Purina Pro Plan LiveClear – Revolutionary Cat Food for the Reduction of Cat Allergens

Cat allergies are a widespread problem among us humans. Purina Pro Plan has developed a new cat food that significantly reduces allergens on cat hair and dander, thereby helping to alleviate the symptoms of a cat allergy.

Globally, one in five adults reacts allergically to cats. Fel d1 is the main allergen, triggering an allergic reaction in up to 95% of sensitive individuals. All cats produce Fel d1 in their saliva and sebaceous glands – regardless of breed, age, sex, hair length, or color. Even hairless breeds, such as the Sphynx, produce Fel d1. During grooming, Fel d1 is transferred to cat hair and skin, and eventually enters the environment via hair and dander.

Previous Methods for Managing Cat Allergies Have Limitations

Until now, treatment options for individuals with cat allergies have been limited. It is recommended to restrict or completely avoid contact with cats. Desensitization can be attempted, or allergy symptoms can be suppressed with medication.  For many cat owners, giving up their beloved pet to a shelter is not an option. Therefore, they go to great lengths to reduce cat allergens in their environment – they clean the house daily, frequently wash cat beds and blankets, and even regularly bathe their cat. Such methods have their limitations and are time-consuming and stressful for both the cat and the owner. With Pro Plan^® LiveClear^®, there is now another way to help people with cat allergies by significantly reducing allergens on cat hair and dander.

The First Cat Food That Reduces Allergens Where They Originate

Pro Plan^® LiveClear^® contains a key protein derived from eggs (Anti-Fel d1 IgY), which binds the Fel d1 present in the cat's saliva during eating. When the cat grooms itself, the neutralized Fel d1 is distributed in the coat instead of active Fel d1, which no longer causes symptoms in allergic individuals.

How Well Does Pro Plan^® LiveClear^® Work?

In a study¹ with 105 cats, significant results were observed at the beginning of the third week of feeding:

• 97% of cats showed reduced amounts of Fel d1 in their hair and dander
• 86% of cats showed a 30% reduction of active Fel d1 on hair and dander compared to baseline
• 50% of cats showed at least a 50% reduction in active Fel d1
• Overall, an average reduction of 47% of allergens in cat hair and dander was observed

Feeding Pro Plan^® LiveClear^® cat food is not intended as a substitute for all other allergen reduction strategies, but rather as an additional measure to reduce the allergen load in cat-owning households.

What Impact Does Pro Plan^® LiveClear^® Have on the Cat?

Even if a food can improve the lives of many people suffering from cat allergies, it must, of course, not compromise the health or well-being of the cats!

Since the biological function of Fel d1 is still unknown, the allergen control process in Pro Plan^® LiveClear^® does not affect the cat's normal production of Fel d1. It is only neutralized in the saliva when the food is eaten. During the transport of the food through the digestive tract, the anti-Fel d1 antibodies are digested, just like all other proteins in the food. A comprehensive safety study² also showed that the ingredient is very well tolerated by cats.

Pro Plan^® LiveClear^® is available in four variants, tailored to the different needs in various life stages.  It promotes urinary tract and kidney health, prevents obesity, and supports healthy digestion. It is therefore a balanced, palatable, and healthy Complete food that a cat can eat throughout its life. 

What Should Be Considered When Feeding Pro Plan^® LiveClear^®?

For the Fel d1 allergens in the saliva to be continuously neutralized, it is important that Pro Plan® LiveClear® is fed throughout the day, and not just in a single meal per day.

Even if Pro Plan^® LiveClear^® should be the primary food, occasional feeding of wet cat food or treats is allowed.

To ensure the best possible effect of the product, Pro Plan^® LiveClear^® should be stored in a cool, dry place.

Sources:
Purina Pro Plan® LiveClear® Veterinary Brochure: Revolutionary Discovery for the Reduction of Cat Allergens. 01.02.2021 pp.8

¹Satyraj, E., Gardner, C., Filipi, I., Cramer, K. & Sherrill, S. (2019): Reduction of active Fel d 1 from cats using an anti-Fel d 1 egg IgY antibody. Immunity, Inflammation & Disease, 7, 68-73. Doi: 10.002/iid3.24
²Matulka R. A., Thompson L., Corley D (2020). Multi-level safety studies of anti-Fel d 1 IgY ingredient in cat food. Frontiers in Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, 6, 477. Doi: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00477