Last updated on March 20th, 2023 at 10:50 pm

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Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic? What You Need To Know 

Ragdoll Cats are the fluffiest creatures around, that’s why they’re one of the most popular cats to have as a pet as well. All you want to do with your cat is cuddle with her all the time, and give her hugs and kisses. However, for people who are allergic to cats, the question that comes to mind is ‘Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic?’ 

Quick Answer

Unfortunately, Ragdolls are not hypoallergenic. They’re not bred to be hypoallergenic as well. So, if you are allergic to cats you might want to keep that in mind. Ragdoll Cats however do shed less compared to other cats but that doesn’t mean they’re hypoallergenic. Allergies can trigger with their saliva, skin, or urine. 

You don’t have to worry though because with a little grooming and some precaution you’ll be able to cuddle your cat just fine. This article goes through everything you need to know about Ragdoll Cats and allergies so you don’t have to suffer from an allergic reaction again! 

Why Are Ragdoll Cats Non-Hypoallergenic? 

Even though Ragdoll Cats don’t have an undercover and they shed less compared to other cats they are still hypoallergenic. Their saliva, skin, and urine can still trigger an allergic reaction. When they like their fur, their saliva gets all over their fur which can cause an allergic reaction.  

Ragdoll Cats don’t have any less dander compared to others. They produce a decent amount of dander and it contains a protein which is known to cause allergic reactions in people. Some people don’t have any problems or get a mild reaction with Ragdolls while some fall into a sneezing fit. It really depends on the cat and the person’s immune system.  

Following are the few reasons Ragdoll cats aren’t considered hypoallergenic:

• Medium to high exposure to saliva 
• Medium shedding level 
• High level of dander exposure 

Cats can cause several different allergic reactions, the most common being skin and breathing reactions. Ragdolls can trigger both. The chances you will get a breathing allergic reaction triggered by a Ragdoll is around 80% and for skin, they’re 70%. Make sure to keep that in mind if you’re planning on getting a Ragdoll as a person with allergies. 

How Can Ragdolls Affect My Allergies? 

Many people have the misconception that a cat’s fur is what triggers an allergic reaction. That’s not true, it’s actually the protein present in their urine, saliva, and danders. The same is the case with Ragdolls, that’s why even though they shed less they’re still not hypoallergenic. These fluffy creatures can induce a really bad reaction in your body so be careful! 

Symptoms 

You can experience the following symptoms because of a Ragdoll Cat due to your allergies. 

• Coughing and wheezing 
• Red, itchy eyes 
• Redness where a cat licked, scratched, or bit you 
• Runny or itchy nose 
• A rash on the face or chest area 
• Sneezing 

If you’re experiencing the above-mentioned symptoms and they’re severe, that’s why for your health, you should give your Ragdoll up for adoption. 

How Do I Know If I’m Allergic to Cats? 

Symptoms caused by cat allergies are quite obvious however, they’re not always caused by your cat. So before you blame your cat it’s best to get tested. You can get a blood test done to check if you’re allergic to cats or not. However, allergen tests are not always accurate so your doctor may advise you to live without your cat for a few weeks and see the difference in your symptoms. 

Treatment 

Allergies can be kept at bay by using some medicine and nasal sprays. Nasal steroid sprays are the most common sprays for asthma symptoms. They can be bought over-the-counter by pharmacies so it’s not hard to get them.  

Allergy shots are another option, however, it can take years for them to completely work and they can’t be used by children under 5. But it can still be a great option for many so don’t be afraid to ask your doctor to make some for you. 

How to Reduce Allergies From Ragdoll Cats? 

The most sensible yet harsh advice would be to not get a cat if you’re confirmed to be allergic. But what if your family already has one? Well, then you can follow the steps below to reduce exposure to cats. 

• It should be obvious but do not hug, touch, or kiss the cat. Some people might think a little contact is okay but it isn’t. The slightest contact can also trigger your allergic reaction so beware. 
• If you’re visiting your family home where there are cats present make sure to keep your distance. Do not allow the cat in your room. Take your meds a few days before and keep taking them regularly.  
• Guests that have cats in their homes can also trigger your allergic reaction. They can have cat dander on them and the indirect exposure can make your allergies act up. 

However, this advice can’t be followed all the time. What if you own a cat and do not wish to part with her. In such cases, there are other things that can be done to avoid allergies from acting up. 

Grooming 

Grooming is considered basic hygiene for cats. If you’re sensitive to cat hairs, regularly brushing through them will reduce the shedding. If not brushed regularly the fine hair can make clumps all around the house. So, along with triggering your allergies, it will be dirtying the house as well. Using a good slicker brush is perfect for ragdolls as it reaches the bottom of the hair and brushes them out. 

Trimming your cat’s nails is also another part of grooming that you should manage. If your cat has long nails it can accidentally scratch you and can cause an allergic reaction. Grooming your cat properly can reduce the chances of you getting an allergic reaction by a lot! 

Vacuuming and Cleaning 

Cats will be cats. Nothing can stop cats from shedding hair. The same goes with Ragdolls as well. Though they do shed less hair compared to other cats, it’s still a significant amount. That’s why as a cat owner you should definitely invest in a vacuum cleaner. Cleaning your house surfaces with a vacuum cleaner is a great way to get rid of all the unwanted hair in just a few minutes. 

If you can, then a better option than a vacuum cleaner would be a pet vacuum cleaner. It has special brushes and bristles to collect the hair that your normal vacuum might have missed. You will be shocked to see how much hair your normal vacuum actually misses.  

Another gadget you can buy is a pet hair remover. It’s a small handy gadget that can remove cat and dog hairs from several surfaces. It’s especially useful if you have carpeted floors and many couches. It’s a very useful and rather cheap tool that all pet owners, especially the ones with allergies should have. 

Purifying The Air 

Buying an air purifier is also an amazing investment. An air purifier can remove small particles from air meaning it can remove a good amount of danders from the environment. As you know now danders are the main reason for allergic reactions, but with an air purifier, the chances of a reaction become very less. 

However, getting an air purifier is a luxury and not everyone can afford to get one. So, you can follow these other options instead! 

Modifying your Home 

Another thing you can do is make some changes to your house. Carpets, couches, and fabric furniture are considered pet hair magnets. Not only that, they also collect an enormous amount of dust from the environment. Keeping them clean and dustless is really hard even with regular cleaning. So, if possible it’s best to replace such furniture with ones that can’t or won’t attract cat hair like leather couches etc. 

Laundry 

Cats love to cuddle and rub themselves on anything they can find. So, the chances that your clothes have a huge amount of cat hair is high. Laundering your clothes properly and regularly can remove this problem. A cycle in the washer can remove almost all the allergens present on your clothes. 

You can also purchase a small lint roller. It can help you remove hair from your clothes when you can’t do laundry. Also watching your hands after interacting with your cat can also remove all the allergens from your hands so make sure to do that very often. 

Conclusion – Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic

No one can blame you for wanting to cuddle the heck out of your Ragdoll Cat. I mean they are the cutest and fluffiest cats around. However, being allergic to cats is definitely a bummer. Many people often go for Ragdolls believing they are hypoallergenic but that’s not true. Ragdolls may not shed that much hair but they can still trigger an allergic reaction. But you don’t have to worry because even with allergies you can still take care of your cat. You just have to be a little careful!