If you have allergies or asthma and think you can’t own a cat because of it, think again. There are cat breeds out there that are very allergy friendly. Think of them as hypoallergenic cats. Although no cat is 100% hypoallergenic, there are some breeds that create much less pet dander and shed less hair.
The great thing about these cats that are listed in this article is that they make it possible for cat lovers with allergies to actually own a cat. The mental health benefits to owning a pet is massive. So why should allergies get in the way?
To reduce your allergic reactions even more, you can buy HEPA filters which will remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles that come from your cat. Also with vacuuming, you will easily be able to own a cat and keep allergic reactions to an absolute minimum.
What are the causes of cat allergies?
The most common cat allergy is a protein called Fel d 1. This protein is produced by all cats, primarily in their saliva, and it is disseminated when they groom themselves. Fel d 1 is then distributed via dander in a cat’s fur, which spreads even more when the cat sheds. If you’ve ever wondered why your symptoms appear so quickly when you live with a cat, this is the reason! To come into contact with this allergy, you don’t have to be touching a cat.
As a result, an allergic reaction develops when a person comes into contact with the protein carried on the cat’s fur rather than the cat’s fur itself.
List of Hypoallergenic Cats
So let’s get into the main part of this article and show you the gorgeous hypoallergenic cats that you could own!
#1 – Cornish Rex
Cornish Rexes are absolutely adorable cats. They have a distinctive curly coat that grows close to their bodies. A similar breed to the Cornish Rex is the Devon Rex, which we will cover a bit later in this article. They both have short, thin coats that are low shedding. This makes both breeds very popular with people who suffer with allergies. They have curling whiskers and egg-shaped heads and are medium-sized felines.
Personality wise, the Cornish Rex is playful, fun and full of energy. As with most cats, the Cornish Rex is curious and athletic. They love to be loved and enjoy being picked up and held. They are sociable cats and will follow you around the house or garden, as they thrive on human attention.
Cornish Rex breed came about from a genetic mutation from a litter of kittens that was born in the 1950s in Cornwall. The very first Cornish Rex was a little male kitten by the name of Kallibunker, who had a fine and curly coat, which the owner thought was very unusual. He then backcrossed to his mother in order to produce 2 more curly coated kittens.
#2 – Oriental Shorthair
Oriental Shorthairs are one of the most ideal cat breeds to have if you’re a cat allergy sufferer.
The Oriental cat breed comes in both a shorthair and longhair types, but due to their short coats, the oriental shorthair cats are very popular for those who want to keep control of their allergies, but also benefit from owning a pet cat.
Oriental Shorthairs don’t shed that much, and with regular brushing, you can help yourself to drastically reduce the very little shedding that occurs with this breed.
Oriental Shorthairs are delightful cats. They are known to be very chatty athletic and friendly. They thrive on human interaction and are very social. They are full of energy and will need plenty of exercise or activity to keep them occupied and most importantly, happy.
#3 – Sphynx
Hairless Sphynx cats are a favourite among people who suffer badly with allergies, but still want the joy of owning a cat.
Yes they have no hair, but these cats can still produce dander, which in turn can aggravate allergies. But with frequent bathing of your hairless sphynx cat, you can prevent this from being a problem. Bathing them also helps prevent their skin becoming irritated from a build-up of oil.
Sphynx cats are just lovely in every way! They are outgoing, friendly, playful, mischievous and kind. They are also super intelligent and like most cats, curious!
They love people and the attention they normally get from us humans. Overall a great cat to own, with or without allergies.
#4 – Devon Rex
The Devon Rex, like the Cornish Rex, has a thin, fine coat that sheds substantially less than most cat breeds. It doesn’t require much grooming beyond a once-in-a-while wipe down of its fur to help spread natural oils.
This breed is mischievous, outgoing, and purrs loudly when delighted.
Devon Rexes are high-energy dogs who enjoy running and jumping about.
Because of their resemblance to pixies, they are also referred to as “Pixie cats.” Because they have very little guard hair, they are excellent companions for allergy sufferers. This is the type of cat hair that causes allergic reactions in people.
#5 – Balinese Cat
Balinese cats, believe it or not, are one of the closest breeds to be considered as a hypoallergenic cat. In fact, they are one of the cat breeds with the least amount of shedding.
Balinese cats are reported to have lower levels of the Fel d 1 protein, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. You’d expect that this wouldn’t be the case because of their long fur. They are the near-ideal hypoallergenic cat because they don’t shed much and don’t require much grooming.
The Balinese resembles a Siamese cat with long fur. They have a siamese-like coloring, sparkling blue eyes, and silky-smooth fur. The Balinese are considered to have evolved as a consequence of a spontaneous mutation that occurred when a Siamese cat gave birth to long-haired offspring.
They’re noted for being intelligent and outgoing. They are affectionate and make excellent friends. Despite the fact that they appear to be “high maintenance,” they are not unduly demanding.
#6 – Munchkin Cat
Munchkin cats are often referred to as “Sausage Cats” due to their short, stubby legs. Munchkin cats are ideal for allergy sufferers who are allergic to pet dander. Now technically these cats aren’t hypoallergenic in the strictest sense. However, because of the low amount of dander created, they are a viable option for people looking for a allergy friendly feline companion.
Munchkin cats are without a doubt among the cutest cats in the feline world. Their fluffy coats, short, stubby legs, and huge eyes make them incredibly appealing to the eye. Munchkins don’t disappoint when it comes to personality. They are self-assured, playful creatures who make wonderful pets.
#7 – Siberian Cat
The Siberian cat has less of the Fel d 1 protein, when compared to other cat breeds, which makes it a good contender for an ideal hypoallergenic cat.
Siberians have a triple coat which needs brushing weekly. They are quite large cats and come in many colors. They do shed at certain times of the year, but with weekly brushing it will keep the cat looking healthy and cut down on allergens. They do produce pet dander, but the amount only poses a smaller risk to allergy sufferers.
Did you know that female Siberian produce less allergens than males!? Research has found that around 75% of people with allergies say that they have fewer symptoms around Siberian cats versus other breeds.
Personality wise, Siberian cats are intelligent and affectionate. They are very gentle and calm around children, other pets, and visitors, and are very social.
#8 – Colorpoint Shorthair Cat
#9 Burmese Cat
Burmese cats are a wonderful choice for those who are allergic to pet hair and dander. These hypoallergenic cats are known for having one of the lowest shedding rates of any cat species on the planet. This means they produces less hair and, as a result, fewer triggers.
Burmese cats are unique when it comes to personality traits. Because of their proclivity to follow their owners and want to please, they are frequently compared to dogs. They can even pick up a game of fetch! These characteristics are hard to come by in the feline family, which makes the Burmese breed unique.
#10 Siamese Cat
Widely known as a great option for mild to moderate allergy sufferers, the Siamese breed have really short fur and shed significantly less than other cat breeds. However, they can trigger many allergies since they possess dander and a small amount of Fel d1, but with regular grooming, this can be greatly reduced. Their excretions are minimal compared to other breeds.
#11 Bengal Cat
Bengal cats are one of the most striking and beautiful cat breeds on the planet! What also makes them unique, apart from their amazing patterns, is the fur itself. A Bengal’s fur is similar to a rabbit’s coat and is unlike any other cat breed.
So why are Bengal cats hypoallergenic?
As I’ve mentioned, no cat breed is fully hypoallergenic, but Bengal cats produce less dander due to their short fur and the fact that they don’t groom themselves as frequent as other breeds.
Also because of the Bengal cat’s short coat, which requires less maintenance than longer-haired felines, less allergens are released.
#12 LaPerm Cat
One of the distinguishing characteristics of a LaPerm cat is its unusual curly coat. Again, you might think that this would aggravate cat allergy sufferers to the point of torture. You would be very wrong. The thick curly coat actually traps dander and loose hair, minimising allergen distribution and thereby lowering allergic reactions in allergy patients.
#13 – Russian Blue
The Russian Blue, like most cats, is covered in fur, and lots of it. They have short, yet dense fur that feels divine when you stroke them. If you’re seeking for a cat breed that won’t trigger your allergies, this isn’t an issue. This breed produces less Fel d1, a protein that can cause allergic reactions in people.
This implies that less allergens are released into the air when they shed their fur at specific times of the year. As a result, allergic responses are usually reduced.
Russian Blues are peaceful, friendly creatures who like spending time alone or with their family. These cats are versatile, compassionate, and a touch shy at times.
#14 – Javanese Cat
A Javanese cat is a hybrid of a Balinese and a Colorpoint Shorthair cat. They are boisterous kitties who enjoy a good discussion! If you speak to them, they will most likely respond in some strange cat language!
They are one of the cat breeds with the least amount of shedding. Brushing them on a regular basis can help to minimise allergies.
Javanese cats are intelligent and athletic; they’re terrific jumpers who enjoy putting their curiosity to good use by examining closets and drawers when they have the opportunity. The coats of these cats are short and low-maintenance, with no undercoat.