Factors that affect allergen production in cats

The Fel d1 protein is produced by cats, but it seems that some breeds produce less of this allergy-triggering protein than others.

There are various factors that can affect the amount of Fel d1 proteins produced in a cat, such as:

• Male cats produce way more allergen proteins than female cats.
• Intact males make 3 to 5 times more allergen proteins than neutered males.
• Black cats with dark-colored fur make more allergen proteins than cats with light-colored fur.
• Kittens make fewer allergen proteins than adult cats.

Are there 100% hypoallergenic cats?

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as 100% hypoallergenic cats, and that’s mainly because all cat breeds produce the Fel d1 protein. However, there’s a silver lining: some cats produce less protein than others.

Even if no cat is truly 100% hypoallergenic, some breeds can make things easier because they trigger your allergies in a smaller proportion than other breeds. Some cat breeds are specifically recommended for allergy sufferers, so you’d still have to do your homework and gather a couple of facts before finding the right match.

Every individual cat has a very different level of allergen production, and every individual person has a different level of sensitivity to cat allergens.

Probably the best way to understand if you are sensitive to the cat you want to adopt is to meet him in person.