Ragdoll cats are a soft cute cat breed, just like fluffballs.
They are great companions to snuggle up with.
If we talk from a facts point of view, some people are allergic to cats. This makes it difficult for them to make a decision regarding parenting a cat.
Ragdoll cats are a fluffy, friendly cat breed but still, some people have doubts about whether they are hypoallergenic or not.
To overcome your issue, we have done some good research work, and come up with ample information, which will guide you in a better direction.
Let’s dig in and explore, whether Ragdolls are hypoallergenic or not, do they shed more or less, whether they have dander or not, and other related doubts.
Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic?
PetMD states, “The Ragdoll cat has one of the best behavioral traits in the cat kingdom. It is polite, calm, and sweet-tempered, and will not bother you for attention.“. Ragdolls can be playful, but they are not always active. This breed is easily trained and will often lie limp like a rag doll, hence its name. Furthermore, it is an affectionate cat that will get along well with children or other pets, making it an excellent companion for the whole family.
Well, Ragdoll cats are hypoallergenic. In other words, it can be said that they are less hypoallergenic as compared to other breeds. Ragdoll cats have no undercoat, this means they shed less as compared to other breeds. But, those who are prone to allergies can catch mild allergies from their saliva, as it contains Fel D1 Protein.
Do Hypoallergenic Cats Exist?
The University of Veterinary Medicine says, “It is important to note that the types and amount of cat allergen produced can vary significantly between individual cats, and people may react more severely to one particular cat over another.”.
The differences in allergen production are not related to the length of the cat’s hair or its breed. However, there is evidence that males, when intact, produce higher levels of allergens and that levels decrease after neutering. Another reason to have your cat neutered is this. Furthermore, since all cats produce at least one type of allergen, hypoallergenic (low allergen-producing) and allergen-free cats do not exist.”
As per facts, it has been observed that there is no such thing that these specific breeds are totally hypoallergenic. There are certain breeds that fall under hypoallergenic and still give off allergies at a minimal ratio, in form of saliva, urine, skin, etc.[1]
My friend, if you are prone to allergies, then be ready to face an allergic reaction.
Can Ragdoll Cats Have Less Dander?
Ragdoll cats are no different from any other breeds when we talk about the dander. Yes, you heard it right Ragdoll cats don’t have less dander they produce the same as any other breeds. They contain Fel d 1 protein in their dander and saliva which triggers allergies in those especially who are prone to allergies.
As per experts, “Cats are the major source of indoor inhalant allergens after house dust mites. The global incidence of cat allergies is rising sharply, posing a major public health problem. Ten cat allergens have been identified. The major allergen responsible for symptoms is Fel d 1, a secretoglobin and not a lipocalin, making the cat a special case among mammals.“
Do Ragdoll Cats Shed?
Ragdolls do shed, but not as much as other long-haired breeds. Ragdoll cats have soft and plush coats which need to be brushed and combed at least two to three times per week to avoid matting and excess shedding. Bathing is not required very often if the diet is high quality and combing is consistent.
Well, yes as per the facts Ragdoll cats do shed, at least twice the year basically in the month of spring. They change out their coat and don’t have any undercoats things, so it can be said that they shed less as compared to other breeds which fall under the cat’s category.
As we have said Ragdoll cats do shed twice a year but that doesn’t mean you will not look after her coat. Though they shed less it is mandatory to have a brushing combing session, you have to use good quality comb and bristles which can do intense cleaning even in the sensitive part of her body.
Allergy Management for People Prone With Allergies
As we have already discussed that Ragdoll cats are hypoallergenic so you don’t have to worry much before bringing her home and making her part of your family. Or you are already parenting her.
But, if you fall into the category where any type of breed is not an option for you to be surrounded but still want to take care of them. In such conditions, there are things that you should take good care of that will eventually give you positive results and you will be able to be a good parent to your feline pal.
Managing your allergy is the primary step that you need to take before taking care of your Ragdoll cat. Like we have jotted down allergy management which will surely help you to get control of your allergies and will be able to spend more time with your feline pal without worrying much about your health.
1. Groom Her Well
Taking care of your Ragdoll cat is equally important as you take care of your little one. Plus, if you give time to pampering and maintaining her semi-long hair coat it will be beneficiary for you only. As no allergies will be triggered and you will be able to spend more time with your Ragdoll cat.
So, pamper her like she is the diva of your life.
Bathing:
Well, bathing your feline pal is a great idea, and as per experts if you take them to a spa in a month it will help you to keep her clean. Plus, whenever you take her for a shower make sure that in your bathing routine you use shampoo which is formulated to clean dirt and bacteria from her body. This is because it will help you to keep her allergy-free, but do not over-wash her because then you might hurt her skin and make it dry.
If you do not take good care of her dry skin it will end up shedding more dander from her body and will find it in the house, which will create problems for both of you. As you will start feeling itchy and so as your Ragdoll cat. So, use shampoo in minimal amount and take good care of her skin.
Brushing and Combing:
When we say groom your kitty well, brushing and combing is the primary stage that should be taken care. Ideally, those who are not allergic to felines should take the charge of this because while brushing and combing their hair, dirt will harm those who are suffering from respiratory issues or are allergic to it.
So, it is suggested to use a good-quality of grooming tool for combing and brushing her hair, on a regular basis. So, her loose hair will get removed from her body, and if a good-quality brush is used it will help you to easily untangle her knots, and remove the dirt from sensitive parts also which can develop bacteria if not cleaned properly.
Vet Check-Up:
Only grooming your Ragdoll will not help you to stay away from allergies. They are hypoallergenic, still, you need to take precautions for your health. So, a regular vet check-up is a great option, as it will help you to keep updated on whether your kitties are living a healthy life or not. Plus, even if you trigger allergy symptoms from your feline pal, the vet will help you to get rid of the allergies by prescribing certain medicines which will reduce the chances of producing allergies from your kitty’s body.
2. Clean Your House
Now, let’s focus on the environment, it is equally important to keep your house clean as you keep your Ragdoll cat clean to avoid allergies.
- No matter how much you try to keep your feline pal clean, still, you will find her loose hair on the floor, couch, and furniture, which is necessary to clean on regular basis.
- It is advisable to use an air purifier to get rid of the airborne particles, and dust particles because these particles trigger allergies easily.
- Try to use such fabric to cover your bed, and furniture, which can be easily washed away, and no fur or dirt attached to the cover. So, that it won’t create any respiratory problems for you.
- Go for dusting, like on regular basis try to clean the floor, furniture surface, and chairs, so that there is no scope of dirt or any particles, which can trigger your respiratory system. You can also use a disinfecting spray to keep bacteria and dust particles out of your reach.
- Apart from buying air purifiers, it is advisable to invest in a vacuum, it will help you to get rid of micro bacteria. But, make sure you should not clean it on your own because while cleaning it is possible that particles will spread in the room and it will affect your respiratory system.
3. Keep Yourself Clean
Ragdoll cats are hypoallergenic, but if you are prone to any mild allergies also due to being surrounded by felines, then you need to be extra precautionary while parenting one.
- You need to wash your hands vigorously after spending time with your feline pal. Even if you have touched any of her stuff it is advisable to wipe your hands before touching yourself.
- Spending time with your kitty means you are going to touch her, cuddle her, etc. At the end of the end, you need to put your clothes on to wash, with high-quality washing powder, as well as sanitize your clothes. This will help you to kill all the germs or bacteria, and if your feline pal hair is there on the clothes washing machine will help you to get rid of all the dust.
- Felines express their love, and affection via licking your hands, cheeks, etc. The same goes for Ragdoll cats they also express their emotions in the same way, but you cannot afford to allow them to lick you because saliva triggers more allergies. In such conditions, it is advisable to train them from the initial days to not lick you and train them another way to express their love.
FAQs
Do Ragdoll cats make you sneeze?
Ragdoll cats are hypoallergenic, there are fewer chances they will trigger allergies. But, if you are prone to allergies, then the situation can be different for you like even sharing the same room with her can make you sneeze. On the other hand, people with no allergies enjoy their company without facing any respiratory issues.
Are Ragdolls high maintenance?
Ragdoll cats have semi-long hair, and silky coats, which simply add spark to their beauty. From these, we can conclude, that they require regular brushing, and combing facilities because there are chances their hair can get tangled. Plus, specific grooming tools should be used to untangle their hair. So, yeah, they are a quite high-maintenance breed.
Are Ragdoll cats good for first-time owners?
According to the survey, Ragdoll cats are a great option for first-time owners, they are a friendly breed. Especially, for those households who have children because Ragdolls are a friendly demeanor, so they will easily jell up with the family.
Well, It’s a Wrap!
Concluding our blog on “Are Ragdoll cats hypoallergenic”.
Confidently we were able to serve you the appropriate content to the table and also highlighted some facts about your beloved Ragdoll cats which will help you to know her more in better ways.
Even though Ragdoll cats are friendly, you still have to be careful because they can cause respiratory issues if you have an allergy to felines, and you have to take precautions to protect your family and yourself from that.
References:
- Butt, A., Rashid, D., & Lockey, R. F. (2012). Do hypoallergenic cats and dogs exist?. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 108(2), 74-76.