Is there anything more satisfying than coming home to a warm, fluffy cat waiting for you at the door? And when that cat is a Ragdoll, it’s even better! These gentle giants are known for their docile temperament and love of people, making them the perfect pet.
If you have been thinking about adding a cat to your family, Ragdolls are a great choice – but you may be wondering if they’re hypoallergenic. The answer is kind of.
Ragdoll cats are not 100% hypoallergenic, but they produce less allergen than other breeds of cats. But what exactly is Hypoallergenic?
What exactly is Hypoallergenic?
Hypoallergenic means that the cat has a low chance of causing an allergic reaction. This is because they produce less Fel d I, which most people are allergic to.
This means that people who are allergic to cats might tolerate a hypoallergenic cat.

There is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic cat. However, all cats produce some amount of allergens, even if it is minimal. So, while a hypoallergenic cat might be less allergenic than other cats, it is still not allergy-free.
Also Read: Are Persian Cats Hypoallergenic?
What triggers a cat allergy?
If you are allergic to cats, it is not actually their fur that causes you reaction. It’s the proteins found in a cat’s saliva and urine that trigger an allergic response when they come in contact with skin or get into the air. These allergens can become airborne on a cat’s fur when they groom themselves, which is why these proteins are found in the fur of all cats.
A cat’s saliva contains two different proteins that cause allergic reactions: Fel d I and Fel d IV. The first protein, Fel d I, is present in saliva and urine, while Fel D IV is only found in a cat’s sebaceous glands. These compounds are responsible for triggering an allergic reaction in humans.
Also, Read different types of Ragdoll cats:
- Lynx Ragdoll Cats and Kittens Types and Origin
- Blue Point Ragdoll Cats & Kittens: Breed Information
- Types of Lilac Ragdoll Cats & Kittens With Their Personality
Which Breeds of Cat Are Hypoallergenic?
The main factor determining how much allergen a cat produces is its coat length and thickness. The longer or thicker the fur, the more it’s likely to trap allergens from saliva and urine. So short-haired cats tend to be less allergenic than long-haired breeds.
Shedding is another factor that can affect how allergenic a cat is. Cats who shed less will have fewer allergens in their fur than cats who shed more. It means that hairless breeds are likely to be hypoallergenic since they don’t shed at all!

As we mentioned, there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic cat. However, certain breeds of cats produce less Fel d I than others. Some of the most popular hypoallergenic cat breeds include:
* Sphynx – This is the only breed of hairless cat. They have very thin skin that does not produce many allergens.
* British Shorthair – This is a sturdy, short-haired cat that doesn’t shed a lot.
* Oriental Shorthair – This sleek, short-haired cat doesn’t shed much and has a low-allergen coat.
* Siberian – This is a long-haired cat from Russia that doesn’t shed as much as other cats.
* Ragdoll – This large, fluffy cat doesn’t shed much and has a low-allergen coat.
How Hypoallergenic Are Ragdolls cats? (On the scale of 1-10)
Ragdolls are a moderately hypoallergenic breed of cat. They produce less allergen than other breeds, but they are not 100% allergy-free. So, if you are allergic to cats, there is still a chance that you might react to a Ragdoll. However, for most people with mild allergies, Ragdolls are a great choice.
Hypoallergenic Score: 5

The following are some of the reasons why ragdoll cats are not regarded as hypoallergenic:
* Ragdoll cats shed constantly. It makes their fur more likely to pick up allergens from saliva and urine, which can be released into the air when they groom themselves or get brushed by humans.
* Ragdolls have thick coats that trap many allergens in their fur.
* Ragdolls produce a lot of dander (skin cells), which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Ragdolls cats may cause various allergies, including skin rashes, asthma, watery eyes, eczema, and anaphylaxis.
Cat Allergy Symptoms
Cat allergies can cause symptoms like:
– Sneezing and congestion
– Itching of the eyes, nose, or throat
– Rash or hives
– Difficulty breathing
How to manage your Cat Allergy?
If you are allergic to cats, you can do a few things to make the situation more manageable.
* Keep the cat outside. If you have a mild allergy but still want to keep your cat inside, consider keeping it in one room and closing off the door so that allergens don’t spread throughout your home.

* Keeping your home clean. Vacuum regularly, use HEPA filters on the vacuum cleaner and air purifier, and wash linens frequently in hot water. Be sure not to blow dust around when vacuuming — this will release more allergens into the air.
* Take allergy medication as prescribed by your doctor. It can help to reduce the symptoms of cat allergies.
* Get a hypoallergenic cat. If you are severely allergic to cats, consider getting a hypoallergenic breed like the Sphynx or British Shorthair.
FAQs
Q: Are all hypoallergenic cats 100% allergy-free?
No, there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic cat. However, certain breeds of cats produce less Fel d I than others.
Q: What are some of the most popular hypoallergenic cat breeds?
Some of the most popular hypoallergenic cat breeds include Sphynx, British Shorthair, Oriental Shorthair, Siberian, Ragdoll.
Q: How hypoallergenic are Ragdolls cats?
Ragdolls are a moderately hypoallergenic breed of cat. They produce less allergen than other breeds, but they are not 100% allergy-free.
Q: What are the symptoms of cat allergies?
Symptoms of cat allergies can include sneezing and congestion, itching of the eyes, nose, or throat, rash or hives, difficulty breathing.
Conclusion
Ragdoll cats are not hypoallergenic. While they may produce fewer allergens than other breeds, people who are allergic to cats will still be affected by Ragdolls.
If you are allergic to cats, there are a few things you can do to make the situation more manageable, including keeping your cat outside, keeping your home clean, and taking allergy medication.
Before getting a ragdoll cat, make sure you research the breeder and find an ethical breeder.