Fel d 1 is a cat allergen that impacts humans. By reducing Fel d 1 in your pet cat, you can reduce the allergen symptoms.
If you or a loved one suffers from cat allergies, you’ve probably faced the heartbreaking question: “Do I need to rehome my cat?” Thankfully, science says no. A new approach focuses on reducing the cat allergen itself, specifically Feld 1, rather than removing the cat.
Feld 1 is the major allergen responsible for most cat-related allergic reactions. It’s a protein cats naturally produce, mostly in their saliva and skin glands. While it’s harmless to cats, it causes itchy eyes, sneezing, and asthma in sensitive humans.
The traditional advice to “get rid of the cat” is emotionally devastating and often ineffective. Moricat believes in solutions that strengthen the human-cat bond through modern, science-backed care.
Feld 1 is a protein produced by all cats, but not all cats produce the same amount.
This allergen is found in saliva, skin, fur, and dander. When cats groom themselves, Feld 1 spreads onto their fur and into the environment. However, levels vary by individual cat, not by breed or fur length. In other words, no cat is truly hypoallergenic, but some may naturally produce less Feld 1 than others.
Avoidance-based strategies don't address the root of the problem: the allergen itself.
Limiting contact, removing the cat from the home, or relying solely on medications for allergy sufferers can be disruptive and emotionally taxing. Research shows these methods often don’t eliminate symptoms completely, and they can lead to rehoming, something no cat parent wants.
Targeting Feld 1 directly offers a cat-inclusive way to reduce allergic reactions.
Recent breakthroughs show that modifying or neutralizing the allergen itself, while keeping the cat, can be highly effective. One promising method involves feeding cats food containing anti-Feld 1 IgY antibodies, which bind to Feld 1 in the cat’s saliva and make it biologically inactive. This means less active allergen ends up on your cat’s fur and in your environment.
Daily care adjustments can reduce allergen load without affecting your cat’s lifestyle.
Rather than changing your cat’s routine or living situation, this approach suggests incorporating easy, non-invasive steps like changing your cat’s diet to one that includes anti-Fel d 1 antibodies. This reduces environmental allergen levels over time, allowing allergy sufferers to tolerate longer interactions with their cat.
Research shows this strategy significantly lowers active Feld 1 levels and improves allergy symptoms.
Scientific trials reported notable reductions in the amount of active Feld 1 in cats’ fur and in the environment when cats consumed anti-Feld 1 diets regularly. People with the allergy exposed to these cats experienced fewer symptoms. Importantly, the cats’ health and behavior remained unchanged which keeps everyone happy.
Conclusion
You don’t have to choose between your cat and your comfort. Starting small with things such as changing your cat’s food can lower the impact of Feld 1 in your home. Pay attention to your body’s response and keep track of how much better you feel over time.
Modern care isn’t about avoidance, it’s about partnership. At Moricat, we believe in supporting both sides of the bond with thoughtful, science-backed solutions. Your cat is family, and with the right care path they can stay that way.
Reference
Satyaraj, E., Wedner, H. J., & Bousquet, J. (2019). Keep the cat, change the care pathway: A transformational approach to managing Feld 1, the major cat allergen. Allergy (Copenhagen), 74(S107), 5–17. https://doi.org/10.1111/all.14013
Written by: T.T.
