The 10 Best Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds for Owners With Allergies

Are you a cat lover that suffers from watery eyes and sneezing anytime a feline friend is around? You may think this means you cannot own one of these furry friends, but that’s not always the case! There are ten cat breeds that are proven to be less irritating to allergy sufferers, so let’s introduce you to them below!

In this article we’ll break down cat what causes cat allergies in people and discuss the best cat breeds for those with allergies.

What Causes Cat Allergies In People?

Many assume that cat fur is the main factor behind irritating allergy symptoms in humans, but this is not the case at all! The main allergen for those allergic to cats is actually a protein called Fel d 1 that is present in their dander. Dander can be found in the cat’s dead skin cells, saliva, and urine. Dander can certainly collect in your cat’s fur, but the fur itself is not the issue!

Can A Cat Breed Be Hypoallergenic?

Unfortunately, it is impossible for a cat to be truly hypoallergenic. Every cat produces the protein responsible for cat allergies, so there is no way to avoid the allergen completely. However, there are some cat breeds that are believed to release smaller amounts of the Fel d 1 protein than others.

Dr. Amy Nicole Lewis, a veterinarian with Worldwide Veterinary Services told A-Z Animals that she often meets clients that are more sensitive to some cats than others. This is due to the fact that the amount of allergen produced can vary slightly from cat to cat, leading to decreased symptoms in certain feline interactions. Some clients even build up a tolerance to their own cat over time.

The 10 Best Cat Breeds For Owners With Allergies

#1 Balinese

The Balinese cat is often referred to as the long-haired Siamese. They may sport a long and luxurious coat, but they are known for being well-tolerated by those who suffer from cat allergies. Balinese cats are proven to produce less of the Fel d 1 protein than other feline friends. In addition to being well-tolerated by those with allergies, the Balinese cat is smart, outgoing, and incredibly friend. They are a wonderful companion to have in your home.

#2 Siberian

Similar to the Balinese cat, the Siberian is known for their luxurious triple coat. Some may assume that the Siberian would be a nightmare for allergy sufferers, but the length of their fur has nothing to do with the amount of Fel d 1 protein they produce. These feline friends actually produce less Fel d 1 than many short-haired cats, making them a wonderful companion for those with cat sensitives. The stunning Siberian is also known for being intelligent, loving, and curious.

#3 Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is one of the most well-tolerated cat breeds for those with feline allergies. The Devon Rex has thin, curly hair that does not require much grooming. Their natural body oil can be managed with weekly wipe downs with a sensitive pet wipe, but this is typically only necessary for those with severe allergies. The Devon Rex is also incredibly mild-natured and loving, so if you can tolerate it, they make wonderful cuddle partners!

#4 Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex is closely related to the adorable Devon rex we discussed above. Similar to the Devon Rex, the Cornish rex is another low maintenance cat breed with minimal shedding. Their fine curly hair sheds very minimally, so they shed less fur and dander around your home. However, these adorable cats are known to have oil buildup on their skin, so some allergy sufferers will need to bathe them once or twice a month to manage these oils.

#5 Oriental Shorthair

The Oriental Shorthair cat breed is more suitable for allergy sufferers due to their decreased amount of dander and shedding. Their short coats are easy to care for and require minimal grooming, but weekly brushing can cut down on any dry skin and dander left behind on your furniture and bedding. The Oriental Shorthair is also known for being quite the character, as they are incredibly vocal and outgoing.

#6 Burmese

The Burmese is not as low-shedding as some of the other cat breeds on this list, but they are still on the lower end of the shedding and dander scale. They may not be an ideal pet for those with severe cat allergies, but they are often easily tolerated by those with minor sensitives. However, these cats are known for being incredibly attached to their owners, so it will be hard to avoid daily cuddle time with these feline friends in your home.

#7 Javanese

The Javanese cat originates from the combination of the Colorpoint Shorthair and the Balinese. The stunning Javanese cat has a short-coat that is relatively low maintenance, and they are said to be minal shedders when brushed once a week. They also do not have an undercoat due to originating in the hot climate of Southeast Asia, which decreases the risk of stray fur and dander around your home.

#8 Sphynx

Many assume that the Sphynx cat would be a dream for cat lovers with feline allergies. While their fur-free bodies do result in less dead skin and fur shed around your home, they are known to produce a large amount of body oil. These body oils will also contain the Fel d 1 protein that those with allergies are allergic to, however, it can be managed with monthly or bi-monthly baths. The Sphynx is not the most allergen friendly cat breed out there, but they can be a wonderful pet for those with minor cat allergies.

#9 Bengal

Look no further than the Bengal cat if you are looking for an energetic breed with minimal shedding and dander. They are often considered a hypoallergenic cat breed due to their low maintenance coats, but we know now that you will always come in contact with the allergen protein in their dander, saliva, and urine. However, many Bengal parents with cat allergies state that their Bengals are well-tolerated when they receive weekly brushing.

#10 Russian Blue

The Russian Blue is known for their stunning blue-gray fur. Not only is their coat color beautiful enough to stop you in your tracks, but it is also known to be low-shedding. They are not as low-shedding as some other cat breeds on this list, but they can be more easily tolerated by allergy suffers than average short-haired cats.

Final Thoughts On Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds

Unfortunately, it is impossible for a cat to be 100% hypoallergenic. However, there are several cat breeds that are known to shed less of the Fel d 1 protein in their dander, resulting in them being well-tolerated by those with allergies. Take a look at the cat breeds we discussed above to determine which feline friend is best for your allergies!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Daria Kulkova