Are Bengal cats hypoallergenic?

One of the most frequent questions we receive from people interested in this breed is whether Bengal cats are hypoallergenic or not.

The correct answer is yes, they are hypoallergenic, but to understand this answer, you must understand that HYPOALLERGENIC DOES NOT mean HYPOALLERGENIC; meaning it is relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

Compared to other cat breeds, Bengal cats are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people, and here’s why.

The most common cat allergen is a protein found in cat saliva, skin cells, and urine called Fel d 1. This protein enters the air on the cat’s hair and fur. The reason more people tend to react to this cat protein than dog allergens is its weight. Fel d 1 is so light that it stays airborne longer and is, therefore, more likely to enter the lungs when a person with this allergy enters a room where cats live (Lindsey Konkel. Live Science).

This protein is also incredibly sticky, so once it lands on surfaces around your home, it doesn’t disappear. There are some oriental breeds that produce less Fel d 1; the Bengal is not one of those cats.

However, if a person is mildly sensitive to Fel d 1, they may find that they can be around Bengal cats.

This is because Bengal cats are single-haired, they have less fur than double-haired cats; therefore, they shed less than some other breeds, meaning the protein has less hair to jump over and come into contact with the air. Additionally, some Bengals have retained the coat quality defined by breeders as short hair. The coat is extremely short and looks like soft rabbit fur.

The elegance of this type of coat contributes to its cleanliness and reduces the Bengal’s need for grooming with less grooming requirements, less saliva spreading on the coat, and less hair with Fel d 1 being released into the air. Having an air filtration system can be a good way to remove some of the protein particles floating in the air making the Bengal a suitable cat for allergy sufferers.

Are Bengal Cats Hypoallergenic?

Before we go any further, let’s take a look at what hypoallergenic actually means. The term hypoallergenic means that something is relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

That said, yes, Bengal cats are hypoallergenic! However, there is still a small chance that a hypoallergenic cat, like the Bengal, could cause an allergic reaction in people with cat allergies. If you have cat allergies, don’t assume that you won’t have an allergic reaction to Bengal cats. Cat’s ear bonding is an essential aspect of feline-human relationships. Learn how this unique form of interaction strengthens the bond between you and your cat, creating a deeper sense of trust and connection through the act of ear rubbing.

As a hypoallergenic cat breed, the Bengal cat is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than other cat breeds. But, you may still end up sneezing after spending a few minutes in the same room with a Bengal cat.

What Causes Cat Allergies?

Despite common beliefs, cat hair is not to blame for your cat allergies! The thing you should blame for your runny nose and puffy eyes is a small, light protein, called Fel d 1. Transform your countertops into cat-free zones using the advice and strategies outlined in our comprehensive guide. Bid farewell to cat-related disruptions and keep your kitchen surfaces pristine.

Fel d 1 is the most common cat allergen and is found in a cat’s saliva, urine, and skin cells.

Although cat hair doesn’t actually cause allergies, it is the primary way that saliva and skin cells become airborne and introduced into the environment. When cats groom their coats, they shed their coats and carry with them the allergy-causing protein Fel d 1.

Although every cat produces this protein, some people have found that they seem to have less of an allergic reaction to a handful of cat breeds, including the Bengal cat. Learn about the attributes and considerations of wood-based cat litter in our comprehensive guide. Find out how this natural and biodegradable option can enhance your cat’s litter box experience while being kind to the environment.

Why Are Bengal Cats Less Allergenic Than Some Cat Breeds?

If you’ve ever seen or petted a Bengal cat, you’ve probably noticed that its coat is different. Bengal cats have a single-layered, short coat. This means they have less fur than double-coated cat breeds, which automatically means less shedding. As a result, Bengal cats will shed fewer allergens in your home, compared to double-coated cat breeds that shed a lot.

While all cats groom themselves to keep their coats clean, Bengals seem to do it less than other breeds. This is likely because Bengal cats have a smooth, low-maintenance coat that doesn’t require as much grooming as the coats of some long-haired and double-coated breeds. With less grooming, there is less chance of the allergenic protein being released into the air inside your home.

What About Bengal Tabby Mixes?

Many people want a Bengal tabby mix or are convinced that they have a cat that is part Bengal (if that’s you, read our guide here to determine if your cat is a Bengal mix or not ).

If Bengals are hypoallergenic, what about mixes?

Unfortunately, the answer here is “probably not”…and it also probably depends on what your Bengal is mixed with.

Tips for People Allergic to Cats

If you suffer from allergies but can’t imagine your life without a Bengal cat, there are a few things you can do to coexist.

Since all cats produce saliva, urine, and dander, there is no way to successfully eliminate allergens without getting rid of your cat. If rehoming your Bengal is not an option, you can try to reduce the spread of allergens inside your home.

Here are some tips that can help you:

• Feed your Bengal a high-quality diet that will improve the quality of its skin – you can read our guide here on the best Bengal cat foods for more information on what you should feed your cat.
• Use the best water fountain for Bengal cats to keep your feline hydrated and prevent dry, flaky skin – here we have a complete guide to the best water fountains for Bengal cats 
• Supplement your cat’s diet with omega-3 fatty acids to reduce the amount of hair and dander released into the air
• Clean and vacuum your home every day
• Invest in a HEPA air filtration system
• Brush your cat regularly using the best Bengal cat brushes to remove loose hair and dander
• Have a non-allergic family member scoop the litter box twice daily to limit urine exposure to air – learn more here about the best litter for Bengal cats, as well as the best litter boxes for your Bengal.
• Remove carpet and replace upholstered furniture or use waterproof covers
• If all else fails, consider taking allergy medication. Talk to your doctor about allergy shots, antihistamines, or decongestants you can take to reduce your symptoms.

Conclusion – Are Bengal Cats Really Hypoallergenic?

Bengal cats are hypoallergenic. But, hypoallergenic doesn’t mean they’re allergy-free, it means they’re relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. This is an important distinction to remember – and it’s something you need to understand before purchasing a Bengal or bringing one into your home.

We’re sorry to tell you, but there is no such thing as a non-allergenic cat! If you suffer from allergies and want to have a Bengal cat, it is a good idea to visit the cat you are interested in several times to see how you are affected. It’s also worth talking to your doctor to see what you can do to reduce your ace allergies as there’s not much the cat can do to help!

FAQs About Bengal Cats and Allergies