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. EBENEZER SATYARAJ
Immunologist
Dr. Satyaraj is the lead investigator on the research for cat allergens.
"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."
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 sensitised to cat
allergens.
Avoidance or rehoming is a
common recommendation to
manage cat allergens.
What are cat Allergens?
Although many people believe cat allergens stem from the cat’s hair or dander, the major cat allergen is Fel d 1. 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.
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 colour or length.
Fel d 1: The Major Cat Allergen
[Fel • Dee • One] noun
This is a protein produced in a cat’s salivary and sebaceous (skin) glands. It gets transferred to cat’s hair and skin during grooming then is dispersed in the environment via hair and dander (dried flakes of skin).
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 with Fel d 1 production or change the cats’ overall physiology.
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.
The decrease in active Fel d1 on cats’ hair and dander can help reduce cat allergens shed into the environment.
"Our discovery has the potential to transform how people manage cat allergens."