If you are thinking of buying a Maine Coon but suffer from various allergies then make sure you read on to discover if your cat allergies will prevent you from owning a Maine Coon.
So, are Maine Coon cats hypoallergenic? Keep reading, as the answer will definitely surprise you!
Maine Coon cats are not hypoallergenic because they produce the protein Fel d 1, which some people are allergic to. You can reduce cat allergens by regularly grooming, and bathing your cat. If you are severely allergic to cats, do not buy a Maine Coon. Hypoallergenic cat breeds like the Siberian or Sphynx produce lower levels of Fel d 1 protein.
Suffering from an allergy is never fun, but when you develop an allergy to the cat breed you love, or even worse a cat your already own, it will no doubt seem like your options are pretty limited.
In cases where an owner develops a severe allergy to their cat, cat lovers may even need to consider putting their Maine Coon up for adoption.
If you have ever suffered from allergies to cats or dogs in the past, please make sure you read this article, to enable you to make an informed decision regards buying a Maine Coon kitten.
Are Maine Coon Cats Hypoallergenic?
If you have always dreamed of owning a Maine Coon cat, but suffer from cat allergies, you might be interested to discover that the Maine Coon is more hypoallergenic than you first thought!
Yes, Maine Coon cats shed hair, like all cats (even Sphynx’s!) but this should not pose an issue to cat allergy sufferers since it is the dander produced by cats that causes allergies, not the fur.
To be more specific, it is the Fel d 1 protein that many individuals are sensitive to, not the cat fur itself as many people mistakenly believe!
Although Maine Coons are not 100% hypoallergenic, did you know that no cat breed is, even the cat breeds commonly classified as hypoallergenic like e.g. the Siberian and Sphynx?
This is because all cats produce the Fel d1 protein, which is secreted by the cat’s sebaceous glands and found within cats:
- Salvia
- Skin
- Fur
- Dander (dead skin)
- Urine
- Tears
- Mucous
A ‘hypoallergenic cat’ is therefore a cat that produces less Fel d 1 protein complex than other cat breeds.
Whilst not 100% hypoallergenic, it is thought that Maine Coon cats are a better fit for cat allergy sufferers, despite their long-haired appearance, since they shed fur differently to regular cats.
When a Maine Coon sheds fur, it tends to be in clumps, rather than all down your clothing every time the cat brushes against you.
In addition, Maine Coon cats shed only two times a year, one such time being when they shed their Winter thick furry coat as the Spring/Summer heat approaches.
Indoor Maine Coon cats tend not to shed as much fur as outdoor Maine Coons, since the temperature of the home remains relatively constant throughout the year.
Less fur shedding makes the Maine Coon cat more hypoallergenic since the Fel d 1 protein does not spread as easily.
Cat allergy sufferers or allergy-prone humans can, therefore, rest assured that owning a Maine Coon cat should not pose a huge allergy issue to them.
Ultimately, mild allergy sufferers should be fine living with a Maine Coon cat since they can use non-drowsy antihistamines like cetirizine to reduce their cat allergy.
However, if you suffer severely from cat allergies, it is advised that you do not live with a Maine Coon cat.
Severe cat allergies include, but are not limited to the following conditions:
- Loss Of Consciousness
- Asthma
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Dizzyness
Should people with cat allergies consider owning a Maine Coon cat? Find out here.
Do Maine Coons shed a lot? Learn more about Maine Coon shedding levels in our article.
If you are concerned that your Maine Coon is shedding too much, find out what might be causing this health problem by reading this article.
This cat food will help reduce Maine Coon shedding the most effectively.
Are Cat Allergies Common?
If you are not sure whether you are allergic to cats, or not, take a look at the low-level cat allergy symptoms listed below:
- Itchy Skin
- Runny Nose
- Sneezing
- Throat or Mouth Irritation
- Watery eyes
Many people suffer from cat allergies but are often not sure why. In fact, approximately 10% of the population is allergic to pets!
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, cats are the main allergy culprit, with cat allergies being twice as common as dog allergies (source 1).
This scientific study in America discovered that the protein Fel d 1 is present in 99.9% of homes, with a cat.
The Fel d 1 protein was located on the dust on sofas, carpets, clothes, etc.
The protein is easily airborne, so spreads throughout the home without much issue. Specialists suspect it can even travel via hair strands.
Interestingly though, the Fel d 1 protein was also found in American homes that did not own a cat at all.
The study also found high levels of Fel d 1 in offices, cars, shopping centers, and classrooms, thought to have been spread via cat owners’ clothes and hair, into the public arena.
This might help explain why allergy sufferers can struggle with their allergies, in the least likely of places.
What Causes Cat Allergies?
Cat allergies occur in people who have over-sensitive immune systems.
This causes them to experience unwanted physical symptoms, otherwise known as an allergic reaction.
The reaction itself is caused by an allergy to pet allergens, which are known to collect on many different surfaces, including:
- Sofas
- Walls
- Floors
Many people mistakenly think that they are allergic to cats’ fur, and stay clear of stroking cats, particularly those with long hair.
This theory is incorrect though because it is actually a protein in the cat’s saliva, urine, or dander that individuals are allergic to.
When the cat grooms itself, it spreads these allergens across its fur, which explains why so many people think they are allergic to cats’ fur.
There are three main cat allergens:
- Dander (cat skin secretions)
- Saliva
- Urine.
If you are allergic to cats, it is most likely that you are allergic to a cat allergen protein known as ‘Fel d 1’, which is secreted in the cat’s saliva, and skin.
In rare cases, you might also be allergic to the Fel d 2 and Fel d4 proteins.
The Fel d 1 allergen is spread when the cat grooms itself and is not an integral part of cat dander or fur but may become stuck on cat dander, or fur when the cat cleans themselves.
Allergens can be found everywhere. They are often transported on clothing, and can get into the air when pets are groomed, or even when you dust your home!
Once in the air, they hang suspended and can be breathed in by humans, therefore, causing an issue for allergy-prone humans.
How Long Do Cat Allergies Last?
Everyone is different. Whilst some people experience cat allergy symptoms straight away, others might not notice any symptoms until 4-8 hours after exposure to cat allergens.
Symptoms may persist for a couple of minutes or may extend into hours, depending on how sensitive your body is to cats.
If you are sensitive to cat allergens (dander, saliva, or urine) and find that your symptoms do not go straight away, this may be because allergens are terribly sticky.
These allergens attach themselves to anything, including:
- Floors
- Walls
- Clothing
- Furniture
This means that even though you are not in direct contact with a cat, you are still likely to have an allergic reaction to the allergens they have deposited around the house.
It can be difficult to rid your home of these allergens immediately.
Common Cat Allergy Symptoms
Are you allergic to your Maine Coon cat?
The list below shows the common cat allergy symptoms you will likely suffer from, should you be allergic to your Maine Coon cat:
- Sneezing
- Red, itchy eyes
- Skin turns red, where the cat has licked, scratched, or bitten you.
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Itchy, runny, stuffy nose.
- Hives
- Rash on the chest and face
If you are very sensitive to cat allergens, you may immediately experience either one or more of these symptoms.
If you are less sensitive, symptoms might not show until 4-8 hours after exposure.
According to the website WebMD, 20% – 30% of individuals with allergic asthma will experience severe flare-ups after coming into contact with a cat.
How To Reduce Cat Allergies In The Home
Do you love your Maine Coon, but hate the cat allergy symptoms you suffer from your feline companion?
If this is the case, you have probably wondered if you can live with a cat when you have allergies.
Each individual’s allergy levels are different, so if you are prepared to manage, or even put up with your allergy symptoms then it is likely that you can continue living with your Maine Coon.
Ultimately, this is down to personal choice.
The following table below shows you some simple ways to reduce your risk of experiencing an allergic reaction to your Maine Coon cat, at home.
For ease of reading, we have divided the methods for managing allergies into three groups:
- Owner Self-Care
- Environmental Changes Within Your Home
- Cat Hygiene
1. Owner Self-Care
| Advice | Description |
|---|---|
| Do not let your Maine Coon lick you | Cat saliva contains allergens. Realistically this tip might prove difficult to implement because Maine Coons love licking and grooming their owners. Licking and grooming shows they love you. |
| Wear gloves whilst gardening | Cats wee in the garden. Urine is an allergen. Wearing gloves prevents you from coming into contact with a cat’s urine in the soil. |
| Do not stroke your cat! | Limit how often you stroke your cat to reduce your chances of touching dander. Cat’s fur is covered in dander (dead skin) and Fel d 1 protein. They are allergens. |
| Take medication | Wash hands after touching the cat |
| Anti-Allergen Sprays | Allergy sufferers should wash their hands immediately, after touching a cat. This will help remove cat dander from your hands. In particular, washing will remove the Fel d 1 protein from your hands. |
| Anti Allergen Sprays | Invest in a few different anti-allergen sprays, to see if this helps reduce your symptoms. |
| Maine Coon Central | Cat Allergy Management Advice |
2. Environmental Changes Within Your Home
| Advice | Description |
|---|---|
| Hoover Regularly | Cat allergens are very sticky. Make sure you hoover the floor and curtains regularly, to remove as many allergens as possible. |
| Do not let cats into the bedroom | Limit which rooms your cat is permitted into, thus reducing the spread of cat allergens. |
| Cover sofas with throws | If you allow your cat on the sofa, make sure you use washable throws. Washing throws regularly reduces cat allergen levels in your home. |
| HEPA air filter | Installing a HEPA air filter will help trap airborne particles in the house. |
| Change heating / air filters | Change your heating and air filters regularly, particularly if a forced-air HVAC system is installed in your home. |
3. Cat Hygiene
| Advice | Description |
|---|---|
| Let someone else groom your cat | If another member of your family is not allergic, get them to groom your cat. Cat allergens are released into the air when cats are groomed. Close proximity to this will likely cause an allergic reaction. |
| Get someone else to change the litter tray | Cat urine is an allergen. Avoid touching places where cat urine is more common. Ask a member of your family who isn’t allergic, to clean the litter tray! |
| Bath your cat | Maine Coons love water so can be trained to take a bath. Regularly bathing your cat will help remove dander, saliva, and urine from your cat’s fur. |
| Train Maine Coon | Your Maine Coon cannot help that you are allergic to them! However, you can train them to not sit on certain chairs/sofas. This will limit your risk of touching allergens. |
| Cat cleaning wipes | If your Maine Coon isn’t a fan of bathing, use some cat-cleaning wipes to limit the amount of dander, saliva, or urine attached to their fur. Try these cat wipes sold on Amazon. |
Which Cat Breeds Are Hypoallergenic?
Whilst no cat is truly hypoallergenic, some cats are thought to be more hypoallergenic than others.
The reason certain cat breeds are awarded this title is that hypoallergenic cats naturally secrete lower levels of the protein Fel d 1, than others.
The protein Fel d 1 complex is an allergen, mainly secreted in the cat’s saliva or sebaceous glands.
It is responsible for causing the majority of cat allergies in humans and often becomes attached to a cat’s fur, saliva, or urine.
When humans come into contact with this allergen, approximately 10% of them will have an allergic reaction.
The following cat breeds are thought to be more hypoallergenic than others (source 1).
Are Maine Coon Cats Bad For Allergies?
If you have your heart set on buying a Maine Coon, but suffer from cat allergies, do not give up!
Although Maine Coons are definitely not hypoallergenic (no cat actually is), you may potentially build up a tolerance to this breed over time.
Regular cat bathing, grooming, hoovering, and washing the throws that your cat has sat on, may also help limit your allergy symptoms.
How To Groom A Maine Coon: Limit Cat Allergies
Believe it or not, there is a right and a wrong way to groom a Maine Coon cat!
If you are allergic to cats, but keen to still own a long-haired cat breed like the Maine Coon, we recommend you:
Brush Your Cat Outside
This is beneficial for allergy sufferers as less loose fur and Fel d 1 protein will settle within your home (on the floor sofa, and carpet).
Instead, a large percentage will blow away in the wind.
Bathe Your Maine Coon
Bathing a Maine Coon once a month is a great way to keep your cat’s fur clean of dander and dust.
It also removes the loose dead fur stuck within the Maine Coons thick dense fur.
Do Maine Coons need baths each month though? Find out in this article.
Clean Cat With A Damp Cloth
Use a damp cloth to wipe your cat’s fur, regularly.
This helps remove the Fel d 1 protein that sticks to a cat’s fur when they groom themselves.
Cat Wipes
Wipe your Maine Coons fur with cat cleaning wipes to help reduce levels of Fel d 1 present on your cat.
Conclusion
Are Maine Coon cats hypoallergenic? The simple answer is no.
However, there are many things that you can change within your lifestyle, to help limit the spread of the key protein ‘Fel D 1’ which causes most cat allergies in humans.
The level to which you are prepared to change your daily lifestyle will obviously be down to personal choice.
However, if you are prepared to compromise, and adapt your life to welcome a beautiful Maine Coon cat into your home, the downsides will surely be dwarfed by the benefits.
