Male Cat Allergies vs Female: What You Need to Know about Feline Allergies

It can be frustrating for cat lovers when a furry friend makes us sneeze, get itchy, or have watery eyes. Allergies from cats can be caused by substances found in their saliva, urine, and dander. But do male cats cause more allergic reactions than female cats? Below, Cat in a Flat investigates what causes allergic reactions to cats, whether male cats cause more allergies than females, and the best ways to manage your own feline allergy. 

Why are some people allergic to cats? 

Why are some people allergic to cats? Not everyone is allergic to felines and allergy levels can vary from one person to the next. However, studies show that  95% of individuals who are allergic are reacting to the Fel d 1 allergen. This is found in the saliva, urine, and dander of both male and female cats. In the UK, allergies to cats are twice as common as allergies to dogs, and globally 10-20% of people experience some form of feline allergy. These symptoms can range from sneezing and itchy or water eyes to more serious issues such as trouble breathing and asthma. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CatInAFlat – Cat Sitting (@catinaflat)

Allergic reactions to male cats vs. females

 There is evidence that people are more likely to be allergic to male cats as opposed to female cats. This is because male felines, especially unneutered tomcats, produce more Fel d 1 than females. And because they are more active and territorial than females, they’re also more likely to spread allergens around the house. Neutering your furry friend can help reduce this allergen load and make any allergic reactions you may have easier to manage. 

It’s important to also take into consideration your kitty’s breed and coat density, as these can factor into allergies. Some breeds, such as the Sphynx cat, cause fewer allergies than others, like the Abyssinian. The length and density of Mr Whiskers’ fur can also impact how many allergens they distribute into the environment. Cats with shorter fur are easier to groom than long-haired felines. This often leads to less overall allergen exposure. There are also special hypoallergenic breeds which are specifically bred to produce fewer allergens. 

Eight best cats for people with allergies

1. Siberian Cat: Both male and female Siberians have low allergen levels, making them a good option for those with allergies.
2. Balinese Cat: Also known as the ‘long-haired Siamese’, this breed produces less Fel d 1 and therefor causes fewer allergic reactions. 
3. Russian Blue: Despite their dense double coats, Russian Blues shed very little. This makes both male and female Russian Blue cats great for those who suffer from allergies.
4. Devon Rex: These kitties have less fur, which reduces allergen spread. 
5. Cornish Rex: Like the Devon feline, these cats have much less fur and therefore produce fewer allergens. 
6. Javanese Cat: These furry friends are related to the Balinese cat and, similarly, have lower Fel d 1 production. 
7. Oriental Shorthair: These kitties are a great option for reducing potential allergic reactions. They have short, fine coats and don’t shed much. 
8. Sphynx Cat: This breed is almost hairless, so they are less likely to distribute allergens around the home. 

Seven worst cats for people with allergies

1. Persian Cat: Persians are not hypoallergenic felines. Their long, thick fur carries a lot of allergens and both male and female cats can cause allergic reactions. 
2. Maine Coon: These furry friends are large and long-haired. Therefore, they spread a lot of allergens. 
3. Ragdoll Cat: Like Maine Coons, these kitties are large and have long fur. These leads to more shedding and dander. 
4. British Shorthair: Although British Shorthairs don’t shed a lot, their thick coats trap a lot of allergens which can cause some irritation for those sensitive to allergies. 
5. Norwegian Forest Cat: Although beautiful, their size and length of coat means they shed more and spread a lot of dander. 
6. Scottish Fold: This is another feline breed with thick fur that traps allergens and can trigger allergic reactions. 
7. Siamese Cat: This feline breed is short-haired, but they produce high amounts of Fel d 1. 

Keep in mind that there are no guarantees, as there can be differences between individual cats within the same breed. There is no such thing as a 100% allergy-free feline. Even hypoallergenic kitties produce allergens, just in smaller amounts. However, maintaining a clean, cat-friendly home and regularly grooming your furry friend can minimise allergic reactions. 

Can you minimise allergies to cats? 

Is it possible to minimise allergies to cats? There are various measures you can take to minimise allergic reactions to both male and female cats. Keeping your home clean, using specialised filters, and regularly washing cat beds and toys are a few ways to manage allergens in the home. Here are the top steps you can take to help minimise allergic reactions to cats: 

• Clean your home frequently.
• Vacuum using a HEPA filter—these remove more dust, pollen, and dander than regular filters.
• Use a HEPA air purifier.
• Keep your kitty out of certain areas of the house such as your bedroom. Not only will this help prevent them from waking you up at night, but  will keep dander out of your bedding.
• Clean Mr Whiskers’ litter box daily. 
• Neuter your male cats.
• Brush your furry friend regularly. If you have a short-haired feline, once or twice a week, if your kitty is long-haired, every other day. 
• Launder/clean Mr Whiskers’ beds, toys, blankets, and other items on a regular basis (weekly or bi-weekly). 
• Keep your home well-ventilated.
• Feed your kitty a healthy diet that helps reduce allergens. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your vet for recommendations. 

Paw parent tip: When hiring a cat sitter, make sure you talk them through how to help keep your home allergen free. While you shouldn’t expect your sitter to clean your home, they can perform other tasks. Ask beforehand if your pet carer feels comfortable grooming Mr Whiskers and maintaining a certain level of tidiness while you’re away. 

Living with cats despite an allergy

Allergies can be very unpleasant, and only you can determine how severe or manageable your allergic reactions are. Whether your cat is male or female, there are always steps you can take to minimise your allergies. Besides the usual cat care and home maintenance, here are a few other options to consider: 

Immunotherapy

This treatment helps desensitise you to cat allergies. This is done by administering small amounts of allergens in increasing doses over a period of time. This helps your immune system get used to the allergen and react less strongly to it. 

Allergy therapy

The most common way of administering allergy therapy is through injections (allergy shots). However, there are also tablets or drops. These help to reduce allergy symptoms with minimal side-effects. 

Want to know more about which cats are suitable for different lifestyles? Read up on the best breeds for apartment living and which are the most popular feline breeds.