Are Maine Coons Hypoallergenic? Can You Have A Maine Coon If You Are Allergic To Cats?
Are Maine Coon Cats Hypoallergenic
Do you suffer from allergies but still want to adopt a cat? Fortunately, that is not impossible, as several hypoallergenic cat breeds are suitable for people with allergies and health issues. Such cats reduce the chances of cat allergies and do not cause many problems for allergen-sensitive people.
Are Maine Coons hypoallergenic too? Before getting into the details about the Maine Coon cat breed, let’s first understand what hypoallergenic cats are and the potential allergies that cats can cause.
What Are Hypoallergenic Cats?
Hypoallergenic cat breeds include felines that do not trigger allergic reactions like many other cat breeds. Although there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic cat, some felines, such as Sphynyx, are less likely to trigger allergies in humans. The main reason for these allergy-safe cats is that they either do not shed or have minimal shedding throughout the year.
This helps reduce the allergens generally associated with cat skin, hair, and body oils. Given the possibility, many people wonder whether Maine Coons are also included in the list of hypoallergenic cats.
Are Maine Coons Hypoallergenic Cats?
Maine Coon is a domestic cat breed with a large size and a dense coat. These cats are known for their friendly behavior and family-friendly nature. Unfortunately, Maine Coons are not hypoallergenic. Quite contrarily, these cats can trigger more allergic reactions than many other cats because of their dense, long coat and excessive shedding throughout the year. Yet, that is not the only source of allergies.
The actual allergens found in cats are specific proteins found in their skin, saliva, and urine. Cats with flaky skin are often more allergic than those with normal skin and minimal shedding. These allergy-triggering proteins are transferred to humans with cats’ fur, saliva, and urine, causing adverse reactions.
Allergies Caused By Maine Coons
Are Maine Coons hypoallergenic cats? No. So, what kind of allergies can these cats cause? The protein Fel d 1, found in Maine Coons’ saliva, skin, and urine, can trigger several allergic reactions. For most people, the reaction starts with mild symptoms such as sneezing and itchy or watery eyes. Adverse reactions, including nasal congestion, skin rashes, and even respiratory issues like wheezing or difficulty breathing, become frequent with continuous exposure.
While Maine Coons are loved for their dog-like demeanor and striking looks, they are not worth the risk for people with severe sensitivities. This is because, unlike other cat breeds, the thickness and length of a Maine Coon’s fur can contribute to higher dander levels in the home. If left untreated, you can also face severe consequences.
Can I Get A Maine Even If They Are Not Hypoallergenic?
We can never stop cat lovers from getting the pet they love, and Maine Coons are by far the most popular domestic cat breed. Fortunately, you can still enjoy the companionship of the gentle giant with some tips and tricks if you have mild to moderate allergies. However, for people with extreme allergies, we do not recommend Maine Coons. Instead, you can get a pet from some popular hypoallergenic cat breeds.
Regular Grooming
Are Maine Coons hypoallergenic? No. Can we prevent the cat dander from spreading around the home? Yes! With regular coat brushing and weekly baths, you can not only prevent excessive shedding but also remove the protein from the cat’s skin before your feline friend spreads all around the place. The best part? Maine Coons love to play with water and will not create a fuss at bath time. Remember to properly dry and untangle the cat coat after a bath.
Use HEPA Filters
Several allergens will spread around the house despite regular cat grooming and cause problems for you. You can use High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to reduce cat allergic reactions further. These air purifiers trap tiny particles, including pet dander, aiding in cleaning the air in your home and reducing the allergens you breathe in.
Wash Your Hands
Like all cat lovers, you would have the urge to pet and cuddle your furry friend at any given time. However, doing so might not be a brilliant move because the proteins can be easily transferred to your skin. To prevent the transfer of such allergens from your hands to your face, wash your hands thoroughly after brushing or handling your Maine Coon.
Regular Cleaning
When people ask are Maine Coons hypoallergenic, an implied question is, Are Maine Coons high maintenance? When it comes to regular grooming and excessive cleaning needs, especially for sensitive cat owners, yes, Maine Coons are high maintenance. Apart from frequent brushing and bathing your cat and thorough hand washing, you must also clean your home to avoid dander buildup. Use vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters and regularly wash bedding and furniture covers to reduce dander buildup at home.
Create Cat Free Zones
Setting boundaries and creating cat-free zones can help you in the long run. You can do this by training your cat not to enter certain places, such as your bedroom, to avoid allergen exposure. Moreover, making such allergen-free zones will help you soothe your senses occasionally and avoid any drastic reactions. Proper ventilation will improve the air quality of such rooms, enabling you to sleep and relax allergen-free.
Final Thoughts
Maine Coons, despite being the most loved cat breed, is not hypoallergenic. Due to their dense and long coat, Maine Coons are even more prone to cause allergic reactions. Despite the risks, you can adopt a Maine Coon kitten if you are willing to take extra precautions. Avoiding cuddles, hand licking, and maintaining regular bath and brush routine can make it safer for people with allergies to live with Maine Coons. In any way, you should consult with your doctor before getting a Maine Coon to avoid potential health risks.