Do you love cats but are allergic to them? Don’t worry! There are plenty of hypoallergenic cat breeds that are perfect for people with allergies.
These cats have fewer proteins that can cause an allergic reaction, so you can enjoy the companionship of a feline without having to worry about your allergies. From lazy Persians to active Siameses, there’s a perfect feline friend out there for everyone.
This list will introduce you to 16 of the best hypoallergenic cat breeds out there. With a little bit of research, you’re sure to find the perfect one for you.
16. Sphynx Cat
Sphynx Cats are completely hairless, which is the main thing that they have going for them as far as their hypoallergenic nature goes. However, they do tend to get very oily and require at least one bath per week.
This regular grooming further contributes to reduced allergic reactions by minimizing the amount of allergy-carrying secretions.
It may seem like a lot of work to bathe a cat every week, but with their sweet personalities and high intelligence, Sphynx Cats are definitely worth the trouble.
15. Siberian Cat
Siberian cats are large and fluffy, and upon first glance, they may look like every allergic person’s worst nightmare. While they do shed a little more than other cats in this breed, they are less allergenic on a molecular level.
This is because Siberian cats have been shown to produce lower levels of Fel d1, which is the compound present in dander and cat secretions that triggers the allergy.
14. Siamese Cat
The Siamese cat is considered a hypoallergenic cat breed due to its low-shed to no-shed coat type with extra short fur.
These cats make the perfect companion pets for cat lovers who want outgoing kitties. This is because of the Siamese’s very social personality.
They are also quite intelligent, and if you have the time to spare and a ton of patience, you could teach a Siamese some cool tricks, including walking on a leash.
13. LaPerm
The LaPerm gets its name from its unique coat curls that make it look like it just got out of an 80s hair commercial. The fur is very curly with tight coils on parts like the belly and neck that are in most contact with surfaces in your home.
The tight nature of the curls on a LaPerm means that it sheds way less than your average cat breed, making it ideal for homes with an allergic cat lover.
12. Elf Cat
The Elf cat is a relatively new breed of hairless kitties that is a result of mixed breeding between a Sphynx and an American Curl. It takes after the Sphynx’s furless body, which is what makes it ideal as a hypoallergenic cat breed.
Unfortunately, as a relatively new breed in the market, elf cats are very hard to come by. If you are lucky enough to get one, they are definitely worth taking home not only for their hypoallergenic nature but for their fun and loving personalities.
11. Burmese Cat
The Burmese cat’s coat is a thing of true beauty. Whether it is black, chocolate, or even sable, they have a glistening trait that gives the coat a lovely glossy finish. Furthermore, the coat is a minimally-shedding one which is ideal for cat lovers with cat allergies.
As if all this wasn’t enough to make you love the cat, Burmese kitties are known for being super friendly and affectionate and are sometimes referred to as dog-like cats.
10. Javanese Cat
With its long, fluffy coat, you would probably not immediately guess that the Javanese is a hypoallergenic option for cat lovers. But it definitely is and is awesome if you want a fluffy cat without having to pay the price for allergic reactions.
The coat naturally does not shed a lot. This is due to both the long, silky nature of the fur and the absence of an undercoat.
9. Oriental Shorthair
If you have compared the Oriental Shorthair and the Colorpoint Shorthair closely, you may not consider them related. However, they are very close cousins sharing ancestors like the Siamese cat.
These cats are known mainly for their strikingly large ears. They are also popular among cat lovers who want a more spirited and active kitty. However, they are not the most affectionate unless trained to be comfortable with contact and handling from an early age.
8. Ocicat
Contrary to popular belief, the Ocicat is actually not in any way related to the ocelot. In fact, this cat breed has absolutely no wild cat genes and is as domestic as cats get with their affectionate and social personalities.
However, the likeness to wild cats is undeniable with the Ocicat’s wild-looking spots.
The Ocicat’s coat is also hypoallergenic, although not as completely as other breeds on our list. Therefore, if you only have mild allergies, you might live peacefully with an Ocicat in your home.
7. Bengal Cat
The Bengal cat looks like a mini version of a leopard and is an awesome cat breed for people who are into this exotic, wild aesthetic. Despite their wild cat looks, Bengal cats are absolute sweethearts known to love playtime and cuddles with their owners.
These cats do not shed very much and are thus a great hypoallergenic breed. There are also theories that claim these cats produce fewer allergens. Whatever the case, these cats are definitely worth considering for people with cat allergies.
6. Russian Blue
Russian blue cats are known for their short, dense coats with their bluish-grey tones. This coat not only makes them beautiful and fluffy but is also awesome for people with allergies. It sheds way less than other breeds with similar coat lengths and densities. Regular grooming also helps a lot when it comes to minimizing shedding.
These cats are also quite independent and are, therefore, ideal for busy cat owners.
5. Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is a part of the rex group of cat breeds. They are known for their super short, wavy hair. Due to the nature of their coats, these cats do not shed a lot and thus earn their spot on our list of hypoallergenic cat breeds.
These cats are also very intelligent. They tend to form very deep bonds with people who take the time to play with them and those who feed them.
4. Balinese Cat
This is another fluffy beauty that may not seem like your typical hypoallergenic breed but actually is. Their long coats do not shed a lot which is something you can also improve by regular brushing to deshed and dematt the fluff.
Balinese cats are also quite social and vocal, and though a bit reserved towards strangers, there will never be a dull moment in your home.
3. Cornish Rex
The Cornish rex is another member of the rex family of cats. These beauties have a very thin layer of fine, curly fur that sheds very little. However, it is still possible to get allergic reactions from other secretions with this breed.
Therefore, they are ideal for people with more manageable cat allergies, where a reduction of the amount of dander is enough to keep the reactions under control.
2. Selkirk Rex
Selkirk Rex cats stand out in the rex group as the fluffiest with their long, thick, and curly coats. While the fur is long, its curly nature means that you have less shedding to expect, which makes it perfect for allergic cat lovers.
However, they are a bit high maintenance as far as grooming care is concerned. You may have to brush their fur once or twice every week to remove the little shed fur and untangle any mats.
1. Colorpoint Shorthair
This is a mixed breed cat obtained from breeding between a Siamese and an American shorthair cat. It gets point coloration around the muzzle, on the ears, and on the paws from the Siamese side.
However, it is different in that these point markings can be one of 16 different colors as opposed to the 4 main variations in the Siamese.
They also do not shed very heavily or frequently and are thus ideal for individuals with mild cat allergies.
Related Questions
Can I Own A Cat If I’m Allergic?
Yes, you can own a cat if you are allergic to them. The best thing to do here is to play it safe by going for a hypoallergenic breed. However, this does not mean you will not have the occasional allergic attack, even without dander to worry about. This is because of other allergen carriers like saliva.
Are Male Or Female Cats More Allergenic?
Male cats are typically more allergenic than female cats. This is because male cats produce more Fel d1, which is the compound responsible for triggering allergic reactions in the susceptible. Interestingly, neutering has been shown to reduce these levels, with neutered males causing fewer and less severe allergic reactions than unneutered males, although still noticeably more than female cats.
What Is A Natural Remedy For Cat Allergies?
A useful natural remedy for cat allergies is steam inhalation. This helps to open up airways that may have gotten inflamed as a result of the irritation. However, the best solution is prevention altogether. If you really must have a cat, then go for hypoallergenic breeds. Even then, make sure to keep them off your bed and your favorite couch.
