Hives, sneezing, swollen and itchy eyes – anyone with a cat allergy dreads these symptoms. But for some, the idea of never cuddling a cute kitty of their own seems even worse. If this sounds like you, you may be asking yourself, “What is the best cat for someone with allergies?” After all, there’s always talk about hypoallergenic dog breeds – what about hypoallergenic cat breeds? Fortunately, there are certain cat breeds that produce fewer allergens, making them great options for people with allergies. In this article, we will explore the best cat breeds for people with allergies and what makes them special.
Wait, can long-haired cats even be hypoallergenic? While no cat is truly allergen-free, the Siberian is a long-haired kitty that’s surprisingly easy on those who are sensitive. Aside from when they’re shedding their winter coats in spring, Siberians shed hair at a lower rate than other breeds. If anything is closest to being hypoallergenic, it’s the Siberian. This breed produces relatively little of the Fel d 1 allergen compared to other cats. However, there still is little scientific proof of this. These cats have very thick coats, but they produce far less Fel d 1 protein than other breeds.
Be aware that these cats are quite high maintenance when it comes to grooming, and brushing is required several times a week, especially during their shedding times in spring and autumn. Here are some grooming tips to keep your Siberian looking fabulous:
Siberians are affectionate cats with a good dose of personality and playfulness. They are open to handling and have a fascination with water, often dropping toys into their water dishes or splashing in bathtubs before they’re dry. Living with a Siberian means having a playful, loving companion who is always up for a game or a cuddle. They are generally intelligent, affectionate, and playful. Some claim that 75 percent of cat allergy sufferers have no reaction to the Siberian.
Siberians are not just hypoallergenic; they are also known for their loving and playful nature, making them a great addition to any home.
For more information on hypoallergenic cat breeds, check out CatsLuvUs.
Don’t be fooled by this energetic kitty’s fluffy coat—they actually produce way less Fel d 1, which makes them a good choice for those with allergy sensitivities. Also known as “longhaired Siamese,” Balinese cats are social, intelligent, and easy to teach (they’ll even walk on a leash if that’s your thing).
Balinese cats sometimes referred to as the “long-haired Siamese”, are known to be smart, adaptable, and social. These are cats that get along well with children and other pets, and appreciate a good balance of play and relaxation. It’s thought that the Balinese emerged as a result of a spontaneous mutation when long-haired kittens were born to a Siamese cat.
Despite the look of its long, silky hair, this breed can produce less allergy-causing protein than other cats, plus it experiences minimal shedding. Balinese cats are sweet, smart, social, and are known for being chatty. In fact, Balinese are known to be aware of moods, so in addition to keeping your allergies down, they will likely keep your mood up, too.
The Sphynx cat is often noted as being a hypoallergenic cat breed because they appear hairless when, in fact, they are actually covered with barely noticeable tiny down. And just because they seemingly lack hair doesn’t mean they’re maintenance-free. Sphynx cats need frequent baths to eliminate a gummy, oily buildup on their skin and cleanings of their large ears. The Sphynx is an animated, lively breed that can keep you entertained with aerial feats.
Compared to other cat breeds, Sphynx cats have a unique hypoallergenic quality: their near-nakedness. Sphynx cats can be completely bald or have a thin layer of peach fuzz, but all produce fewer allergens than many fluffy cat breeds. But that lack of hair doesn’t mean they don’t need to be groomed—for their skin to remain healthy and free of oil, they need regular maintenance.
Although sphynx cats are commonly described as "hairless," they do have a fine, downy fuzz that feels almost suede-like when stroked. Like all cat breeds, sphynx cats produce dander. But if bathed frequently—which the cat needs anyway to remove excess oil from their skin—the dander’s presence can be minimized.
When it comes to hypoallergenic cats, the Russian Blue is like the silver lining in a cloud of cat fur. These visually striking, all-gray (or “blue”) cats with eyes that range from vivid green to turquoise are a favorite among people with cat allergies. Why, you ask? Well, their dense, plush-looking fur traps allergen-filled secretions close to the skin rather than letting them go straight onto your hands or furniture. This means fewer sneezes and more cuddles!
Grooming a Russian Blue is like brushing a cloud—soft, dense, and oh-so-satisfying. Their plush coat is somewhat low-shedding and typically only requires weekly brushing. Here are some tips to keep your Russian Blue looking fabulous:
Living with a Russian Blue is like having a gentle, reserved shadow that loves your company. These cats can be shy with strangers but are affectionate with their owners. They are generally even-tempered and enjoy sitting with their favorite humans to be brushed. Here’s what you can expect:
If you’re looking for a cat that’s easy on the allergies and heavy on the love, the Russian Blue might just be your purrfect match.
For more information on hypoallergenic cat breeds, check out this link.
The Devon Rex is a striking cat breed with its oversized ears, triangular face, and large, piercing eyes. This breed is known for its short, curly hair that sheds very little compared to other cats. The unique fur of the Devon Rex absorbs the skin oils that contain allergens like Fel d 1 and Fel d 4, rather than letting them accumulate on the skin or be rubbed off on nearby surfaces. Thus, they spread fewer allergens, which might work for people with mild cat allergies.
Caring for a Devon Rex is relatively easy due to their low-shedding coat. However, it’s essential to regularly clean their paw pads and ears to prevent oil build-up. Routine bathing can also help keep allergens at bay. Here are some tips for grooming your Devon Rex:
Living with a Devon Rex is a delightful experience. These cats are affectionate, intelligent, and love attention from their family. However, they may not be the best breed for you if you are away from home for long periods. Devon Rex cats are known for their playful and mischievous nature, often trying to steal food off your plate. Their elf-like faces and giant eyes make them even more endearing.
The Devon Rex is not just a pretty face; their spunky personality and hypoallergenic traits make them a perfect companion for allergy sufferers.
For more information on hypoallergenic cat breeds, visit CatsLuvUs.
The Cornish Rex is a breed that stands out with its extremely soft, wavy coat. Unlike most cats, which have three layers of fur, the Cornish Rex only has a bottom undercoat. This unique feature makes them incredibly soft to the touch and contributes to their hypoallergenic qualities. Their short, thin coats are low shedding, making them more tolerable for those with allergies. However, due to the nature of their coat, they are pre-disposed to oil buildup and will need to be bathed more frequently than other breeds.
Grooming a Cornish Rex is a bit different from grooming other cats. Because of their unique coat, they require regular baths to manage oil buildup. Here are some tips to keep your Cornish Rex looking and feeling their best:
The Cornish Rex is often referred to as the greyhound of the cat world due to their sleek look and high energy levels. They are extremely playful, loving, and outgoing towards humans. Their warm, suede-like fur makes them irresistible to touch. These cats are highly intelligent and often willing to perform tricks, making them a delightful addition to any household. If you’re looking for a cat that is both hypoallergenic and full of personality, the Cornish Rex might just be the perfect fit for you.
Living with a Cornish Rex is like having a perpetual kitten in your home. Their playful nature and affectionate personality make them a joy to be around.
For more information on hypoallergenic cats, check out this link.
The Oriental Shorthair is a cat that truly stands out in a crowd. With its sleek and elegant appearance, this breed is not only a visual delight but also a great option for those who suffer from cat allergies. These cats are known for their short, silky coats that are easy to care for and don’t shed too much, making them a more suitable choice for allergy sufferers. Regular grooming can help keep dander to a minimum, ensuring that your home remains as allergen-free as possible.
Oriental Shorthairs are considered nonallergenic cats, although it is still a good idea to groom them frequently to keep dander to a minimum. Naturally, these cats are entertainers full of enthusiasm and love being the center of attention. Oriental Shorthairs will go to great lengths to get involved with your activities.
Although the Oriental breed comes in both a shorthair and longhair variety, Oriental Shorthairs are considered to be more suitable for cat allergy sufferers due to their short coats. These cats have silky coats that are easy to care for and don’t shed too much. Regular brushing can help cut down on shedding and keep their coat shiny.
Noted for its large ears, almond eyes, and elongated face, the Oriental Shorthair cat is a sight to behold. And while you’re staring, you’re less likely to have an allergic reaction thanks to this kitty’s lower dander quantities. The Oriental Shorthair is also noted for its short, sleek coat that doesn’t shed as much as other breeds.
The Oriental Shorthair is not only a sleek and elegant feline but also a great choice for those with allergies. With their short, fine coat, they produce fewer allergens, making them a popular choice among cat lovers. If you’re considering adding an Oriental Shorthair to your family, visit our website to learn more about our cat grooming and boarding services. Our experienced staff is dedicated to providing the best care for your feline friends.
In conclusion, finding the purr-fect hypoallergenic cat breed can be a game-changer for allergy sufferers who still want to enjoy the company of a feline friend. While no cat is entirely allergen-free, some breeds are less likely to make you sneeze and wheeze. So, whether you go for a Siberian, Balinese, or any other breed on our list, remember that a little extra grooming and cleaning can go a long way in keeping those pesky allergens at bay. Now, go ahead and find your future fur-midable companion—your allergies will thank you, and you’ll be feline fine in no time!
Hypoallergenic cats typically produce fewer allergens than other cats. This can be due to lower levels of the Fel d 1 protein in their saliva, less shedding, or both.
No, hypoallergenic cats are not completely allergy-free. They produce fewer allergens, but sensitive individuals may still experience allergic reactions.
Some common hypoallergenic cat breeds include the Siberian, Balinese, Sphynx, Russian Blue, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, and Oriental Shorthair.
Regular cleaning, using air purifiers, and grooming your cat frequently can help reduce allergens in your home. It’s also helpful to keep cats out of bedrooms and off furniture.
Hairless cats like the Sphynx can cause fewer allergies because they shed less fur. However, they still produce dander and saliva, which contain allergens.
Yes, spending time with a cat before adopting can help you determine if you have an allergic reaction to that specific breed. It’s a good way to see how your body responds before making a commitment.
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