No cat breed is considered to be completely non-allergenic. However, there are breeds that trigger fewer allergic symptoms and are known as hypoallergenic, or low allergen animals.
A certain protein in a cat’s saliva is one of the worst symptom producers in people with a sensitivity to cats. Hypoallergenic kitties make less of this offending protein, which make them excellent candidates for people with allergies.
But other factors figure into the hypoallergenic equation, so keep these in mind when selecting a suitable companion: darker colored cats and males (especially unneutered ones) produce the most allergens.
What follows are descriptions of the seven breeds considered to be the most hypoallergenic.
Sphynx cat
Because the Sphynx cat is hairless it’s naturally considered the most hypoallergenic option. But no hair does not equal no maintenance! The friendly Sphynx requires frequent bathing in order to cleanse its skin of oily build-up, especially the skin in and around its large ears.
Balinese
Balinese, Oriental Shorthair and Javanese cats have Oriental lineage and produce fewer allergens than “regular” cats. Specifically, the long-haired Balinese is known to produce low levels of the cat saliva protein that causes major allergic reactions.
Javanese
The Javanese cat has a single coat that is medium-long, and most importantly, doesn’t mat. No undercoat means less fur which equals fewer allergens.
Oriental Shorthair
As its name indicates, the Oriental Shorthair delivers fewer allergens due to its relative sparsity of fur!
Cornish Rex
Next up are two Rex cats that you should consider if allergies are a problem. Both tend to have oil build-up that needs to be cleaned frequently, in particular the Cornish Rex, but they come with fewer allergens than other animals.
Devon Rex
In contrast, the Devon Rex has a shorter coat and does not require the frequent, whole-body baths that the Cornish does.
Siberian
The Siberian has a low-enzyme saliva that makes it a good choice for allergy sufferers. In fact, it’s been claimed that this gorgeous breed triggers no reaction in up to 75% of feline allergy sufferers!
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I have a cat allergy, but that’s not the reason I don’t have any cats 😉 This is great to know, though.
I have a cat allergy, but that’s not the reason I don’t have any cats 😉 This is great to know, though.
What a great idea!!! I have so many friends who have allergies, I had no idea different breeds affected people less or more. Interesting!!
What a great idea!!! I have so many friends who have allergies, I had no idea different breeds affected people less or more. Interesting!!
My son has cat allergies. Good to know there are more choices than the hairless cat.
My son has cat allergies. Good to know there are more choices than the hairless cat.
Good thing to know that there’s a lot of cat breeds to choose even when you have allergies. I want the charm of Balinese cat, unlike the Sphynx cat who looks like an old Gollum.
Such wonderful kitties! I would never think that some of the more fluffy breeds listed here would work well for allergy sufferers. Good to know!
Good thing to know that there’s a lot of cat breeds to choose even when you have allergies. I want the charm of Balinese cat, unlike the Sphynx cat who looks like an old Gollum.
Such wonderful kitties! I would never think that some of the more fluffy breeds listed here would work well for allergy sufferers. Good to know!
Those kitties are so cute! I really love to have a cat. Glad to know these.
Those kitties are so cute! I really love to have a cat. Glad to know these.
This is really good to know. There are people who would love to get cats but are afraid that it might trigger their allergies! This will definitely help them decide.
I do not have a cat allergy but am also not a huge cat fan – prefer dogs, however some of these cats look like they need to be fed LOL! I learnt a thing or two about cats though!
This is really good to know. There are people who would love to get cats but are afraid that it might trigger their allergies! This will definitely help them decide.
Thanks for putting this up. Will definitely keep this mind. Will certainly help lots of people.
Thank you for putting this list together! I like how you included prices and life expectancy as well.
I do not have a cat allergy but am also not a huge cat fan – prefer dogs, however some of these cats look like they need to be fed LOL! I learnt a thing or two about cats though!
Thanks for putting this up. Will definitely keep this mind. Will certainly help lots of people.
Thank you for putting this list together! I like how you included prices and life expectancy as well.
Glad to know these list! I’ll keep this in mind! I’m happy with my cat now will also spread this <3
Glad to know these list! I’ll keep this in mind! I’m happy with my cat now will also spread this <3
This is great information! I’m pretty allergic to cats so the thought of getting one has been off limits. But I never knew I has options.
This is great information! I’m pretty allergic to cats so the thought of getting one has been off limits. But I never knew I has options.
This is so wonderful!! It’s great to know there are breeds that don’t affect allergies.
This is so wonderful!! It’s great to know there are breeds that don’t affect allergies.