QUESTION I've heard that a specific cat food reduces the allergen in cats. Is this true? And if so, what food is it?
ANSWER There is a cat chow that was developed to help reduce the amount of major cat allergen in the environment where a cat lives. Pro Plan LiveClear is a cat food made by Purina. It can help reduce the major allergen for several weeks after a cat eats it. First, chickens are immunized with the major cat allergen which makes them produce specific antibodies. These antibodies are then collected from the egg yolks of these chickens. They are then used to supplement the cat chow. When the cat eats this food the amount of the major allergen in the cat’s saliva and hair is reduced by these antibodies. This lowers the amount of cat allergens in the environment. The effectiveness of this technology has been confirmed in small studies. Other general measures to reduce the amount of cat allergen in the home include:
Making the bedroom a pet-free space
Using a HEPA filter (high-efficiency particulate air filter) in the home to filter out allergens in the air including cat dander
Vacuuming regularly (at least twice a week) with a CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® vacuum cleaner
If a member of your family is suffering from allergies, please make an appointment with our Family Practice or Pediatrics Clinic. We can help you determine what you may be allergic to and how to treat it. Call 251-974-2273
ANSWERED BY John M. James, MD, is a board-certified allergist. He is also President of Food Allergy Consulting and Education Services, LLC. He has worked as a medical specialist in the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology for over 30 years. Dr. James received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee. He is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
REVIEWED AND ANSWERED February 20, 2023
SOURCE: https://community.aafa.org/db/ask-the-allergist/record/can-cat-food-reduce-the-allergens-from-cats