Maine Coon cats are very impressive indeed and ideal to be owned as a pet but many people are allergic to these cats.
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What Are Some Of The Most Common Allergies To Maine Coon Cats?
There are many types of common cat allergies there, but this post will focus on the most severe ones. If you have allergies, then you have probably heard about dander. Dander is a natural by-product of the fur of cats. Through a process called “shedding,” cats constantly rub their fur against surfaces and other objects in the home. As a result, dander is released into the air, where it can easily be inhaled.
There are many different types of cat dander, but Fell D1 is one of the most common ones found in Maine Coons. Many people who suffer from cat allergies will react to this kind of cat dander. That Fell D1 can be found anywhere. It’s not exclusive to Maine Coon Cats.
Dust From Cat Hair
Maine Coons are very well known for having long hair. But you might not realize that all this hair also creates a lot of dust buildup around the house. And unfortunately, people with allergies will be re-exposed to this dust over and over again.
Allergic Reactions
Those of you who have had an allergic reaction will be familiar with the term “allergy.” For those who haven’t had it, it’s simply your body’s natural immune system reacting to an innocuous chemical, such as cat allergens or pollen.
Individuals with overly sensitive immune systems are more prone to allergic responses. When these people touch an allergen, their bodies automatically begin to produce Immunoglobulin E, an antibody that protects humans from viruses. The disadvantage of this antibody is that it creates symptoms in the nose, stomach lining, lungs, etc.
Cats And Allergies
Unfortunately, despite these advantages, some people cannot have cats, even if they desire them. They can’t have cats since they’re allergic to them. It’s not a big deal for someone who is informed of the situation beforehand. However, some people discover they are allergic to cats after they have already adopted one. Choosing whether or not to keep their favorite cat can be a difficult decision. Some people prefer to live with the symptoms and learn to handle them to avoid putting their cats down.
Why Do You Have Cat Allergies?
A cat allergy is a type of allergic reaction caused by the production of proteins from the skin and saliva of a cat. When these proteins (allergens) come in contact with the nose, eyes, or mouth, they can cause an inflammatory reaction which can lead to sneezing, coughing, and itchy nose and eyes.
Cat allergy can occur to anyone regardless of age or gender. As many as 85 percent of people who adopt a cat develop some kind of allergic reaction. Proteins cause cat allergies from the cat’s saliva and hair that enter the body through the eyes, nose, throat, and skin.
When these proteins enter the body, they cause a reaction that can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing. Although cat allergies are less common than dog allergies, they will still affect everyone who has them, no matter how careful they are about cleaning up after their pets.
The Symptoms Of Cat Allergies
The symptoms of cat allergy vary depending on the individual. However, in most cases, the symptoms include an itchy nose, watery eyes, a throat full of mucus, and a runny nose. People who suffer from cat allergies often experience sneezing episodes because cat allergens enter their bodies through their noses and throat. This can be very embarrassing for people who live with other people because they will not participate in conversations due to a runny nose and a red nose from all of the allergy-causing mucus.
Sneezing is also quite uncomfortable for individuals who have them frequently. In addition, because sneezes are often uncontrollable, many people fear going out in public places because they don’t want to humiliate themselves in a social situation due to all of the sneezing and throat clearing.
Most people who have cat allergies also have allergic reactions when they touch a cat. These allergic reactions include itchy skin, redness, and swelling. The body areas that are most often affected by contact-related allergies include the hands, arms, legs, and face. When people with cat allergies get their hair or skin in contact with a cat’s coat, they will often develop an allergic reaction which causes their skin to become itchy and red.
Are Maine Coon Cats Hypoallergenic?
Maine Coon cats are popular among pet owners. Maine Coon cats, on the other hand, do not appear to create high quantities of allergens. With that out of the way, the short answer is no; they are not hypoallergenic. However, if a person has severe cat allergies, it might be advisable to avoid having a Maine Coon cat. Maine Coon cats have thick coats, and some may shed a lot at different year periods.
How To Minimize Cat Allergies?
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There Will Be No More Cats Sleeping In The Bed
For allergy relief, this is a modest price to pay. So invite them back once you’ve gotten your symptoms under control, but give yourself a respite while you’re working on getting your symptoms under control.
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Keeping Them Out Of The Bedroom Is A Must
Close the bedroom door to reduce the amount of cat allergen in the room. Your bedroom should be a haven for allergy sufferers. So try to get your kitties to sleep somewhere else throughout the day.
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Keep Your Cats In One Room Of The House
This may be tough for some individuals, but it at least separates the cat allergies from the rest of the house, allowing you to focus your air purifier and cleaning efforts.
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It’s Possible That You Won’t Have To Put Your Cat Down.
Your cat allergies should be considerably reduced if you follow steps 1 through 9. It takes a concentrated effort to keep a cat when you have allergies, and it’s only for people who are crazy enough about their pets to go to all this bother.
Also Read: Domestic Longhair Cat Vs. Maine Coon: What Is The Difference?
Are There Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds?
Two types of cats are often referred to as hypoallergenic. One is a hairless cat, while the other is a “hairless” breed. The cat breeds depend on whether your allergies are caused by dander or saliva. If it’s the former, then any hairless breed may be an excellent choice for you, but if it’s the latter, then only “hairless” breeds will work for you. Dander-causing allergens are microscopic particles that get into your nose and lungs when cats groom themselves. And it’s their dander that causes allergies for many people.
If your allergies are due to a saliva allergy, then a “hairless” cat or a breed with a few guard hairs on the ears and nose is probably the best bet. They provide less dander and, as such, are less likely to cause you an allergic reaction. “Hairless” cats were developed through selective breeding, mostly of Persians and Himalayans. Other hairless cats include the British Shorthair and Norwegian Forest Cat and Birman cats, like Maine Coons. If you have an allergic reaction to any of these breeds, you should take extra caution when choosing your next kitty companion.
And then there’s the “hairless” variety of cat that has fur, but not too much. They’re generally called British Shorthair and British Rex cats, and they’re the “hypoallergenic” breed of choice for many people who can’t tolerate wool or dander. Of course, none of these great cats will be completely free of allergens, but they do have fewer allergens than other standard breeds. On top of that, if you get a British Shorthair kitten from a reputable breeder, the chances are good that it will be hypoallergenic to you.
Final Thoughts
There are certainly no guarantees that any breed of cat will be hypoallergenic; there are, however, many breeds you can choose from for your next kitty companion without any risk of getting an allergic reaction. All you need to do is make sure that the breeder or seller can prove that the cat has been bred over several generations to avoid the problems associated with dander and saliva allergens.
