MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN MANAGING CAT ALLERGENS

Woman snuggling tabby cat

Purina scientists have found a way to safely reduce active levels of the major cat allergen found in cats’ saliva. This can transform the way people manage cat allergens. Rather than limiting their exposure to the cat, they can limit their exposure to the allergen instead.

Dr. Satyaraj

DR. EBENEZER SATYARAJ

Immunologist

Dr. Satyaraj is the lead investigator on the research for cat allergens.

Cat Allergen Quotation Graphic

These allergens have created a huge barrier to cat ownership and may limit the loving interactions between cat lovers and cats.

—DR. EBENEZER SATYARAJ

 

 

IMPACT OF CAT ALLERGENS

Many people go to great lengths to reduce allergens in their environment, such as daily cleaning and frequent washing. Cat allergens can limit people’s interactions with cats, though, and they’re a common reason people relinquish cats to shelters. Allergens also create a barrier to cat adoption and ownership.

As many as 1 in 5 adults worldwide are sensitized to cat allergens

As many as 1 in 5 adults
worldwide are sensitized
to cat allergens. 

Avoidance or rehoming is a common recommendation to manage cat allergens

Avoidance or rehoming
is a common recommendation
to manage cat allergens.

Woman cuddling orange cat

What are Cat Allergens?

Although many people believe cat allergens stem from the cat’s hair or dander, the major cat allergen is Fel d1. This protein is found primarily in the cat’s saliva.

Fel d1 is then transferred to the cat’s hair and skin during grooming. As the cat sheds, the allergen on the hair is dispersed throughout the home.

Teenage girl playing with a cat

What about Hypoallergenic Cats?

Contrary to popular belief, there are no truly hypoallergenic cats. All cats—even hairless ones—produce Fel d 1, regardless of breed, age, sex or neuter status.

Additionally, Fel d 1 levels are not affected by hair color or length.

Fel d 1: The Major Cat Allergen

[Fel • Dee • One] noun

A protein produced in a cat’s salivary and sebaceous (skin) glands. Transferred to cat’s hair and skin during grooming. Dispersed in the environment via hair and dander (dried flakes of skin).

A REVOLUTIONARY, FELINE-FRIENDLY WAY TO MANAGE CAT ALLERGENS

A cat and its owner touching noses

After more than 10 years of research, Purina scientists discovered the primary cat allergen can be reduced when cats eat a diet containing a specific protein found in eggs. 

This protein safely binds and blocks Fel d 1 in cats’ saliva and this inactive Fel d 1 gets transferred to the hair when grooming. This is a safe, feline-friendly approach and does not interfere with Fel d 1 production or change the cats’ overall physiology. 

Infographic displaying decrease in Fel d 1

ACCORDING TO A LANDMARK PURINA STUDY

Of cats fed this egg ingredient, 97% showed decreased levels of active Fel d 1 on their hair and dander. On average, there was a 47% reduction of active Fel d 1 on cats’ hair beginning with the third week of feeding the diet.

Cats showed 97% decreased levels
47% reduction of active Fel d 1

 

The decrease in active Fel d 1 on cats’ hair and dander can help reduce cat allergens shed into the environment.

 

Purina Pro Plan LiveClear formulas

Purina Pro Plan LiveClear Allergen Reducing Cat Food

The revolutionary cat food shown to reduce the allergens in cat hair and dander by an average of 47 percent starting in the third week of daily feeding.

Cat Allergen Quotation Graphic

Our discovery has the potential to transform how people manage cat allergens.

—DR. EBENEZER SATYARAJ