Hello, we just adopted a 15 week old pure breed Bengal and after spending a couple hours with him, I started sneezing and getting a runny nose, like a typical allergic reaction. I'm 43 and had a domestic short hair tabby for the past 15 years (passed away two months ago), no issues. My in-laws have two Maine Coon cats whom I've spent a lot of time with, again no issues.

Is there something unique with this breed that could be causing these allergies? Or it just could be something else, but I'm not allergic to many things.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

It could be Taurine. I know at least person who is allergic to Taurine. She figured that out when they changed the formulation of her favorite energy drink to add Taurine. There is alot of Taurine in commercial food and hence alot of Taurine in their saliva.

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It is false that bengals are hypo-allergenic. The trigger is in the dander of the cat. You may try to have someone brush or comb the fur and see if that helps. Plus there are medications to take for allergies. If the cat is causing your issue and you are unable to deal with it, you may need to give the cat back to the breeder. Whatever you do, please do not choose to let your bengal roam outside. There are just too many dangers lurking out there.

Thanks everyone for the responses. I don’t think it taurine as I drink Red Bull from time to time and have no issues.

I’m still dealing with a runny nose and watery eyes, but am thinking it might be a cold. It’s just the onset of these symptoms came very suddenly and a couple hours of adopting the cat.

I’ll update in a few days whether it was a cold or not.

Hopefully, it is just a coincidence. A bengal can add so much to your life. They are a very special breed.

I too was “allergic” to my baby when I got her in my home after being cat free for 6 months. I had 2 regular calico cats that I was not allergic too but when I got my Bengal I had the exact symptoms as you described. What cured me HONESTLY was I purchased a Triad Aer Ionizer unit for my home. This unit has done wonders for this new developed allergy and all other allergies such as dust (which I’m 10 out of 10 allergic to) spendy little unit but so worth the money! I do believe you can be allergic to the Bengal cat even though they say they are “hypo-allergenic”. The allergen is in their dander is what I’ve learned. Good luck with your allergies. My Bengal actually had these same allergy symptoms when introduced her into our home and she stopped sneezes and runny nose after being treated for an upper respiratory infection and home for 1 month.