Hives, sneezing, swollen and itchy eyes – anyone with a cat allergy dreads these symptoms. But for some, the idea of never cuddling a cute kitty of their own seems even worse.
If this sounds like you, you may be asking yourself, “What is the best cat for someone with allergies?” After all, there’s always talk about hypoallergenic dog breeds – what about hypoallergenic cat breeds? Are Bengals hypoallergenic?
Although no cat breed is truly hypoallergenic, some are said to produce fewer allergens than others. But what causes cat allergies in the first place? Is it just cat hair or something more? Before we get into are Bengals a hypoallergenic breeds, let’s get to the bottom of these questions.
What causes cat allergies?
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), as many as three in 10 people with allergies in the U.S. are allergic to cats or dogs. In fact, cat allergies, the AAFA reports, are about twice as common as dog allergies.
A common misconception is that cat allergies are mainly caused by cat fur, but the real culprit is a protein all cats produce called Fel d 1. This protein originates in a cats saliva and spreads when they groom themselves. Fel d 1 is also spread through dander, aka dead skin, that comes through when cats shed.
Thus, an allergic reaction occurs not from coming into contact with the cat’s fur itself, but from the protein on the fur from their saliva! This is why less fur does not always mean less of a reaction. This also explains why even sitting in the home of someone who has a cat may trigger a reaction – cat allergens can exist on furniture and clothing once shed from the body.
Are Bengals Hypoallergenic?
Bengals aren't hairless, and they don't necessarily produce less Fel D1 protein than other breeds, so what makes them hypoallergenic? The answer is in their coats. Bengal cats have uniquely fine pelts that require considerably less maintenance than other breeds. As a result, Bengals don't groom themselves as often or for as long, so their fur contains less allergen-rich saliva. They also don't shed much, or shed far less than other cats, so whatever dander is present in their fur doesn't get spread around as much
** Bengals have made the top 10 most hypoallergenic cat list for many reasons. **
Most people who are allergic to cats have either no allergic reaction or a more milder reaction to Bengal cats when compared to the majority of other breeds.
This is believed to be the case for three main reasons:
Bengals are hybrids, therefore they are only partial domestic cat and partial Asian Leopard Cat. Their allergen-causing proteins may be different enough not to cause a reaction. This is only theory since it has not yet been tested.Bengals have only one short tight layer of hair known more as a pelt. Other domestic cats have 2 layers of hair consisting of an undercoat and an overcoat. One pelt equates to less grooming and thus less allergen-causing saliva to permeate their pelt.Bengals have zero to minimum shedding. Who wouldn't want a house and wardrobe that was free of cat hair not to mention no hairball problems? So not only is there less saliva on a Bengal's pelt, there's also less of that pelt spreading around causing any allergy symptoms.
We personally have microfiber couches and have yet to see any of my Bengal's pelt on any of my furniture or clothing. Between my broom and my vacuum, I have also found evidence of human hair but minimal residuals of cat hair. I have had many people over my house who are generally very allergic to cats and had absolutely no reaction to my Bengals. Honestly, the best way to know if you will have any allergic reaction to Bengals is to visit our Bougie Bengal Kingdom.