15/01/2026
I was just thinking about getting more chickens last night. Didn't even type it into Google... And yet this comes up in my feed right now.
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Did you know there is emerging science behind eggs and cat allergies?
Cats produce a protein called Fel d 1, which is the main cause of cat allergies. When chickens are regularly exposed to cats, their immune systems naturally produce IgY antibodies against Fel d 1. These antibodies are passed into the egg yolk.
Research shows that IgY antibodies can bind to Fel d 1 and neutralise it, reducing the amount of active allergen available to trigger allergic reactions. This science is already being used in veterinary medicine, including specialised cat foods designed to lower allergen levels in homes.
While this is not a cure and does not work for everyone, regular exposure to these antibodies may help reduce allergy symptoms for some people by lowering allergen activity and supporting immune tolerance.
If you’re interested in the science, here are peer-reviewed veterinary and scientific studies you can read yourself:
• Anti-Fel d 1 IgY antibodies in eggs and reduced allergen activity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31310154/
• Reduction of active Fel d 1 on cats using egg-derived IgY
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30851084/
• Safety studies on anti-Fel d 1 IgY egg ingredients
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6960183/
• Fel d 1 blocking antibodies and allergy reduction
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34250096/
• Review of Fel d 1 management and IgY research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31498459/
As always, this is about reducing allergen exposure, not replacing medical advice. Everyone’s immune system is different, and results can vary.
Science is giving us more ways to help people and cats live together safely and comfortably.
