Are Ragdolls Hypoallergenic? A Guide For Allergy Sufferers

Are you thinking of welcoming a Ragdoll cat into your home? No wonder, since this cat is so friendly, calm, and gentle; It would make a great companion to people of all ages!

But, wonderful character traits aren’t the only thing many cat fanciers need to consider when choosing the right breed for them. Some people will need to ask the question: Are Ragdoll cats hypoallergenic?

Dealing with allergies to cats can get to be quite difficult. The Ragdoll can’t be described as a truly hypoallergenic cat, but, does this mean that you should give up on having this cat in your home?

Let’s find out!

Are Ragdolls Bad For Allergy Sufferers?

Ragdolls aren’t hypoallergenic. This means that there’s always a chance this cat could cause allergic reactions in humans.

But, Ragdolls aren’t a bad option for allergy sufferers, either. Since they don’t have an undercoat, these felines don’t shed much, meaning that they don’t spread as much dander as some other cat breeds might.

Ragdoll Cats World explains how Ragdoll is a low-shedding breed, but it will still shed some of its fur. Even short-haired cats shed, at least to some extent; The amount of shedding varies from cat to cat, and on the season time, too.

Since Ragdolls don’t have a thick undercoat, they are less likely to shed than other breeds. So, it can be said that Ragdolls aren’t bad for allergy sufferers. But, there’s always a possibility of this cat causing allergies in their human family members.

How Cats Cause Allergic Reactions In Humans?

Andrew Sparkes [1] explains how cat allergy is the third most common cause of human respiratory allergies. 

Fel d 1 is the protein that causes an allergic reaction in humans, and is found in cat’s skin, fur, saliva, and sebaceous glands.

Intact male cats produce greater amounts of this protein, in comparison to females and neutered males. 

Allergy sufferers have oversensitive immune systems, meaning that their bodies detect cat dander and fur as dangerous invaders.

Cat Allergy Symptoms 

WebMD explains that the most common cat allergy symptoms in humans are coughing, sneezing and watery eyes, rashes, and redness of the skin where a cat scratches or licks you.

Of course, these are pretty general symptoms, and, if you develop them around a Ragdoll, this doesn’t necessarily have to mean that you’re allergic to cats.

Only an allergy test can confirm if you’re truly allergic to felines.

Cat Allergy Treatment

A couple of my friends are allergic to cats, but still live with them. How is this possible?

Well, not all people will have the same severity of allergy symptoms. Also, there’s treatment for this issue.

According to Healthline, cat allergies can be treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, or over-the-counter decongestant sprays.

Also, you can get a series of shots that desensitize you to an allergen – this type of treatment is called immunotherapy.

Should You Live With A Ragdoll If You Deal With Allergies?

You don’t want to miss owning a wonderful cat as a Ragdoll, but you’re afraid your allergies will prevent you from welcoming this kitten to your home?

Luckily, there are ways to still live with a Ragdoll, even if you’re an allergy sufferer, or one of your family members is.

Remember that Ragdolls are still a great option, compared to some other breeds and their potential to trigger allergic reactions.

Let’s see what you can do to minimize your Ragdoll causing allergies in you.

1. Bathe Your Ragdoll More Often

Indoor cats aren’t supposed to be bathed often, but things are different when you strive to put your allergy symptoms under control.

Bathing your Ragdoll will allow you to get rid of her dander, meaning that she will not spread it all around the house and cause allergies in you and your family members.

2. Keep Your Home Clean

Having a cat means you’ll probably have to clean more often.

But, if you want to keep your home free of allergies, you’ll need to vacuum any time you have an opportunity!

Since cat dander can get all over the place, you’ll also need to sweep, mop the floors, and clean your furniture quite often.

3. Use An Air Purifier

Air purifiers are also a great way of defending against cat allergies.

Their purpose is to reduce cat dander spreading around your home, meaning fewer chances of causing allergy symptoms in you and your family members.

4. Train Your Ragdoll

It’s also important that your cat doesn’t spend time on your bed or sofa. So, you should teach her that some places inside your home aren’t desirable spots for her to lounge in.

If she doesn’t spend time in the place you nap, there’s a smaller possibility you’ll develop allergy symptoms.

Of course, you still want your Ragdoll to be as comfortable as possible. What to do then?

Get your cat a super comfortable cat bed, a scratching post, and a tall cat tree. This way, she’ll have all the room she needs to play, jump, and climb on, and your bed will be less appealing for her.

5. Always Remember To Wash Your Hands

Should you give up on petting your Ragdoll for good if she causes an allergic reaction in you?

Not necessarily. Just remember to always thoroughly wash your hands after touching your kitten.

You should do the same after you give her food, touch her toys, or any other of her items. This probably means you’ll wash your hands a hundred times per day, but, it’s all worth it having a sweet Ragdoll in your home, right?

Final Words

So, are Ragdoll cats hypoallergenic?

Not exactly. But, they aren’t as likely to trigger allergic reactions as some other cat breeds.

It’s definitely possible to live with a Ragdoll, even if you or some of your family members are struggling with cat allergies.

You’ll just need to be prepared for a lot of cleaning, washing your cat regularly, and training your Ragdoll not to get on your bed sheets.

In the end, we can conclude that Ragdolls aren’t hypoallergenic but are a decent option for allergy sufferers.

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