Hypoallergenic Cats: The Best Cat Breeds for People with Allergies

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Updated on: 05/12/2023

Having an allergy to cats as a cat lover is certainly not ideal. However, does that mean it is impossible to ever own a cat? The answer is, most likely, no. Allergies affect everybody differently. Unless your case is very severe, you should be able to bring a pet into your home without any issues- especially since several cat breeds are allergy-friendly.

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The fact of the matter is this: there is no such thing as a cat that is 100% hypoallergenic. However, a handful of cat breeds produce fewer allergens than others. Please continue reading to learn a bit about them and what causes pet allergies.

What Causes Cat Allergies?

So, what triggers cat allergies in humans in the first place? A common misconception is that the allergens that cats produce come from their fur exclusively. In reality, it results from their skin shedding something called pet dander. Pet dander is essentially dead skin cells and any mammal with fur sheds it. This is what causes dog allergies as well.

Pet dander lingers for quite a long time since it is microscopic and easily becomes airborne. This also makes it easy for it to stick to furniture, bedding, and other household fabrics. It is also estimated that approximately 10% of people with a cat allergy may be allergic to the Fel d 1 protein, which is present in pet saliva. ^[1]

The severity of pet allergies varies from person to person, but some common symptoms are runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, or shortness of breath. In more severe cases, it can cause hives or trigger asthma. Some over-the-counter allergy pills may help do the trick in combating pesky allergy symptoms, but more severe cases might need the help of an allergist.

Ideal Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds for Allergy Sufferers

Some good news for pet lovers who have allergies: some breeds do not shed as much pet dander as others! Depending on the severity of your allergies, there is no guarantee that these cats will never trigger an allergy attack, but it is worth researching them.

Another idea is to spend time with family members or friends who have these hypoallergenic cat breeds. That way, you can gauge how they affect your allergies, if at all, before you adopt one of your own. Without further ado, here is a list of hypoallergenic cat breeds that may be viable for anyone with pet allergies. ^[2]

1. Sphynx

Photo by @natabuena from Freepik

Perhaps the most-recognized allergy-friendly cat breed is the outgoing and loving Sphynx. These kitties appear to be hairless, but their skin is covered in a discreet layer of fur that feels like peach fuzz. Even the Sphynx is not a 100% hypoallergenic breed. Their skin still produces dander, but it is much lower than many other pets. Sphynx cats need special grooming care to protect their delicate skin and are sensitive to hot and cold weather. They have very social and friendly personalities and love to be around people.

RELATED: Friendliest Cat Breeds

2. Cornish Rex

Photo from Freepik

The Cornish Rex is an adorable and unique-looking cat. One of their most defining features is an egg-shaped head. They are also known for their long legs and large ears. Cornish Rex cats are small to medium in size, making them the perfect pet for apartment living. They have very affectionate personalities and like to bond with their family.

RELATED: Smallest Cat Breeds

3. Devon Rex

Photo by @vilvarin from Freepik

Unlike the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex does not mind being left home alone, but it will show its family love and affection when they return. They enjoy entertaining themselves and will do their best to avoid mischief. Devon Rex cats shed very little, so their grooming requirements are minimal.

READ MORE: Cutest Curly-Coated Cats

4. Javanese

Javanese cats are brilliant and are known for their communication skills. It is said that they recognize when they are being spoken to and will respond by meowing. They are very loyal to their owners and families and are easy to train.

Photo by Nickolas Titkov commons.wikimedia.org

5. Balinese

Though labeled as a long-haired cat, the Balinese, surprisingly, only sheds minimally. This could be due to only having a single coat rather than a double coat. The Balinese are ranked as one of the most intelligent breeds. They are also known for getting along well with both people and other animals.

Photo by @karissa_ann from Flickr

6. Oriental Shorthair

Oriental Shorthair cats are a member of the Siamese breed family. They have similar physical features, but, unlike their Siamese cousins, they come in over 300 colors and patterns. Oriental Shorthairs love being the center of attention and are very affectionate towards their family members.

Photo by Manuel Keller on Unsplash

7. Russian Blue

Photo by @magryt from Freepik

Russian Blue cats are named after their gorgeous bluish-silver coats. Though it may look like they shed a lot due to having a thick coat, these kitties are a suitable option for those with pet allergies. One of their unique features is a slightly upturned mouth, which makes it look like they are smiling. Russian Blues don’t mind enjoying some alone time during the day, but they will be happy to see you once you return.

RELATED: Grey Cat Breeds That

8. Bengal

Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash

Now, this is a breed that will turn some heads. Bengal cats have a stunning coat that has a leopard-like pattern. They are independent felines and like to explore. Bengals don’t mind being around children because they are playful and love to chase toys. Just make sure the children are gentle with animals.

READ MORE: Silver Bengal Cat

9. Colorpoint Shorthair

These adorable felines are first cousins of the Siamese. They possess similar features such as coat colors, patterns, and piercing blue eyes. Color-point Shorthairs are extremely friendly and know to be sensitive to their owner’s moods.

10. Siberian

Siberian are quite large and they have long double coats. They are very friendly and loving towards their people. A known fact about them is that their saliva has low levels of the allergy-triggering Fel d 1 protein, so people with mild allergies should not have any issues with being around them.

Cat Care Tips for People with Allergies

If you discover that you have a mild case of pet allergies and you still decide to bring a pet into your life, there are some steps you can take to remedy them potentially. First of all, make sure your bedroom is kept animal-free. Keep the door closed when you are not home and don’t allow your pet to sleep with you in your bed at night.

Another tip is to not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth after petting the cat. Be sure to wash your hands after doing so as well. This will help minimize the amount of pet dander transferred to you from the cat. It may also be helpful to clean your living space often, especially vacuuming and wet cleaning.

Taking an over-the-counter allergy medication can help with any allergy-related symptoms that you experience. Talk to your doctor or an allergist if you have any questions. If your allergies are more severe, a prescription might be an option.

Lastly, something important to keep in mind is to strongly consider how mild or severe your allergy is. If you have family or friends with a cat, spend time in their house first. If you are somebody who finds that you suffer when around cats, it might be best to steer clear of adopting one. Remember, no cat is 100% hypoallergenic. If ever in doubt, do not hesitate to ask your doctor.

People Also Ask:

What is the best cat for someone with allergies?

Some cat breeds produce less pet dander than others, potentially making them suitable companions for those who have allergies. Some breeds include Sphynx, Russian Blue, Oriental Shorthair, Siberian, etc.

Are there 100% hypoallergenic cats?

No, there is no such thing as a pet that is truly 100% hypoallergenic. This is due to all mammals producing something called pet dander. This comes from the animal’s skin, not from the fur. There is also a protein that is present in a cat’s saliva that causes allergy attacks in some people.

What cats are actually hypoallergenic?

As stated above, no breed is truly hypoallergenic. However, some breeds are known to produce less pet dander than others. Some of these cats, such as the Siberian, have longer fur but consider that pet allergens come from the skin, not from the fur. In this article, we gathered a list of hypoallergenic breeds above to help guide you, but remember to do your own in-depth research as well.

Are hypoallergenic cats really hypoallergenic?

When a cat is labeled as a “hypoallergenic” breed, it means that they produce fewer allergens. It simply means that they might serve as a more viable option than some other cats. Everyone with an allergy to pets will react differently, so use your best judgment before bringing a pet into your life if your allergies are bad.