Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic?

Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic

Are you considering a Ragdoll cat but are worried about possible allergies? There are claims of some cat breeds being hypoallergenic but such claims are untrue, although some breeds are better for allergic people than some.

Are Ragdoll cats hypoallergenic?

No, Ragdoll cats are not hypoallergenic and neither are any other cat breeds. However, Ragdolls do not have an undercoat which can greatly lessen the likelihood of allergic reactions. Nonetheless, some people are allergic to cat saliva and skin secretions and Ragdolls can produce these just as much as other cat breeds.

Ragdoll cats are not hypoallergenic and so are all the rest of the cat breeds. Although Ragdolls are not hypoallergenic, this breed is still popular among cat lovers everywhere and highly recommended as pets. 

Are there hypoallergenic cats?

No, there’s no such thing as hypoallergenic cats. While some may claim that there are hypoallergenic cat breeds, this is not entirely true since all cats produce proteins that lead to allergic reactions. However, as a consolation, there are some cat breeds like the Sphynx, Devon Rex, Balinese, and Russian blue that produce fewer symptoms since they produce less of the said proteins. 

More information on Ragdoll cats

Here are things to consider if  you’re planning to own a Ragdoll cat:

Consider adopting a cat from a pet shelter instead of a breeder.

Owning a cat through a breeder is fine but adopting a shelter kitty would be a smart and humane move especially since a lot of felines live in cages but they also deserve to have homes of their own. 

Ragdoll kittens are expensive and adult ones cost around thousands.

Ragdoll kittens are expensive and adult ones cost around thousands.
Image: istockphoto.com / Thomas Leirikh

Ragdolls are pricey because they’re selectively bred to achieve the pure characteristics. The price is also attributed to the breed’s availability, it’s not commonly available compared with other pedigree cats like the Maine Coon or Persian cat. Other factors affecting the price of Ragdolls are location, the breeder, and the cat’s quality so that cats with rare coat patterns or eye colors are considerably more expensive. 

The personality of the cat and if your lifestyle will be compatible with the cat’s needs.

Before deciding to own a Ragdoll cat, make sure that she can blend well with your lifestyle and usual domestic set-up. Ragdolls are very sociable but they also tend to be so attached to their owners, thus, if you’re always not at home because of your career then it may not be the right breed for you. Ragdolls tend to suffer from social anxiety if left for too long without companions so you have to weigh things out before deciding if a Ragdoll is the right cat breed for you. 

Cat allergy: Signs and symptoms

The prime reason for allergies in cats is Fel D1, a glycoprotein produced by the sebaceous glands under a cat’s skin and which is also present in the saliva to a lesser degree. Cats shed skin flakes or minute particles that are called dander into the surroundings or during grooming and they also transfer saliva to their fur and coat, producing allergies to susceptible humans. 

Symptoms of cat allergy include the following:

  • red and itchy eyes
  • rashes on the chest and face
  • coughing and wheezing
  • sneezing
  • runny and itchy nose
  • redness on the skin where a cat scratched, licked or bitten

Having cat allergies doesn’t mean you can’t own or care for a cat in your lifetime. You can still do but you have to be careful what breed. As mentioned, there are cat breeds like Ragdoll cats that produce fewer allergens and lowers your risk of being affected by allergies. 

Ragdoll cats: Personality and common health problems 

Ragdoll cats: Personality and common health problems 
Image: istockphoto.com / Robert Way

Ragdolls are large cats but they’re known to be big softies. They’re affectionate and have throaty purrs. They’re also very sociable and their big blue eyes never fail to win every pet parent’s heart. Males usually weigh up to 20 pounds while females can weigh up to 15 pounds and their standard height is 11 to 13 inches at the shoulder. They come in different colors and patterns and they possess medium-length and silky coats. Ragdoll cats usually live for up to 15  years or more and considered as the fifth most popular cat breed according to the Cat Fanciers Association in the USA. 

Conclusion

Ragdoll cats are smart, affectionate, and sociable that’s why they’re considered as one of the popular cat breeds around. They’re not hypoallergenic and neither are all the rest of the cat breeds but there’s a lesser chance of getting cat allergy since Ragdolls don’t have an undercoat. Nevertheless, owning one is a privilege and a blessing because they’re beautiful, intelligent, and highly trainable.