No, Maine Coon cats are not hypoallergenic. Because all cats generate the protein Fel d 1, no cat breed is 100% allergy-free. Hypoallergenic means that your pet is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
The sensitivity of your immune system determines whether or not you have allergies. The more sensitive it is, the more IgE antibodies are produced, resulting in a severe allergic reaction.
Because of their reduced protein levels, several cat breeds are considered hypoallergenic. E.g.: – sphynx. Most people believe that allergies are caused by fur. This is not the case because the three most common cat allergens are saliva, urine, and dander.
So, are Maine Coon cats Hypoallergenic? Let’s dig deep and find more details.
Table of Contents
Who are Maine Coon Cats?
The Maine Coon is a domesticated giant cat breed. This cat breed is one of North America’s oldest natural breeds. The breed originates in Maine, where it is the official state cat.
One of the giant domesticated cats is the Maine Coon. It has a distinct physical appearance as well as valuable hunting abilities.
The breed was prominent at cat exhibits in the late 1800s, and its survival was challenged when long-haired breeds from other countries were introduced in the early 1900s.
A dozen Maine Coons were submitted at a show in Boston in 1895. The first North American cat show was held at Madison Square Garden in New York City on May 8, 1895. Cosey, a female Maine Coon was entered at the show. Cosey was owned by Mrs. Fred Brown and got the silver collar and medal as well as Best in Show.
Maine Coons has various physical characteristics that help them survive harsh winter temperatures. Their water-resistant solid fur is more prolonged and shaggier on their underbelly and back for added protection when walking or lying on wet snow or ice surfaces.
Their long and bushy raccoon-like tail can be coiled over their face and shoulders for warmth and protection from wind and blowing snow.
When sitting on a frozen surface, it can even be wrapped over their backside like an insulated seat cushion.
Maine Coons, sometimes called as “gentle giants,” have above-average intellect and are pretty easy to teach.
They are recognized for being devoted to their family, wary but not hostile to outsiders, and independent and non-clingy.
The Maine Coon is a large and gregarious cat with a noticeable ruff down the center of its chest, a potent bone structure, a rectangular body shape, a rough two-layered coat with thicker guard hairs over a silky satin undercoat, and a long, bushy tail.
Are Maine Coon Cats Heavy Shedders?
Both yes and no! Maine Coon cats will shed fur. However, it is less than a typical cat. Your Maine Coon will shed fur in reaction to temperature and climate changes.
Maine Coon cats do not shed much. Although it is a cat and will shed fur, Maine Coons do not shed as much as you may imagine compared to other cats.
Given their size and lengthy fur, the Maine Coon sheds remarkably little compared to other cats.
Are people Less Allergic to Maine Coon Cats?
Not really, since Main coon cats are not hypoallergenic, you can get allergic reactions.
Maine Coon cats lose less hair than other cat breeds. Therefore, owners are less likely to come into touch with the protein they are allergic to.
According to a study, female cats generate less of the Fel d 1 protein than male cats. This is important for people allergic to cats because it signifies that the female Maine Coon is more hypoallergenic than the male.
Their long coats can also assist in trapping allergens and keep them from spreading around your home via the air and other surfaces.
This can make allergy treatment much easier because you can brush and bathe your cat, knowing that most allergens clinging to your Maine Coon’s long coat have been gone.
What is the Best Cat for Someone with Allergies?
Some cats emit fewer allergens than others, and these hypoallergenic breeds make lovely companions for folks with allergy-specific requirements.
According to anecdotal evidence, some breeds may be less likely to cause allergies. And the cats listed below are great for allergy allergies.
• Sphynx
The Sphynx cat, commonly known as the Canadian Sphynx, is a cat breed distinguished by its lack of fur. Hairlessness in cats is a hereditary mutation, and the Sphynx was created through selective breeding of these animals beginning in the 1960s.
• Russian Blue Cats
This is a cat breed which comes in various colors ranging from light shimmering silver to a darker slate grey. For more than a century, the breed’s distinguishing feature has been its short, dense coat that stands out from the body.
• Oriental Shorthair
This domestic cat breed descended from and is closely related to the Siamese cat. It has the current Siamese head and body form but comes in various coat colors and patterns.
Orientals have almond-shaped eyes, a triangular head shape, huge ears, and an extended, slender, and muscular frame, similar to Siamese.
• Siberian
The Siberian is a centuries-old landrace (natural variant) of domestic cat in Russia that has only recently emerged as an official breed with standards publicized globally since the late 1980s.
• Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is unique among all Rex breeds. In contrast to the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex, the hair is the regular length, not partially gone. There are two types of hair: longhair and shorthair. The Selkirk Rex coat is rich and thicker than the LaPerm coat.
• Siamese
The Siamese cat was one of the first distinctly recognized Asian cat breeds. The original Siamese descended from the Wichianmat landrace, one of the numerous types of cat native to Thailand (previously known as Siam), became one of the most popular breeds in Europe and North America in the nineteenth century.
• Balinese Cats
The Balinese is a domestic cat breed with long fur, Siamese-style point coloring, and has sapphire-blue eyes.
This breed is also known as the purebred long-haired Siamese since it is a natural mutation of that breed and is thus essentially the same cat but with a medium-length silky coat and a uniquely plumed tail.
• Bengal
This is a domesticated cat breed that was developed through the crossbreeding of domestic cats, particularly the spotted Egyptian Mau, with the Asian leopard cat. The name Bengal is derived from the leopard cat’s scientific name.
• The Devon rex
The Devon Rex is a tall-eared, short-haired cat breed that first appeared in England in the late 1950s. They are distinguished by their slim bodies, wavy coats, and huge ears. This cat breed can learn complex skills but can be tough to inspire.
• Korat
The Korat cat is a short-haired domestic cat with a silver-tipped blue-grey breed and a low body fat percentage. It has a semi-cobby body that is exceptionally hefty for its size.
It is an intelligent and fun active cat that creates deep ties with people and is quite loud, with a unique voice compared to other breeds.
• LaPerm
The LaPerm is a cat breed. The fur of a LaPerm is curly, with the tightest curls on the throat and the base of the ears. LaPerms come in a variety of colors and patterns. LaPerms are known for their loving personalities.
Which Cats Cause Allergies the Most?
We can identify specific cat breeds based on what people have said about their interactions with them. These compounds just happen to be on the hairs. Thus, the more shedding you have, the more likely you will have an allergic reaction.
• Persian
The Persian cat is a long-haired cat with a round face and a short muzzle. In English-speaking areas, it is sometimes known as the “Persian Longhair.”
• Kurilian Bobtail
The Kurilian Bobtail is a cat breed that originated in the Russian Kuril Islands, as well as Sakhalin Island and the Russian Kamchatka peninsula.
It can have short or long hair, a semi-cobby body, and a unique short, fluffy tail.
• Norwegian Forest cat
This cat is a domestic cat breed that originated in Northern Europe. This natural breed is adapted to a cold climate with a topcoat of glossy, water-shedding long hair and a woolly undercoat for insulation.
• Chartreux Cat
The Chartreux is a rare breed of cat from France that is recognized by several registries worldwide. The Chartreux is a big, muscular creature with short, fine-boned limbs and lightning-fast reflexes.
• British Longhair
The British Longhair is a longer-haired variation of the famous British Shorthair breed.
In the mid-twentieth century, British Shorthairs were mixed with imported long-haired kinds such as Turkish Angora and what is now known as the Traditional Persian to generate more robust and round-faced stock while keeping the short coat.
• Scottish Fold Cat
This domestic cat breed has a natural dominant gene mutation that affects cartilage throughout the body. This causes the ears to fold forward and down towards the front of the skull, giving the cat an owl-like look.
• Cymric
The Cymric is a domestic cat breed. Some cat registries classify the Cymric as a semi-long-haired variation of the Manx breed rather than a distinct breed.
• Manx
The Manx cat is a domestic cat breed that originated from the Isle of Man. Manx breed has a naturally occurring mutation that shortens the tail.
• Himalayan
The Himalayan is a long-haired cat breed or sub-breed that is identical to the Persian except for its blue eyes and point color, which were obtained via crossing the Persian with the Siamese.
• American Polydactyl
The American polydactyl cat is a cat born with more than the usual number of toes on one or more of its paws due to a congenital physical defect known as polydactyly.
Are Maine Coon Cats Hypoallergenic -Conclusion
So, is Maine coon hypoallergenic? No, they are not, and if you are planning to adopt or buy a cat and have allergies, you have many options. It is always best to avoid Maine coons if you have allergies.
