ARE MAINE COON CATS HYPOALLERGENIC?
INTRODUCTION
The Maine Coon variety of cat is handsome in good looks and tender in disposition. But immediately the question arises: ARE MAINE COON CATS HYPOALLERGENIC? No, the opposite is the answer to that. Of course, there is no breed of cat which could be termed wholly hypoallergic, but the Maine Coons too have allergens in hair and saliva proteins that may provoke an allergic reaction in sensitive people.
The long-haired and thick Maine Coon is less of a shedder when compared against most of these other long-haired varieties, and for this reason, supposed to be more tolerable for people suffering from allergies. This is possible in case one regularly grooms his or her cat. This will cut down loose hair and dander, thereby reducing allergic reactions for those who have some sort of sensitivity. Not every person that has allergies to cats reacts the same to a certain breed. The word, by definition, can never say it, but Maine Coon is somewhat hypoallergenic because many people really don’t have much of a reaction compared with other breeds of cats.
This is important in order to spend time with a Maine Coon individually before commitment can be sure serious allergic reactions do not result. Cat owners that are also allergy sufferers can consult allergists and take precautions such as air cleaners, grooming processes that help alleviate allergy problems.
ARE MAINE COON CATS HYPOALLERGENIC?
Having one of the most popular US breeds around the house, for example, Maine Coon, is great, but talking about those who are to take them home may raise some sort of reluctance when talking about hypoallergenic issues. Quite a big number of people are allergic to cats and can’t even touch them since hive reprimands and itching create big health issues for quite a long time.
Such questions are never that readily easy to answer anyway, in view of individual allergies and sensitivities, plus how hypoallergenic you would consider being hypoallergenic is a few of the reasons.
The Maine Coon is not hypoallergenic; hence, these are not the best pet for one who has allergies to cats.
Large in size, thick fur, they also carry allergens just like many other cats that might have caused allergic responses from people.
What Causes Allergies to Cats?
It is the specific proteins secreted by cats’ sebaceous glands that tend to provoke allergic reactions among humans. These are variously termed as Fel d 1, Fel d 2, and Fel d 4. While the cats are grooming themselves, these proteins are released into the air to be inhaled by any human allergic to them.
These proteins are found in most of the glands present in the body of cats, including the following:
- Tears
- Farces
- Dander – dead skin cells
- Urine
- Saliva
- Mucous
Some studies show that 80%-90% of cats are allergic to the Fel d 1 protein. They also show sensitivity to Fel d 2 and Fel d 4 proteins.
SYMPTOMS OF CAT ALLERGY:
In case your feline friend has sensitivity or any allergy, they will show the following symptoms:
- WATERY EYES
- COUGHING
- SNEEZING
- RUNNY NOSE
- IRRITATION IN THROAT
- ITCHY SKIN
- WHEEZING
Other symptoms include; reddening of the eyes, congestion of nose and mucus of the eyes. A few extreme conditions-the ones recording for people who have a very strong allergy-record dizziness leading to unconsciousness; hence one needs to be very careful around their cat.
HOW TO TELL IF YOU’RE ALLERGIC TO MAINE COONS?
This may be done when one feels that his Maine coon pet is about to give him allergic problems. Below are the steps you are supposed to follow.
This will be able to depict whether, upon being around and playing with your Maine Coon, one starts feeling symptoms of one’s allergy once again, upon which one should avoid contact with your animal.
The most important thing is the allergy test about Maine coon should be taken before the adoption of any pet. The world has much development to offer one an allergy test about a particular breed of cats. Many veterinarians have these tests by pathology lab.
- HOW YOU CAN REDUCE ALLERGIES OF YOUR CAT?
- KEEP YOUR CAT FROM LICKING YOU.
- WASH YOUR HANDS
- INSTALL AIR FILTERS AT YOUR HOUSE
- GET RIGHT MEDICATION
- USE ANTI-ALLERGEN SPRAY
- AVOID YOUR CAT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
- TAKE IN A FEMALE OR NEUTERED MALE CAT
- AVOID YOUR CAT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
This does not mean, however that truly all cats are created hypoallergenic due to the fact that they all excrete the Fel d 1 protein from their sebaceous glands. By far, most people are allergic to this protein.
However a few of the cat breeds are hypoallergic as compared to others. A few of them are discussed as follows;
- Bengal
- Balinese
- Russian Blue
- Cornish Rex
- Devon Rex
- Oriental
- Sphynx
- Siberian
Key Take Away
The Maine Coons are not the hypoallergenic ones. This is because they contain the proteins that are known as Fel d 1 responsible for generating allergic response.
However, they shed less as compared to most of the breeds and due to that fact suitable for those suffering from moderate allergies.
The chances can be brought down with a few precautions. Discuss it with your vet and your physician as to what further is to be done
Thus Hypo allergic is a wrong choice for Maine Coon cats
SUMMARY:
That is, though sometimes hypothetically termed hypoallergic owing to their long-flowing coats, Maine Coon cats are not quite practical to live with. Actually, no breed should be termed hypoallergic since most of the allergens are associated with saliva and skin, not fur. Mind you, they are Maine Coons, one of those breeds which is groomed less than most felines and probably producing fewer allergens. Let that by no means exclude the possibility of causing allergic reactions in sensitive owners.
Individual sensitivity, degree of exposure, and the things causing allergic reactions are critical variants. While the Maine Coons can develop a small level of tolerance for some allergic people, it is really very important to spend time with them in advance to be sure about the overall situation. Besides, regular cleaning and grooming, added to providing an allergen-free environment, always manages the allergy when staying with any cat-even more so with the Maine Coons.
