Are Persian Cats Hypoallergenic?

Persian cats are one of the most distinctive cat breeds in the world. Their squashed faces and incredible long-haired coats truly make them stand out from the crowd.

When considering introducing a feline friend into your home, it’s important to think about your allergies and which breeds are hypoallergenic. If a Persian cat is at the top of your list, then you need to know exactly what that entails.

In this article, we’ll answer the question: “Are Persian cats hypoallergenic?” This way, you can be confident in your choice when it comes to bringing a Persian cat into your home.

So, Are Persians Hypoallergenic?

The short answer to this question is no; Persian cats are not hypoallergenic.

Unfortunately, no cat breed is completely hypoallergenic, not even the hairless Sphynx cat. And with their long coats and frequent shedding, Persian cats are definitely not ideal for allergy sufferers.

However, that doesn't mean you can’t have a Persian cat as the perfect pet. With a few household changes and the proper care, this flat-faced beauty can be an incredible companion that won’t make you sneeze every ten seconds!

What Makes Them Not Hypoallergenic?

Most assume that Persian cats aren’t hypoallergenic because of their thick coats, but this isn’t actually the cause. The issue is the dander, not the hair.

Dander is the dead skin that falls off your cat's skin, and it can spread around your home and become airborne for extended periods of time. Other than dander, allergies can also be triggered by a Persian’s salvia, urine, feces, sweat, mucus, and tears.

This is why grooming and bathing your Persian cat regularly is essential to keep dander at bay. They carry more dander than other breeds, so even though they hate water, they’re going to need to get in that tub!

How Bad Are Persians For Allergy Sufferers?

Before adopting a Persian cat, you should be aware that males produce more allergens than females. Furthermore, neutered cats also produce fewer allergens than intact ones.

How bad these cats are for your allergies really depends on how severely you suffer from them. Before adopting a Persian, it’s best to spend a day with one so you can monitor your reactions. 

If you have no reaction, or just a mild one, it should be safe to adopt a gorgeous Persian cat. A mild reaction consists of the following symptoms:

• Cough
  
• Facial pressure
• Swollen under-eyes
• Itchy nose and throat
  
• Sneezing
  
• Runny nose
  
• Red, watery, and itchy eyes
  
• Restless sleep

However, if your reaction is severe, then it’s better to choose a different breed, or maybe a different pet altogether. A more extreme reaction would manifest in the following ways:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Wheezing when exhaling
• Skin rash
• Swelling hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or tightness
• Trouble sleeping due to coughing, shortness of breath, or wheezing.

How To Minimize Persian Allergies

​If you suffer from allergies, caring for a Persian cat might be challenging. Thankfully, you can alleviate some of your symptoms by focusing on your environment, grooming, diet, and personal hygiene.

Environment

Creating the ideal environment and taking care of your home is essential for controlling your allergies. Dander is airborne and can cling to furniture in your home, so to make sure your space is allergen free, you should:

• Vacuum clean your carpets, drapes, floors, and furniture to prevent allergen buildup.
• Install an air filtration system to create constant airflow and remove dander.
• Train your Persian cat to stay off furniture, especially your bed.
• Avoid touching allergen collectors, such as cat toys and cat trees.

Grooming

Every Persian cat owner will tell you that their cat’s beautiful coats are extremely high maintenance. This is why a regular grooming routine will not only keep your cat’s coat looking shiny and soft but also help prevent an allergic reaction.

The more you groom your Persian, the less dander will build up around your home. You can keep those allergens away by:

• Brushing your Persian outside - Persian fur can easily spread throughout your home during grooming sessions, so brushing them outside will allow you to breathe freely and prevent dander buildup inside. Ideally, you should brush your Persian cat daily to prevent tangling and matting.
• Wiping your Persian’s coat with a damp cloth - By wiping your cat’s coat with the grain of their hair growth, you’ll be able to get rid of any extra dander that brushing didn’t remove.
• Bathing your Persian as much as they’ll let you - Cats hate water: that’s a fact! And Persians are no different, but you need to try and bathe them every two to three months, using soap powder during periods in between baths. You should try and get them familiar with this routine.

Diet

To avoid shedding and associated skin issues, preserve their general health, and lengthen their lifespan, you should follow your cat's natural diet.

The right diet will help to prevent allergens. It ought to include:

• Animal fat - It has fatty acids that support metabolic functions, enhance skin health, and facilitate a healthy inflammatory response. Even the pickiest cats, who reject wet food, go crazy for the taste since fat also makes it delicious!
• Animal protein - To obtain the necessary amino acids, including taurine, arginine, and histidine, which support the immune system, help maintain a smooth and healthy coat, and aid in the development of muscle and bones, your Persian's diet should contain at least 50% animal protein. Being obligate carnivores, cats thrive on meat, but a diet high in vegetables like peas, carrots, and sweetcorn lacks the necessary levels of micronutrients. Lean meat and fish, such as chicken, liver, turkey, salmon, tuna, shrimp, and mackerel, should make up a large portion of your cat's diet.
• Vitamins and minerals - These micronutrients keep cats' coats glossy, moisturize the skin, and control shedding.

Personal Hygiene

Practicing good personal hygiene can also help you combat allergies. You can keep them at bay by:

• Washing your clothes often.
• Washing your hands after touching your Persian.
• Avoiding touching your face, nose, or eyes after touching your Persian.
• Taking allergy medication
• Wearing protective gloves when grooming your Persian and handling their litter tray.
• Using dander-removing spray and wipes.

Final Thoughts

While Persian cats aren’t hypoallergenic, there are ways to control your mild allergic reactions when owning one.

​With the right environment, diet, grooming routine, and personal hygiene practice, there’s no reason why you can’t have a Persian cat as your new feline companion.