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Are you a cat lover with allergies? If so, you aren’t alone. About 10% of people have pet allergies, and cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies. If you have a cat allergy, you may assume you can never own a cat. But luckily, that’s not always the case. Although no cat breed is truly hypoallergenic, some breeds are less likely to trigger allergies than others. In this post, we’re going to reveal some of the best cat breeds for people with allergies.
What Causes Cat Allergies?
First, let’s start with what causes allergies. You know, that pesky condition that can cause sneezing, watery eyes, shortness of breath, hives, and other unpleasant responses. Allergic reactions are caused by the immune system as it responds to substances that are usually harmless to most humans. So, people with cat allergies react to certain substances that cats produce. A common misconception is that this substance is the cat’s fur. Although fur can collect allergens, cat allergies are actually driven by the presence of the Fel d1 protein, which is found in cats’ saliva, urine, and dander (dried flakes of skin).
Now, how can people with cat allergies possibly tolerate the presence of a cat? Well, since the Fel d1 protein is the true culprit of cat allergies, the key is to look for breeds that produce less of this protein than other cats. Another trick is to look at the type of fur that the cat has because certain types of fur are less likely to trigger allergies.
Cat Allergy Precautions
Even if your cat allergy is minor, there are still precautions you should take to avoid having a reaction. To minimize the chance of allergic reactions even more, brush your furry friend at least once a week to prevent dander. This also works by removing excess fur so that it doesn’t spread throughout the house.
You should also keep a rigorous cleaning schedule. PetMD recommends that people with cat allergies regularly sweep and mop the floors, vacuum the rugs, clean furniture, and wash bedding. It’s also advised to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, because regular filters do not always catch enough allergens. Having a standalone HEPA filter can be very helpful too. Also, if possible, opt for floors instead of carpets, and ditch the drapes. Now, let’s review 10 allergy-friendly cat breeds, in no particular order.
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10 Allergy-Friendly Cat Breeds
1. Siamese
Siamese cats have short fur which means they shed significantly less than other breeds. These cats also release the Fel d1 protein in smaller quantities. As if that isn’t good enough news, the silky fur of Siamese cats also traps the Fel d1 protein, which minimizes its release into the environment. For comparison, the Fel d1 protein in short-haired cats usually moves to the surface of the fur more easily.
Siamese cats are very vocal, and have a distinct, low-pitched meow. This breed is also known for being more social than other cats, making them more likely to be attention-seekers. Sometimes their meows even sound like cries when they want attention. With that said, Siamese cats are often very attached to their owners, making them a great choice if you want an affectionate companion. These cats are also said to be very intelligent. Plus, there is no denying their elegant beauty.
2. Balinese
The Balinese looks almost identical to the Siamese, except that it has long fur, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as the ‘long-haired Siamese.” Believe it or not, despite it’s long fur, this breed does not shed much because they only have a single coat. For reference, cats can have one, two, or three coat layers. Cats with two or three coats usually shed more than those with one coat. The Balinese also produces less of the Fel d1 protein than other breeds.
The Balinese actually started off as a Siamese cat that had a spontaneous mutation that resulted in long fur. This explains why Balinese look so similar to Siamese. With this in mind, it should be no surprise that this breed’s behavior is also very similar to their Siamese relatives. Like the Siamese, Balinese cats are intelligent, affectionate, and rather vocal.
3. Oriental Shorthair
The Oriental Shorthair has a short and sleek coat with fine hair strands. Their coat also sheds less than other cats, which means they spread fewer allergens throughout the house. Another perk about the Oriental Shorthair is that they don’t produce a lot of Fel d1 protein or dander. Even better news is that frequent grooming can minimize their dander even more.
This breed is a cross between a Siamese, Abyssinian, and either an American Shorthair, British Shorthair, or Russian Blue. Due to these variations in breeding, Oriental Shorthairs have the biggest range of physical characteristics of all cat breeds, having over 300 colors and patterns. Like their Siamese relatives, Oriental Shorthairs are known for being super talkative. These cats also tend to be very attached to their owners, and love getting a lot of attention.
4. Javanese
Like the Oriental Shorthair, the Javanese only has a single coat layer. In addition, the fur on their coat is rather fine, which means that shedding is much more minimal than other breeds. Also, whenever Javanese do shed, it’s simply to replace new hairs, unlike many other breeds which shed seasonally. As you probably guessed, minimal shedding leads to fewer allergens being spread.
The Javanese came about after breeders wanted to take the qualities of a Siamese cat but alter the look of the coat. Similar to their Siamese relatives, the Javanese tend to have great communication skills. They are also known for being intelligent and curious. These cats have a lot of energy too, which is why they need daily playtime to be happy.
5. Russian Blue
Despite having two coats of fur, and thick fur, Russian Blues are considered to be low-shedding cats. It turns out that the fur of a Russian Blue looks thicker than it actually is. This is because their fur sits at a 45-degree angle on their body, which makes the fur look fuller compared to other cats with flat hair. Russian Blues also have less of the Fel d1 protein and less dander.
Despite the name, Russian Blue cats actually range from light silver to dark grey. However, their fur looks blue thanks to a gene that causes black hair. Since this black hair gene is diluted, their grey fur looks blue. Aside from their unique fur color, these cats are also known for their striking green eyes. Unlike the other breeds we have covered so far, Russian Blues are known for being relatively quiet and reserved cats. But, they still love spending time with their owners.
6. Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex has a unique coat with short and wavy fur that can sometimes appear curly. This type of coat is beneficial to people with allergies because, like with human hair, curly hair tends to bind together, making shedding hair fall less frequently. Another benefit to this breed is that it has an extremely fine undercoat and no topcoat, which means less shedding. They are also believed to produce less dander than other breeds.
The Cornish Rex also comes in a wide variety of coat patterns and colors. This breed is sometimes referred to as the “Greyhound” of cats because it has a sleek appearance and galloping run. They also tend to be adventurous cats, and often stay playful throughout their lives. Some even like to play fetch or run with other pets.
7. Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is a unique-looking cat, sporting a head that some would say resembles an alien. They also have large ears and long skinny necks. Like the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex also has wavy or curly fur. The two breeds even share the same type of soft undercoat. Despite these similarities, the Devon Rex has even less hair than the Cornish Rex. Since this cat has less hair, the Devon Rex is yet another cat that sheds less than other breeds and produces less dander.
The Devon Rex is a very social breed and is even considered to be outgoing by some. Devon Rexes are known to love their humans, often developing deep attachments with each family member. If you adopt a Devon Rex, don’t be surprised if they follow you around the house and jump on your lap the moment you sit down.
8. Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is yet another wavy/curly-haired cat. Their fur is also soft and thick, making them look almost plush-like. For this reason, they are sometimes referred to as “the poodle cat” or “the cat in sheep’s clothing.” Despite the Selkirk Rex’s thick fur, this breed still sheds less than other cats. This is because curly-haired cats, in general, shed less than straight-haired cats. As mentioned earlier, curly hair tends to bind together, which makes it take longer for the hair to fall.
This breed has a reputation for being sweet and patient. Unlike their other Rex relatives, the Selkirk Rex is more laid back and easygoing. The cat’s calm personality makes them great cuddle buddies as well.
9. Siberian
Siberian cats are fairly rare, at least in the United States. As for allergy perks, Siberians produce less of the Fel d1 protein. For this reason, mild allergy-sufferers might have minimal reactions around this breed.
The Siberian Cat is said to be adventurous and energetic. They love to jump and climb, so don’t be surprised if your Siberian is found on top of your refrigerator one day. Although they are not as “clingy” as other breeds, the Siberian is still an affectionate cat. Some owners say that their Siberian follows them around the house like a dog. Even though this breed has a long 3-layered coat, the Siberian does not require any more grooming than other cats because its fur is glossy.
10. Sphynx
Although this breed is often called the “hairless cat,” the Sphynx is technically not hairless. Believe it or not, they have very fine, suede-like fuzz all over their bodies. However, they are an excellent option for allergy sufferers because allergenic proteins can’t get trapped in their fur since they have so little of it. This breed also produces less dander than other cats.
The Sphynx is an energetic cat who loves to show off for attention. This breed is also known to be very loyal and affectionate, and will often follow humans around the house. Due to their lack of fur, Sphynx cats prefer warm areas. With this in mind, if you decide to adopt a Sphynx, you should provide plenty of warm areas, like as a window sill that catches the sunlight.
Final Thoughts
We want to stress a final time that no cat is truly hypoallergenic. However, if your cat allergy is not severe, it’s possible that you can tolerate one of these breeds. Either way, expose yourself to the breed you want several times before you adopt. Everyone’s allergies are different, and the last thing you want is to adopt a cat you can’t keep. Here at The Purring Journal, we firmly believe that adoption is for life.
Resources
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Disclaimer: The Purring Journal is not in the medical field. This post is made for entertainment purposes only. Use the information presented in this article at your own risk. Always seek medical advice from licensed veterinarians.
