Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic ? Check Out This To Know

Cats have been a constant companion to humans for thousands of years. They are one of the most popular pets in the world and there is no shortage of cat breeds with distinctive personalities. Ragdoll cats, for example, are known for their laid-back demeanor and soft fur. This breed makes a great pet because they are easygoing and affectionate while still being playful when it suits them. However, many people wonder if they are hypoallergenic or not. 

Today, we will address this popular question and help you clear your doubts

Fact Or Fallacy: Ragdoll Cats Are Hypoallergenic

Cats’ undercoats are usually what trigger allergic reactions in most aversions. Ragdoll cats do not have undercoats and perhaps, this is the reason most people believe they are hypoallergenic.

They are not.

Their lack of undercoat can sure lessen allergic reactions for folks sensitive to dander.

However, we have to take into consideration that it is not just the cat’s coat that people are allergic to from cats. The majority of people are hypersensitive to cat saliva.

That makes almost any cat, even the hairless cat, like Sphinx non-hypoallergenic. Why? Because, cat’s grooming includes them licking their body, leaving their saliva on their bodies.

Cats that have more hair are even worse because then it will have dried saliva that will shed on furniture, beds, and more.

More About Ragdoll Cats

Ragdoll Breed Overview:

• Weight: Male – up to 20 pounds, Female – between 10 and 15 pounds
• Height: 11 to 13 inches at the shoulders
• Coat: Medium length and silky
• Coat Colors: Different colors and patterns
• Eye Color: Blue
• Life Expectancy: 13 to 15++ years

Ragdoll Cat Characteristics

SPECIALITY	LEVEL
Affection level	High
Kid-Friendly	Medium
Exercise Needs	Medium
Energy Level	Medium
Intelligence	High
Amount of Shedding	Medium
Friendliness	High
Pet-Friendly	High
Playfulness	Medium
Trainability	High
Tendency to Vocalize	Medium

Ragdolls are well known for their tendency to be lap cats. They can be carried around with no resistance. With that, they have become one of the most fan-favorite in the cat world.

They are often compared to dogs because they share the same attentiveness to their owners.

You will see them happily following their owners around, always curious to know what they are up to.

These cats are perfectly capable of entertaining themselves, but they’d rather learn new tricks with you if they aren’t dozed off near, if not on you.

But, behind their picture-perfect image are downsides you must think about before deciding on owning one.

Their trusting and naive nature makes them best kept indoors. Ragdoll cats do not have the sharpest of survival skills. Plus, their splendor makes them an attractive target for thieves.

Their charm and pretty-looking face make people think they are never in pain. They are. It just isn’t as visible as with other breeds.

Also, their focus on their owners makes them more prone to anxiety in the event they need to be separated from them.

So, what about their lack of undercoat that makes people think they are hypoallergenic? Do they shed less than other cat breeds?

Ragdoll cats shed twice a year – spring and fall. Since they do not have an undercoat, it makes them shed less.

But, like all cats, they produce Fel d 1 – a secretoglobin produced largely in the cat’s saliva. This causes most allergic reactions in humans than fur and coat.

Managing Allergy

Let’s say, you decided to pursue your adoption of a Ragdoll cat (or any cat for that matter), and it turns out your allergies flare up. How will you manage to live happy for good and all with your cat?

Allergy management will require a considerable amount of effort but it is possible. Here are some ways you can minimize the allergen’s efficiency in triggering your allergies.

Your Cat’s Health Plan

The benefits of taking care of your ragdoll as if you are taking care of yourself goes a long way. Pamper her the way a diva is supposed to be taken care of.

-> Get them used to bathe:

At least once a month, have a kitty spa day and wash them with a special shampoo that rinses off allergens and reduces your reaction. Make sure you do not overwash, or you’ll end up drying out their skin. here…

-> Be on top of their pre-existing conditions:

Ragdoll cats are among the breeds of cats that easily develop dander or dull coats.

If your Ragdoll cat experiences the same, be sure to provide them enough supplements, like Omega 3 fatty acids. This should keep their fur shiny and supple.

-> Groom them daily

Brush and comb your Ragdoll cats regularly ( include bathing too ). This should be done not just only for the sake of managing allergies but to keep your cat’s fur nice and glowing, and to keep them from developing hairballs.

-> Ask your vet about acepromazine

This medication helps alleviate allergic reactions in a significant way. This is added to your cat’s food in very low doses.

Controlling Your Environment

Build a happy, clean, and stress-free home.

Keep your Ragdoll cat off of your bedroom:

Your bed is where you spend at least 8 hours rolling around and breathing into your pillow, blankets, and beddings. This wouldn’t help lessen your allergies even when allergens are airborne.

Check the fabrics in your house:

Fabrics are allergen magnets. If not necessary, remove them from your home and go for the minimalistic approach. The lesser surfaces these allergens can hold on to, the better the allergic management it can be.

Dust often:

Use furniture polish and spray onto the surface itself. This minimizes air-born allergens by up to 95%.

Ragdoll cats are not proven to be hypoallergenic, but they can sure be the best cat breed you can own as a pet.

If allergies are sure to be a problem if you pursue getting a Ragdoll cat, you may look at other alternatives that seem to produce lower levels of the allergen like a Siberian cat, Balinese cat, and of course, Sphynx cat.