Devon Rex Cats & Allergies:
                                          How to reduce allergens in the home

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When people search “hypoallergenic cats,” breeds like the Devon Rex often appear in the results. While this has led many allergy sufferers to consider the breed, it’s important to be clear and accurate:

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No cat is truly hypoallergenic (aside from some lines of Siberian Forest Cat who have a gene that modifies the production of Fel D1, the protein humans are allergic to). However, some cats (like the Devon Rex) may be more tolerable for certain individuals due to how allergens spread in the environment.

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What Causes Cat Allergies in Humans?

Most people with cat allergies are reacting to Fel d 1, a protein produced by cats and found in:

• Saliva

• Skin oils (sebaceous glands)

• Urine
   

As cats groom themselves, saliva containing Fel d 1 is deposited onto the coat. From there, allergens spread through:

• Dander (microscopic skin flakes)

• Shed hair

• Household dust and soft furnishings

Why Devon Rex Cats Can Work Better for Some Allergy Sufferers

Devon Rex cats still produce Fel d 1! But they often work better for people with mild to moderate allergies because:

• They shed significantly less hair on the average 

• Less hair means fewer allergens carried into the environment

• Allergen buildup tends to occur more slowly than with heavy-shedding breeds
   

Again, this does not mean they are allergen-free. It means that environmental management becomes more achievable.

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Proven Ways to Reduce Cat Allergens in the Home

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1. Frequent, Effective Cleaning

Reducing allergen load in the environment is one of the most impactful steps.

Vacuuming

• Use a sealed vacuum with HEPA filtration

• Vacuum carpets, rugs, furniture, and baseboards 2–3 times weekly

• Focus on sleeping and lounging areas

Surface Cleaning

• Damp-wipe hard surfaces instead of dry dusting

• Dry dusting can aerosolize allergens

Laundry

• Wash cat bedding weekly in hot water

• Clean throw blankets and pillow covers regularly

Air Filtration

• HEPA air purifiers in bedrooms and main living areas can reduce airborne allergens

• Use high-efficiency HVAC filters and replace them often
   

2. Bathing & Coat Maintenance

Bathing helps remove allergens already present on the coat.

• Bathe every 2–4 weeks using a gentle, cat-safe shampoo

• Allow shampoo to sit briefly before rinsing

• Between baths, wipe the coat with a damp microfiber cloth
   

3. Dietary Allergen Reduction: Purina Pro Plan LiveClear

Purina LiveClear is one of the few food products shown to reduce active allergens at the source.

How it works

• Contains a specific egg-derived antibody (IgY)

• Binds to Fel d 1 in the cat’s saliva

• Neutralizes the allergen before it spreads to the coat and environment
   

****Important note****
You cannot replicate this effect by adding eggs or egg powder to regular cat food. LiveClear uses:

• Antibodies from hens exposed specifically to Fel d 1

• A controlled, stabilized formulation

• A consistent daily dose
   

4. Environmental Allergen Neutralizers: Pacagen

Pacagen sprays are designed to neutralize allergens already present in the environment.

• Bind to airborne and surface allergens

• Useful for furniture, fabrics, and bedding

• Best used alongside regular cleaning, not as a replacement
   

These products can be especially helpful in shared living spaces or when accommodating guests with allergies.
 

5. Medical Management: Allergy Immunotherapy (Shots)

For persistent or more severe allergies, an allergist may recommend immunotherapy.

How allergy shots work

• Small, increasing doses of allergens are administered over time

• The immune system becomes less reactive

• Treatment usually lasts a few years

• Many patients experience significant symptom improvement
   

This approach treats the human immune response, not the cat, and is often used alongside environmental strategies. Talk to your allergist especially if you have more severe or persistent cat allergies on whether this kind of treatment could be right for you. 

6. Over-the-Counter Allergy Medications: Where/If They Fit 
 

Some cat owners rely on over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications to help manage symptoms. These can be useful for certain individuals but they are not typically a substitute for allergen reduction and may not be appropriate for everyone.

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Common OTC options include:

• Non-drowsy antihistamines (such as cetirizine or loratadine)

• Older antihistamines that may cause drowsiness
   

For people with mild, intermittent symptoms, these medications can help reduce reactions like sneezing, itchy eyes, or nasal congestion, especially when used alongside environmental controls such as cleaning, bathing, and air filtration.
 

However, OTC medications have limitations:

• They treat symptoms, not the cause

• They do not reduce allergens in the environment

• Effectiveness varies widely between individuals

• Some people experience side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or reduced effectiveness over time
   

Because allergies are immune-mediated, long-term daily reliance on OTC medications may not be ideal. For people with ongoing or moderate-to-severe symptoms, consultation with a healthcare provider or allergist is recommended to discuss safer, more sustainable options (such as prescription medications or immunotherapy).

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Managing Expectations Honestly

Even with all mitigation strategies in place:

• Allergens are reduced, not eliminated

• Individual reactions vary

• No breed or breeder can guarantee allergy compatibility. If someone tries to tell you differently, they are deeply mistaken.
   

For many people with mild to moderate allergies, a Devon Rex paired with strong allergen management can be a workable solution. For those with severe allergies, no cat breed or product can reliably prevent symptoms.

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Bottom Line

Devon Rex cats are not hypoallergenic, but their low-shedding coats can make allergen control easier for some households. Through consistent cleaning, thoughtful grooming, dietary intervention, environmental neutralization, and where appropriate, medical support, allergen exposure can often be reduced to a manageable level.