Are Maine Coon Cats Hypoallergenic?
Last updated on March 25th, 2023 at 12:27 am
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Are Maine Coons Hypoallergenic?
Many cat lovers love to have Maine Coons in their homes. For background do you know why they are called Maine Coons? They’re natives of Maine State; that’s why they’re known as Maine Coons. They’re favorites to many cat lovers because of their thick double coats and large size. But before adopting one, it’s essential to know if Maine Coons are hypoallergenic? If you want a short answer, then read below.
Quick Answer
No. Maine Coon cats are not hypoallergenic. Although the breed is not recommended, for those who are super sensitive or allergic. It is still possible however to have these cute furry friends as pets.
Causes of Maine Coon Allergies
First of all, it’s important to understand what does hypoallergenic means? It means relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Remember, no cat breed can be classified as allergy-free. But with some cat breeds, the chances of an allergic reaction are less than others. For example, Balinese Cats and Hairless Sphynx’s have lower incidences of allergic reactions, therefore, are hypoallergenic.
Now the question is, what are the reasons and causes of Maine Coon allergies? Well, many people think that cat allergies are due to the cat’s fur. However, the three main types of cat allergens include urine, dander, and saliva.
The major culprit of allergic reactions is a protein named Fel d1. It’s present in the urine, saliva, and glands of kittens. Now the question is how it’s spread around the body? You most likely have noticed that when cats groom themselves, they lick their coats. As a result of this, Fel d1 spreads around the entire body quickly.
Some kittens produce less Fel d1 and others produce more. Unfortunately, Maine Coons produce more. Therefore they cause allergic reactions and are not hypoallergenic. Some people have pet sensitivity, so when they get in contact with a cat, they experience an allergic reaction.
Another issue is it’s almost impossible to avoid allergens because they’re sticky and light. Moreover, they can stick to any surface they make contact with. Unfortunately, they can become airborne, so people can be affected even without touching the cat’s fur because when they inhale air with allergens, they suffer from reactions.
How to Check If You Are Allergic To Maine Coons?
Maine Coons are not hypoallergenic, but some people still want to bring one home. If you love Maine Coon cats and want to check if you are allergic or not, then try out one of the give steps below:
- Visit a friend who has Maine Coon and spend time around this breed. If none of your friends have one, you can visit a breeder to see if you’re comfortable when Maine Coons are around.
- Visit a pathological clinic for an allergy test. It will help you know that whether you can handle this cat breed or not.
How to Minimize Maine Coon Allergies?
When suffering from Maine Coon allergies, you’re likely to experience coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, itchy eyes, and wheezing. People suffering from asthma can also face issues like shortness of breath. So, now that you’re familiar with the symptoms, the next question is how we can minimize and potentially prevent Maine Coon allergies.
You can follow the below-given tips to minimize allergic reactions:
- Regular Brushing
If you have time, brush your Maine Coon regularly. It will ensure that you prevent matting. More importantly, regular brushing can prevent the spread of dander around the home. Ensure that you wash your hands every time after you brush Maine Coon.
- Bathe your Cat
Some excess protein will be trapped in the fur even after regular brushing. So you can bathe your cat to prevent the spread of allergens in the air. Luckily, Maine Coons love water, so they’ll enjoy frequent bathing.
- Minimize Petting
Minimizing the contact with cats will ensure that you don’t contact much with allergens.
- Clean Your Home
When you own a Maine Coon, the allergens can stick to the home surfaces and trigger allergic reactions. Therefore, it’s essential to clean your home and surfaces regularly.
- Stop and Try To Prevent Your Maine Coon from Licking You
Most cat breeds love to groom their owners, and it feels endearing, but it boosts the chances of allergic reactions.
- Get a Neutered Male Maine Coon
Female Maine Coons produce fewer Fel d1 than males. So, the best way is to bring a female cat home. Otherwise, you can neuter your male Maine Coon so that they produce fewer Fel d1.
Final Words
Are Maine Coon cats hypoallergenic? No, they’re not. So people, who are sensitive to pet allergies, should not adopt this breed. But if you still want to bring this cat home, ensure that you follow the tips mentioned above to reduce the chances of allergic reaction.
About The Author
I'm a content writer and researcher. But bottom line, I loveee animals. I had my first animal which was a guinea pig at age 8. Later had a bunny, dog and a lot, a lot of fish. Writing about what I know about pets will allow me to share my knowledge and love for them with everyone else. Dealing with dogs my entire life, I know a lot.
