21.05.2022

Are Ragdoll cats hypoallergenic? Explained in detail

Ragdoll cats are among the friendliest feline companions. Their name comes from their tendency to go limp like when petted. They also don’t have an undercoat and consequently shed less and don’t spread as much dander as other cats. 

Are Ragdoll cats hypoallergenic? Untamed presents all the facts regarding cats and allergies and explains how to protect yourself while raising a happy and healthy kitty. 

Are Ragdoll cats good for allergies?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Some breeders advertise their Ragdolls as hypoallergenic, but all cats can cause an allergic reaction.

Even though Ragdolls shed less, they still produce the Fel d 1 protein, which causes allergies in people. You might get less exposure to it via their hair, but it’s still possible to come into contact with it through saliva. 

The function of this protein is not known, but it induces the following symptoms in allergy-prone humans:

• Breathing problems
• Red patches on the skin
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Eczema

Besides feline saliva, Fel d 1 can also be found in their dander. Dander consists of skin flakes produced by animals with fur or feathers, including cats. The material is airborne and spreads quickly. The protein is also present in other bodily fluids and faeces, so exposure to the allergen is almost impossible to avoid as long as a cat (or any other animal) is in your home.

Are Ragdoll kittens hypoallergenic?

I’m safe, trust me. 

Source: iStock

Kittens produce less Fel d 1 than adult cats, but they’re not completely hypoallergenic. Once they reach adulthood, the allergen is in full production, likely to cause allergic reactions. 

If you’re really in love with the breed, opt for a female or a neutered male Ragdoll, as they produce less Fel d 1. Your best bet is to sterilise your feline companion as soon as your vet allows it to minimise the exposure.

What can you do to reduce allergic reactions to Ragdolls?

I’ll leave no dander, I promise.

Source: iStock

Being allergic doesn’t mean that you cannot raise a Ragdoll. If your symptoms are not severe, you can take specific steps to keep your allergy under control.

It is essential to keep your place as clean as possible and take appropriate meds. Here is what you should do. 

• Vacuum every day
• Clean all surfaces regularly
• Invest in HEPA filters 
• Get allergy shots if necessary 
• Take antihistamines if your doctor recommends them

You should also train your Ragdoll not to:

• Lick you
• Enter your bedroom
• Lounge on the bed or sofa you often use
• Touch your clothes or towels

Ragdoll cats are relatively easy to train, so this should not be a massive problem. 

It’s also wise to get rid of carpets, curtains, or furniture covers. The hardest sacrifice will probably be reducing cuddling and playing with your cat to a minimum. Make sure to wash your hands and face after touching your furry friend. 

If you have a severe reaction, you shouldn’t risk your health, no matter how much you love cats. It would be next to impossible to protect yourself from dire consequences. 

Do hypoallergenic cats exist?

All cats produce Fel d 1, so hypoallergenic cats don’t exist. Some breeds shed less, so the exposure to the allergen is significantly smaller, but there’s no way to avoid contact with it if you live with a feline. 

If your allergic reactions are not severe, the following breeds are safer options (besides Ragdolls): 

1. Siberian
2. Russian
3. Bengal
4. Burmese
5. Sphynx

The Sphynx may be the best option on this list, but it is not completely safe. Even though they don’t shed at all (they have no fur), you would have to avoid contact with their saliva and dander. 

How to take care of a Ragdoll cat

A quick boop on the snoot, yes, thank you.

Source: Karolina Grabowska

Ragdolls require proper care to keep their skin and coat healthy. This results in less unnecessary shedding and dander, which means less exposure to Fel d 1 for humans. 

Ragdolls have a gentle and friendly personality, and their loyalty and affection make them great companions. They are also very cooperative, so they can be easily trained to behave well.

These kitties are also pretty independent and can fend for themselves if necessary, but they still prefer the company of humans and other cats. 

To raise a fit and happy Ragdoll, make sure to: 

1. Give them enough exercise, especially as kittens
2. Brush their fur regularly
3. Get them checked for heart problems because they have a genetic predisposition
4. Feed them the right diet

Diet is crucial for your cat’s well-being. An adequate meal plan keeps their weight in check and prevents or delays various chronic conditions. 

Food quality and feeding frequency can make or break your Ragdoll’s health. Some cat parents like their furry friend chubby, but obesity increases the risk of diabetes, arthritis, and other illnesses, especially in larger breeds. 

A balanced diet, rich in protein and low in carbohydrates, based on fresh meat and fish contributes to your cat’s skin and coat and overall health, resulting in less dander and shedding, fewer gastrointestinal problems, and second to none allergies in felines. With no cat hair, vomit, sneezing, or runny stool around the house, your exposure to Fel d 1 will be minimal, and you can enjoy a wonderful life with your Ragdoll.

What are the best protein sources for your cat?

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they cannot digest plant-based food well. Vegetable proteins don’t provide adequate nutrition to cats and should be avoided. 

Animal protein delivers all essential amino acids (taurine and arginine), vital for your cat’s development and well-being. Meat, fish, and seafood are the best protein sources for cats. Some types of meat can have a higher biological value than others and should be prioritised. The biological value states how efficiently your cat can absorb the nutrients for a specific product:

Highly-processed products and meat derivatives don’t have high nutritional value and should be avoided. Your cat needs whole meat with as little processing as possible. 

Another factor to consider about cat food is the fat content. Fat should account for 20% of your cat’s daily food intake. It is quite important in your Ragdoll’s diet since it provides fatty acids, which support their cell structure, inflammatory responses, and healthy coat. Cats also go crazy for it, so some animal fat in your kitty’s gravy or jelly meat will is an excellent taste enhancer.

What to avoid when choosing food for your Ragdoll

Optimising your Ragdoll’s health means avoiding the ingredients they cannot digest. Cat food manufacturers have to sort the ingredients by volume. If you find harmful fillers such as soya, peas, corn, rice, and other vegetables in the first place, put the product back on the shelf and opt for something healthier. 

You should also avoid added supplements because they indicate that the raw materials used in production are not nutritious enough, so the manufacturers had to resort to artificial additives to boost the product’s nutritional value. 

If you want to share your meals with your Ragdoll, check which popular human products should never be given to cats. Humans and felines have different digestive tracts and biological needs, so your Ragdoll should not eat the same food as you, even if they like it.

Want the best diet for your Ragdoll? Try Untamed!

Do I see subpar food, human?

Source: Karen Laarf Boshoff

If you want the yummiest meals for your furry friend, choose Untamed! Even the fussiest felines go crazy for our delicious and healthy meals. Your Ragdoll can choose chicken (breast and liver), duck, ham, tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines, prawns, or shrimp.

Our food is delicious because:

1. It’s made from fresh, human-grade meat in jelly or gravy. We stick to wet food because dry and semi-moist products don’t provide enough moisture, which keeps your feline body hydrated 
2. We don’t use sugar, grains, vegetables, and meat derivatives to bulk the meals. The ideal ratio of animal protein and fat allows your kitty to live a long and active life 
3. Vets and cat nutrition experts work on every recipe to make each product complete and balanced 
4. The animal protein content in our dishes is two times higher than in most commercial products
5. All our meals are manufactured according to the highest ethical standards. We use recyclable packaging, work with sustainable suppliers, and leave a neutral carbon footprint
6. There are no common allergens in our products. Even sensitive felines can enjoy Untamed meals. In case your cat has issues with allergies, our Chocka Chicken and Tuck-in Tuna in Jelly will be perfect for them since they are single-protein-source meals

Take our TRY NOW quiz to get a perfect meal plan for your Ragdoll at an excellent price. 

What are the benefits of Untamed? 

Switching to Untamed will improve your cat’s health. Our clients reported the following changes after letting their cats go Untamed. 

How to join the Untamed clowder?

You can order our cat food online in a few clicks:

1. Visit the TRY NOW page and let us know about your kitty’s age, food preferences, and allergies
2. Create a tailored meal plan
3. Place your order

We’ll send the taster pack in a day with no shipping costs. We designed our delivery service for cat food to suit your convenience, so you can change, postpone, or modify your order whenever you need.