The Maine Coon is an extremely popular cat breed kept by cat lovers everywhere. Weighing in at 7.9 to 18 pounds, this large, intelligent cat is one of the oldest natural domestic cat breeds in North America.
However, with their fluffy long fur, many animal lovers wonder whether the Maine Coon is hypoallergenic. Sadly, the answer to that question is no. This is not the ideal cat breed for people who have a sensitivity or allergic reaction to cat dander.
If you’ve been wondering if a Maine Coon cat is a good choice for a pet in your home, then we’ll tell you everything you need to know in the article below, including how to battle those cat allergies as well.
Why Do Maine Coons Trigger Allergies?
There are a couple of different reasons that Maine Coon cats can trigger allergies in allergy-sensitive people. We’ll talk about those reasons below.
These Cats Produce Fel d1
Maine Coon cats produce a protein called Fel d1. While most cats produce this, Maine Coons seem to produce quite a bit more than the average cat. The levels this breed produces are more than enough to trigger episodes in people who have allergies.
These Cats have Long Fur Coats
One of the things that Maine Coons are famous for is their long, double coats. Since the cat has long hair, they tend to groom themselves a lot. This means that they shed more and that they hold onto the Fel d1 protein longer than the average cat.
This, in turn, causes allergens to build up in their dander, which causes people with allergies to sneeze and experience other symptoms of cat allergies.
How To Determine if You’re Allergic to Maine Coon Cats
Now that you know Maine Coon cats aren’t hypoallergenic and that they produce more Fel d1 proteins than the average cat, you might be wondering how to tell if you’re allergic to this cat breed before you bring it home. We’ll give you a few tips for finding out below.
Spend Time with a Maine Coon Cat
One of the best ways to determine if you have an allergy to a Maine Coon cat is by simply spending some time with one. If you don’t have a friend who has a Maine Coon, then you can usually contact a shelter or breeder of Maine Coons and ask if you can be around one for a bit to be sure.
Get an Allergy Test
It is possible to have an allergy test done through your doctor to determine if you’re allergic to Maine Coon cats before you purchase or adopt one as well.
Signs that You’re Allergic to Maine Coon Cats
Here are some common symptoms of allergies to cats:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Red itchy eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy mouth, nose, and throat
- Wheezing
It’s important to note that these symptoms vary from person to person, and just because you exhibit one symptom doesn’t mean you’ll exhibit another or that you’re necessarily allergic.
If you think you’re allergic to your Maine Coon cat, it’s best to contact your doctor for a diagnosis and possible treatment options.
Tips for Dealing with Maine Coon Allergy Symptoms
If you’ve already adopted your Maine Coon and then found out you’re allergic, the last thing you want to do is get rid of your feline friend.
You can try minimizing how much you pet your cat, washing your hands often, and brushing and bathing your cat on a regular basis. In fact, it might be best to take your cat to the groomer once a week so that you don’t have to deal with the grooming process.
Make sure that you keep your house clean and free of cat fur, and there are medications that your doctor can prescribe to help with cat allergies as well.
Conclusion
In answer to the question of whether Maine Coon cats are hypoallergenic, the answer is unfortunately no. However, no cat can be said to be completely hypoallergenic, which is good to know before you adopt or purchase any cat breed and give it a forever home.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
