People are allergic to cats because of a specific protein, not because of the fur. The protein is called Fel d 1, and it is by far the most common cause of cat allergy. It is produced primarily in the cat's sebaceous glands and in the saliva, and it helps trigger reactions in the vast majority of people who are allergic to cats. When the immune system of a sensitive person encounters this protein, it mistakenly perceives the protein as a threat and sets off an allergic reaction. So it is not the hairs themselves that are the problem, but the protein that sits on them.
What is Fel d 1, and why does the body react to it
Fel d 1 is a small, hardy protein that the cat produces in its sebaceous and salivary glands. It is found on the cat's skin and in the fur, and to a lesser extent it is also secreted through tear and other glands. When a cat grooms itself and licks its fur, it spreads the saliva - and thereby the protein - all over its body. The saliva dries, and the protein now sits on the hairs and skin flakes.
The allergic reaction itself occurs because the immune system of a sensitive person produces special antibodies against Fel d 1. When the protein comes into contact with the mucous membranes, it binds to these antibodies, and this triggers the release of histamine and other substances that cause the familiar symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose and red eyes. In some people it also affects the airways more seriously. The strength of the reaction depends both on how sensitive the person is and on how much of the protein one is exposed to.
This is why it is skin flakes and saliva - not coat length - that matter
A widespread misconception is that it is the cat's hair that makes a person allergic, and that long-haired cats are therefore worse than short-haired ones. But the allergen is not in the hairs. It is on them. Skin flakes, meaning microscopic flakes of dead skin, are one of the most important carriers of the protein, and they spread throughout the home, regardless of how long or short the cat's coat is.
Fel d 1 is also so light and small that it easily becomes airborne and can float in the air for a long time. It clings to clothes, furniture, walls and hair, and this is why the allergen can be found in places where there has never been a cat - it is carried in from outside on clothes and bags. That is also why it does not help as much as many people think simply to avoid touching the cat directly.
Why some cats cause more allergy than others
The amount of Fel d 1 varies from cat to cat, and this explains why some people react strongly to one cat but hardly at all to another. Research indicates that uncastrated male cats on average produce more of the protein than female cats and castrated male cats. Some studies also suggest that older cats produce less of the allergen than younger cats.
On the other hand, neither coat length nor colour has been shown to have any decisive significance for how much allergen the cat produces. The individual variation from cat to cat and the cat's sex matter far more than the breed. So it is not possible to point to one particular type of cat that is guaranteed to be problem-free for allergy sufferers, even though some breeds are marketed as more gentle.
Do hypoallergenic cats really exist
The term "hypoallergenic cat" is often used for breeds that supposedly cause fewer symptoms. But since all cats produce Fel d 1, there is in reality no cat that is completely free of the allergen. Some cats produce less than others, and individual sensitive people may therefore experience fewer symptoms around a particular cat. However, this is very individual and cannot be predicted from breed alone.
If you are considering a cat, and allergy is a concern in the household, it is wisest to spend time with the specific cat several times before you decide. If you or someone in the family experience symptoms, an allergy assessment at the doctor is the way forward, so you know what you are actually reacting to.
What you can do yourself to reduce the allergen in the home
Although you cannot remove Fel d 1 completely, you can limit the amount in the home. Frequent and thorough cleaning of floors, furniture and textiles helps, because skin flakes and hair collect in dust and fabric. A vacuum cleaner with a good filter, air purification and regular washing of the cat's blankets and beds reduce how much allergen is stirred up into the air. It also helps to keep the bedroom as a cat-free zone, so that you get a break from the allergen while you sleep.
A well-groomed cat with healthy skin and coat sheds fewer skin flakes, and here daily nutrition plays a role for the skin barrier and the quality of the coat. At ESSENTIAL FOODS you will find cat meals prepared from fresh produce and human-grade ingredients, where taste and nutritional profile are carefully composed for the cat's well-being. Omega-3 is known to support skin and coat, and in our range of daily supplements you will find relevant products gathered with exactly that in mind. If you are in doubt about what suits your cat, ESSENTIAL FOODS' nutrition advisers are ready by phone, chat and email and can advise on feeding and nutrition.
If you want to delve into the cat's everyday life and needs, you can also find inspiration in our selection of cat food and in treats in treats for cats, which are composed with the cat's taste and well-being in mind. Remember that handling allergy and health always belongs with the doctor or the vet - we advise on what concerns feed and nutrition. Cat allergy can rarely be eliminated completely, but with knowledge of what the protein is, how it spreads, and how you keep the amount down, many people can live better side by side with their cat.