People often query ‘Are Bengal Cats hypoallergenic?’ There is a lot of misinformation around which is why it is important you know the truth before buying a Bengal.
The main reason people want hypoallergenic cats is due to allergies. Therefore it is important to have access to all the correct information before making the commitment of buying a Bengal Cat.
Are Bengal Cats Hypoallergenic?
Technically and sadly, there are no such things as a truly hypoallergenic cat breed, there are just breeds that produce less Fel D1. Certain breeds like Siberian, produce less of this protein than other breeds but sadly Bengals are not one of these breeds.
Cat allergies are very common, did you know people are twice as likely to be allergic to a cat than a dog?
You do not want to bring a new cat into your home and then have to go through the heartbreak of rehoming due to an allergy flare-up (not to mention the cost of buying a Bengal!)
There is a lot of misinformation on the internet and sadly, some backstreet Bengal breeders will say anything to get you to purchase one of their kittens. Therefore it is important you have all the facts.
So firstly,
What does hypoallergenic mean?
“Hypo” means under or less than, so it’s a product (or animal) that’s less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
A Hypoallergenic cat does not mean it will not trigger an allergic reaction – It simply means it is less likely to.
What causes allergies to cats?
Most people are led to believe it is a cat’s fur that predominately causes the allergy flare and therefore believes Sphynx cats are the best hypoallergenic cats.
But this is not strictly true, it’s actually a protein called Fel D1 found in cat saliva that causes a cat allergy to flare. Once a cat licks their coat, the allergen-laden saliva dries and dander(dried skin) then becomes airborne, increasing the likelihood of a response.
So are Bengals hypoallergenic?
Technically and sadly, there are no such things as a truly hypoallergenic cat, there are just breeds that produce less Fel D1.
Certain breeds like Siberian, produce less of this protein than other breeds but sadly Bengals are not one of these breeds. Therefore Bengal cats are not hypoallergenic or any better for people with cat allergies than any other breed.
This is not also something that can be ‘bred’ therefore do not believe a breeder that uses this as an ‘exclusive’ selling point.
So why do people say Bengal cats are hypoallergenic?
It is because Bengals cats shed less than other cats – Bengals are known for their sleek and short coat.
Their single pelt coat means they have less fur than double-coated cats such as Maine Coons, this means they spend less time grooming themselves. In turn, this results in less of the Fel D1 salvia on their coat and fewer allergens in your home environment.
This is the reason why often Bengals are referred to as allergy-friendly cats.
However, it is important to know that cats do not only groom their coats for cleanliness. A behavioural trait of all cat breeds is to over-groom themselves when they feel stressed.
Therefore a stressed cat is more likely to trigger an allergy response and cause more allergens in your home.
Behaviour issues in cats are upsetting for all involved, including the cat, therefore it is important that the route cause is figured out and a solution is found promptly. During this time, we recommend using Feliway to assist with the situation.
Do Bengal cats shed?
Yes! All cats shed their fur and the amount changes depending on the time of year.
This is natural and cannot be changed or ‘genetically modified’. But as previously discussed, Bengal cats shed less than other breeds of cats that have thicker coats.
Are Bengal kittens hypoallergenic?
Unsurprisingly, Bengal kittens grow into Bengal cats – therefore it is exactly the same. Bengal cats and kittens are not hypoallergenic.
As their coat is not as thick as when they are fully grown, less of a reaction when they are small.
But remember, a cat is a 15-20 year commitment not just for kittenhood.
So you have a cat allergy, but you have your heart set on a Bengal cat – what can you do?
Tips for people with cat allergies
Firstly, do not rush into any decisions, this is not a decision to take lightly if it may affect your health.
But, if you really have one, then the following things may assist with Bengal cat allergies –
Spend some time with a Bengal cat before committing to ownership – a good few hours at least, contact friends who may have one or know someone. See if their Bengal cat triggers your allergies.
Female cats are said to produce less Fel D1 than males – therefore buy a female Bengal.
If you do have a male, neutered male cats produce less Fel D1 than intact males. Just one of the many reasons you should neuter your cat.
Feed your cat a good quality diet
Good quality foods reflect on the inside and outside of your cat, a healthy cat will have good skin and fur meaning they produce less dander from dry skin. Some people also recommend adding Omega 3 supplements into their diet to further nourish their coats.
Ensure your home is kept clean by purchasing a vacuum cleaner designed for pet fur. A pet fur hoover will usually contain a HEPA Air filter meaning any hair that does shed is quickly and efficiently removed from your home environment.
It is also recommended your hypoallergenic Bengal cat is not allowed to sleep on any bedding or pillows where the allergy sufferer sleeps.
One of the best things you can do is invest in a good quality HEPA air filtration unit. These units are useful, if not essential, for every modern home with low ventilation. These well designed yet still discreet small units filtrate the air in the room, removing the dander and fur as well as any other germs, smells and even mould spores that may be present.
In our opinion, a HEPA Air unit should be present in any cat owner’s home.
So next time you ask yourself ‘Are Bengal Cats hypoallergenic?’ you will know the answer and you will know exactly why.