My Pet World: Want a cat, but you're allergic? Here is everything you need to know

Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on Oct 22, 2025

Dear Cathy,

Are there any cats that are considered hypoallergenic? I have mild dander allergies to dogs and cats. My husband and I would like to get a pet but not a dog right now.

— Robin, Bel Air, Maryland

Dear Robin,

Many people with mild allergies wonder the same thing: Is there such a thing as a hypoallergenic cat?

The short answer is no.

The main cat allergen, called Fel d 1 (short for Felis domesticus allergen 1), is a protein found in cats’ saliva and skin oils – not their fur – and it’s responsible for about 60 to 90 percent of all cat allergies in humans. Cats produce several allergens, but Fel d 1 is the main one causing sneezes and itchy eyes in people. Most veterinarians and allergists focus on Fel d 1 when giving advice because it’s the most clinically relevant.

The others do matter, but they’re less common. Since this allergen is spread when cats groom themselves, it ends up on their fur and dander, which is why people often think fur is the problem.

That said, allergen levels can vary quite a bit from one cat to another. Some breeds, such as Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Oriental Shorthair, or Sphynx cats, have been shown to produce lower levels of this main cat allergen. But even if a breed tends to produce less Fel d 1, that doesn’t mean it’s allergen-free. Your best bet is to meet the actual cat and see how you react before deciding.

If you decide to adopt, arrange a long meet-and-greet, or even a foster-to-adopt trial, with one cat at a time. Pick an adult so you can assess your reaction right away and consider a female or neutered male. Research has shown that intact males produce more of the Fel d 1, but those levels often drop significantly after neutering. (Of course, regardless of your cat’s gender, please spay/neuter your feline.)

Once you find the right cat, you can make your home more allergy-friendly. Keep your bedroom cat-free and run a HEPA air purifier. Vacuum and damp-dust regularly and use a low-dust litter. Have a non-allergic family member brush the cat and wipe down its coat with a damp cloth or allergen (dander)-reducing wipes.

Some families find feeding their cats Purina Pro Plan LiveClear, a specially formulated food designed to reduce Fel d 1 in hair and dander, helpful. The food doesn’t stop cats from producing Fel d 1; they still do, especially in their saliva. But it contains a key protein that binds to Fel d 1 in the mouth, so less ends up on the fur and in the environment.

According to Purina, feeding LiveClear every day as the cat’s main diet can reduce the active Fel d 1 allergen on hair and dander by an average of 47%, with results typically seen in about three weeks. It’s not a treatment for cats with food allergies or skin disease, but it can help lower the allergen load in the home for people who are sensitive to cats. And of course, talk with your doctor about antihistamines or nasal sprays if your symptoms persist.

I hope you find a feline companion who’s the perfect fit for your home.

Dear Cathy,

When I lived in Henderson, Nevada, my neighbor had three or four doxies. We created walls and gates between our houses, so they could scoot under the swing gate. On occasion they made cigar-sized deposits in my back yard. I just picked it up. If you want to own a pet, you need to be a responsible friend and neighbor.

— MC, Kingman, Arizona

Dear Mc,

I love the image of those little dachshunds scooting under the gate to visit the neighbors. Owning a pet does also mean being a good neighbor. Whether it’s keeping pets safely contained, cleaning up after them, or making sure barking doesn’t disturb the peace, responsible pet ownership extends beyond our own yard. Your note is a great reminder that when neighbors work together – as you and your neighbor did – pets can bring people closer, not create conflict.

Dear Cathy,

In a recent article, Michelle was at her wits’ end with her cat urinating all over the house. When my sister’s cat urinated on the bed, someone suggested covering it with a plastic shower curtain. It worked. The cats didn’t like the feel or noise.

— Liz, Newington, Connecticut

Dear Liz,

Great tip! A simple shower curtain strewn across the bed when not in use can be an easy, affordable way to deter a cat from using it as a litter box.

_____

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)