergens that are contained in the cat’s fur will enter the air when the cats shed or you can contact them when grooming your favorite.

However, Ragdolls don’t have an undercoat. Despite the fact that this breed features quite a long coat length, the absence of an undercoat makes this cat breed almost a non-shedding one.

Besides, their dander and saliva contain fewer Fel D1 protein compared to other cat breeds. One more crucial thing to remember: Ragdoll kittens, females, and neutered males can also produce a lesser number of this dangerous protein.

Grooming Your Ragdoll Cat

You hardly found the Shorthair Ragdoll cats because the felines of this breed feature usually medium coat length. Thus, you should be ready to care for Ragdoll fur regularly.

Actually, American Ragdoll cats are known as clean creatures and they don’t need weekly washing like the Persians. It would be enough to bathe a Ragdoll cat once a month to keep its coat clean and fresh. Don’t forget to brush a Ragdoll cat twice a week to avoid mat forming.

So compared to long-haired cat breeds, non-short hair Ragdoll cats require minimal caring.

When it comes to Ragdoll shedding, be sure that Ragdoll owners don’t have such a great problem because these cats don’t have an undercoat and don’t virtually shed. That’s why Ragdoll cats’ allergy-friendly characteristics are famous all over the world.

Ragdoll Cats: Personality and Common Health Problems

Belonging to the breeds of large cat breeds, Ragdolls are known as cute fluffy giants with tender and lovable nature. These huge softies are very popular felines because of their affectionate and calm temperament. They are also extremely communicative (they like purring) creatures and like to be in the center of attention.

Males can be over 20 pounds, females can weigh up to 15 pounds. Their common height is around 11-13 inches. The Ragdoll cat breed doesn’t refer to the breeds of many health issues. But some of the most usual health problems in this breed are obesity, different heart diseases like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and urinary tract problems.

Cat Allergy: Signs and Symptoms

The main threat for people who suffer from cat allergies is posed by a glycoprotein (Fel D1). The sebaceous glands that are located under the feline’s undercoat generate this danger for allergy sufferers and it stores in the saliva.

When a cat sheds, skin flakes or dander that contain a glycoprotein can irritate people with allergies. During cat grooming, allergy sufferers can also experience discomfort because saliva includes Fel D1.

The key signs and symptoms of cat allergy include sneezing, coughing, red eyes, runny nose, itchy eyes and nose, redness on the skin (the part which the cat licks, bites, or scratches), and rashes on the face, chest, back.

Managing Allergy

Even if you suffer from Ragdoll cat allergies, that absolutely doesn’t mean that you can’t have a furry ball like a Ragdoll or a Ragdoll mix cat at your home. There are some ways that can help you manage your allergic reactions and enjoy your life near your fluffy favorite.

Your Cat’s Health Plan

First of all, you should provide quality and regular care to your purebred Ragdoll or Ragdoll mix cat to benefit your health and make your feline’s life happy.

Monthly Bathing: To keep your Ragdoll neat, you should bathe your cuties at least once a month. In such a simple way, you can clean your cat’s coat and protect yourself from unwanted allergic reactions (regular washing reduces your allergic symptoms). Of course, if you want and the vet allows you, you can wash your Ragdoll more often (even once a week), especially if you have a Persian Ragdoll or Siamese Ragdoll mix.

Daily Coat Brushing: This easy procedure helps you prevent your kitty from forming unwanted hairballs and decrease the risk of allergies.

The Human Health Plan

When it comes to the human health plan, it’s crucial not to forget about several daily rituals.

The Daily Grind

Regular Hand-Washing. As you adore your furry ball, you always try to cuddle it. Just keep in mind how important it is for you if you have cat allergies to clean your hands after you touch your favorite.
Clean clothes. Your Ragdoll tries to be near you all the time and it can leave some cat’s traces on your clothes. In this case, your washing machine can help you a lot to erase all cat allergens and make your clothes clean again.

Medical Options

In the case of severe allergic reactions, you can ask an allergist to prescribe you some pills that can help you reduce the allergy symptoms.

Controlling Your Environment

The best way to control the environment near you is to make your home a happy, clean, and stress-free place for all family members, including your four-legged companion or companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Ragdoll Cats Shed Much?

Because Ragdoll cats don’t have an undercoat, these cats refer to the non-shedding creatures that require a lot of attention and not much coat maintenance. So the cats of this breed don’t virtually shed.

Alternatives to the Ragdoll Cat

It’s difficult to talk about alternatives to such charming and affectionate cats as Ragdolls. But when it comes to people who suffer from various allergies, you should also focus on the following cat breeds that are known as more allergy-friendly ones: the Sphynx, Bengal, Russian Blue, Siberian, Oriental Shorthair, and Balinese.

Conclusion

The Ragdoll cat can be an ideal family pet that makes your life happier and brighter. Of course, some allergic reactions can affect you and the quality of your life. Just don’t forget that Ragdolls are unique creatures that virtually don’t shed due to the lack of undercoat and, thus, they are less inclined to cause human allergies.