One of the largest and the most popular domestic cats in the world is Maine Coon cats. They have long, flowing coats and also have a soft personality and are called gentle giants. A large number of people who like this breed are reluctant to adopt one of them due to the fear of cat allergies. It provokes a widely asked question, do Maine Coon cats make them hypoallergensic?
The answer to this is in the short term, Maine Coon cats are not regarded as being hypoallergenic. Nevertheless, knowing what about cats causes allergies and the comparison of Maine Coons with other breeds can help you decide whether this type of pet can fit well into your family.
What is the meaning of Hypoallergenic?
When someone poses whether Maine Coons are hypoallergenic cats it is necessary to define what this term means. Hypoallergenic does not imply that it is not allergic. It merely means that it is less likely to give an allergic reaction. Some cats are not 100 percent hypoallergenic, unlike in the case of cats. Other breeds like the Siberian or Balinese are said to give out less allergens yet they too can have reactions on those who are sensitive.
Why Cats Cause Allergies?
Fur does not cause cat allergies as most people would believe. A protein called Fel d 1 that is present in the saliva of cat, as well as skin oils and dander is the actual cause of allergies. As cats groom themselves their saliva dries on the fur, this causes small particles to be released into the air. The particles dispersed throughout the house and may cause allergic reactions that may be as mild as sneezing and itchy eyes, and as severe as asthma-like symptoms.
Are Maine Coon Cats Hypoallergenic or not?
In case you are wondering, Are Maine Coons Hypoallergenic cats, then it is in the negative. Indeed, their coats are long and thick and thus the addition can be a problem to allergy sufferers. Maine Coons are also large with substantial fur, therefore, they produce more dander in the house than smaller or short-haired cats. They also groom their coats leaving more saliva that makes the Fel d 1 protein more prevalent in the environment.
This does not however imply that all individuals with mild allergies will have a strong reaction with Maine Coons. The intensity of an allergic reaction is dependent on the sensitivity of an individual and the particular cat. There are those who experience that they just manage to handle a Maine Coon even better than they had anticipated, and others can be challenged despite a short exposure to the animals.
Using a Maine Coon to deal with Allergies
In case you still love the breed and still feel like bringing one home, it is possible to reduce allergic reactions. Frequent bathing and grooming may reduce the level of dander and saliva on the coat. Ideally one should brush outside the living premises by a non-allergic individual. The carpets, curtains and bedding should be washed regularly to minimise the number of allergens in the house.
Another useful measure is the use of an air purifier. Airborne allergens can be trapped by HEPA filters and also enhance the quality of air. Allergic reactions can be reduced through washing your hands after touching the cat and not touching your face. Although these techniques do not render a Maine Coon as hypoallergenic, they enable the sufferers of allergy to live with one more easily.
Are there differences between the Allergen levels in the Male and Female Maine Coons?
Other research indicates that the male cats have higher levels of Fel d 1 than the female cats. Neutered males can produce less compared to unneuted. It implies that a neutered female Maine Coon will have fewer allergic reactions than a large, unneuted male. Although this variance is not assured, it should be considered in the family with mild allergies who are bent on adoption of a Maine Coon.
Are There Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds?
When she is inquiring, “Maine Coon cat, are they hypoallergenic? there is no doubt about it–they are not. But what about other breeds? Others such as the Russian Blue, Balinese and Siberian are commonly advertised to be hypoallergenic. These cats can generate less Fel d 1 protein although none of them are wholly non-allergenic. Even these breeds may not suit you in case you have severe cat allergies.
Checking Your Pre-adoption Sensitivity
Before making any commitment, it is good to check the level of your allergy first, as you are not sure that you will be able to live with a Maine Coon. Having spent time with Maine Coon cats in a shelter, cattery, or in the house of a breeder, you have an idea about the way your body responds. Every person may have vastly different allergies and hence face-to-face contact is the surest method to test the match.
Final Thoughts
In that way, are Maine Coon cats hypoallergenic? The response is no. Maine Coons are big, long-haired cats that do not emit any lesser levels of Fel d 1 allergen than any other breed, at times even more, all because of size and weighty fur. Although they are not hypoallergenic, they still employ a number of individuals with mild allergies to make their lives comfortable through appropriate grooming, cleaning, and air purification techniques.
The allergies do not always prevent you, in case you dream about to be the owner of one of these gentle giants. It is all about being realistic and taking precautionary measures and testing your own tolerance levels before inviting a Maine Coon in the house.