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A major breakthrough in managing 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.
[Fel • Dee • One] noun
Fel d 1: The Major Cat Allergen
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 d 1 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.
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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.

A revolutionary, feline-friendly way to manage cat allergens

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, starting in the third week of daily feeling.

The decrease in active Fel d 1 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."

    Dr. Ebenezer Satyaraj - Immunologist and lead invetigator on the research for cat allergens.

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.

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