The truth about cat allergens

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1 December 2025

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Humans can be sensitive to a different number of allergens that when summed all together present an additive effect called the “total allergen load”. When an individual has increased exposure to a single allergen or a sum of different allergens and their allergen-threshold is exceeded, a sensitivity reaction may be triggered.

In recent years, there has been a steady increase in the number of people with increased sensitivity of the body's immune system to various substances like plant pollen, certain foods, drugs, and others. Currently, as many as 1 in 5 adults are sensitised to cat allergens at a global level.

Most people sensitive to cat allergens, usually respond to one allergen in particular, known as Fel d 1 which is mainly produced in cats’ salivary and sebaceous glands. These allergens are transferred to the hair and skin when a cat grooms itself and spread into the environment on shed hair and dander.

Since Fel d 1 is light, it can be easily transferred onto clothing and as a result, the allergen is ubiquitous and has been found in homes without cats, public transportation and buildings at levels that exceed the threshold value associated with sensitisation.

However, although many sensitive owners will compromise their own well-being (link to article above about methods for managing cat allergens) to keep their cat, they are unlikely to accept approaches that they feel may put their cat’s health and well-being at risk.

Now Purina® Pro Plan® Live

Clear® (link to product) presents a new feline-friendly approach based on a complete and balanced diet that reduces the allergens on cat hair and dander by an average of 47% starting in the third week of daily feeding. When cats eat Pro Plan® Live

Clear®, a key protein sourced from eggs binds to Fel d 1 and neutralises the active levels in cat’s saliva.Pro Plan® Live

Clear® is a safe and effective approach to manage cat allergens offering a great-tasting, outstanding nutrition in everyday food with the power to change lives.

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