A recent study sought to determine the characteristics of cats that make them produce more or less cat allergen. Since we already know that multiple cats (2 or more) in the home results in far more cat allergen, this study determined the characteristics of cats when only one cat was present in the home. Of all of the characteristics studied, only neutering a male cat resulted in a significant drop in the amount of cat allergen in the home. Surprisingly, spaying a female cat did not show an effect on cat allergen.
Since the major cat allergen, called Fel d 1, is influenced by the production of hormones, it makes sense that neutering a male cat should result in less Fel d 1 in homes with cats. Unfortunately, spraying a female cat did not show the same effect.
Other characteristics of cats that had no effect on the amount of Fel d 1 in the home:
- Length of the cat’s hair
- Gender of the cat, without regard to spay or neutered status
- Amount of time the cat spends indoors
Learn more about cat allergy.
Sources:
Nicholas C et al. Influence of Cat Characteristics on Fel d 1 Levels in the Home. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2008; 101:47-50.
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