12+ Hypoallergenic Cats to Avoid Allergies
Do you know nearly 6 to 10 million people in the USA are allergic to cats?
If you are one of them, the presence of a cat in your home can trigger symptoms like sneezing, itching, hives and watery eyes. They are extremely uncomfortable, to say the least.
But if you still want to enjoy the company of a feline friend, there is one way – hypoallergenic cats.
Now, you might be wondering, “Are there hypoallergenic cats?” – The answer is yes!
These cats produce fewer allergens and are mostly safe to be around. You can cuddle with them without worrying about any allergy symptoms.
If you are looking for a breed that is hypoallergenic, we can help. In this article, we are going to discuss the 12+ best hypoallergenic cats for people with allergies.
Table of Contents
What Is A Hypoallergenic Cat?
The term “hypoallergenic” means something that is less likely to cause allergies. It can be a cat breed, a dog breed, any other animal, a beauty product, etc.
A hypoallergenic cat is a type of cat breed that produces fewer allergens. There are proteins found in the skin, saliva and urine of a cat. They are mostly present in the cat’s dander – it is a flaky skin particle.
When people with allergies come in contact with these proteins, it triggers an allergic reaction. However, hypoallergenic cats are known to produce fewer proteins, which makes them suitable for people with allergies.
Remember that there is no cat breed that is fully hypoallergenic. All cats produce allergenic proteins, but there are some breeds with lower levels of allergens.
What Is the Main Cause of Cat Allergy?
The popular belief is that cat allergies happen because of a cat’s fur. However, it is incomplete information. In real, allergies happen because of the things that the fur of the cat carries. Fel d 1 and Fel d 4 are specifically identified as the proteins most people are allergic to. Apart from fur, these proteins are also found in the cat’s blood, saliva, urine, and dander.
Thus, you should remember that the reaction does not come from contact with the cat’s fur but from the protein of the fur.
When cats lick or scratch their fun and clean themselves, these proteins are released in the air in the form of dander. When you come in contact with these particles, it triggers allergies.
Here are some facts about allergen production in cats:
- Kittens produce fewer allergens compared to adult cats.
- Males produce more allergens than female cats.
- Light-colored cats tend to produce fewer allergens compared to dark-colored cats.
- Intact males release more allergens than neutered males.
Cat allergens can be found on even furniture and clothing once shed from the body.
Top 12+ Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds
1. Siberian
Siberian Cat Breed Overview
Other Name: Siberian Forest Cat, Moscow Semi-Longhair and Russian Longhair
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: 10 to 20 pounds
Coat: Semi-long to long and dense triple coat
Physical Characteristic: Stocky build, dense coat
The Siberian cats produce very little Fel d1 allergen compared to the others. These cats have very thick coats. All they need is to brush once a week.
In terms of personality, these cats are intelligent and curious. They are very gentle around the children, other pets, and guests.
If you want a cat that doesn’t give you allergies, then the Siberian cat hypoallergenic can be an ideal choice.
2. Javanese
Javanese Cat Breed Overview
Other Name: Colorpoint Longhair and Oriental Longhair
Height: 18 to 20 inches
Weight: 5 to 10 pounds
Coat: Silky, medium-length single coat
Physical Characteristic: Long legs, athletic body, large ears, almond-shaped, blue
Javanese originated from a cross between a Balinese and a Colorprint Shorthais. These cats are very vocal; they can keep chatting on & on.
These cats are smart and athletic. They are very good jumpers and are very curious as well. The cats have short, low-maintenance coats without any undercoats.
The Javanese are the lowest-shedding cat breeds, and by regular brushing, there won’t exist any kind of allergens.
3. Russian Blue
Russian Blue Cat Breed Overview
Other Name: Archangel Blues, Spanish Blue, Foreign Blue, Maltese
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Coat: Shorthair and very dense double-layered coat
Physical Characteristic: Blue-gray coat, green eyes, wedge-shaped head
The color of their coat can easily recognize Russian blue cats. These cats are gentle, affectionate, and like spending time with their families.
These cats possess short, dense coats, but their shedding may be comparatively higher than other hypoallergenic kittens. However, regular brushing can help you to reduce the shedding and allergens.
4. Siamese
Siamese Cat Breed Overview
Other Name: Balinese Cat
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 8 to 10 pounds
Coat: Silky and short to long coat without undercoat
Physical Characteristic: Sleek body, almond-shaped eyes, wedge-shaped head
Siamese cat is one of the popular low-allergen cat breeds. They have a low-maintenance coat that doesn’t shed too much and will need brushing for just a week.
They are very vocal cats and adore their pet parents a lot. These cat will demand a lot of attention from you.
5. Balines
Balines Cat Breed Overview
Other Name: Longhaired Siamese and Thai Siamese
Height: 8 to 13 inches
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Coat: Medium to longhair silky coat without an undercoat
Physical Characteristic: Wedge-shaped head, slender body, blue eyes
Balinese is similar to the Siamese cat in almost everything except for its long coat and full-plume tail.
They are very affectionate and active. They also don’t shed a lot; they just need weekly brushing.
The Balinese cat produces less amount of Fel d1 protein which is responsible for causing allergies. Thus, this can be an ideal choice when you are looking for hypoallergenic cats.
6. Cornish Rex
Cornish Rex Cat Breed Overview
Other Name: Corn Rex and Greyhound of Cats
Height: 8 to 12 inches
Weight: 6 to 10 pounds
Coat: Very fine, short and curly undercoat without an outer coat
Physical Characteristic: Curvy body, high cheekbones, large ears
These cats have curly coats, and they don’t shed much. They have a fine undercoat and no topcoat at all.
The Cornish rex is fun and energetic, and they love to play. They are very curious and athletic and love to be picked up. They will also demand a lot of attention from you and may even follow you from one place to the other for this.
7. Devon Rex
Devon Rex Cat Breed Overview
Other Name: Pixie Cat and Poodle Cat
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 8 to 10 pounds
Coat: Short and curly coat
Physical Characteristic: Large ears, slender neck, prominent eyes
The Devon rex sheds less than many other cat breeds because of its thin, silky coat. Although you can wipe off this cat’s coat to promote the dispersion of natural oils, Devon rex cats typically won’t need much grooming to stay clean.
The Devon rex uses a lot of energy in various activities. They are mischievous, so you need to ensure they are not getting in danger.
8. Oriental
Oriental Cat Breed Overview
Other Name: Rainbow Cat and Ornamental
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 6 to 12 pounds
Coat: Short and glossy coat
Physical Characteristic: Sleek body, angular head, large ears, almond-shaped eyes
This cat has silky coats, and you can easily take care of these coats. Timely brushing can reduce shedding and keep the coat shiny.
The oriental cats are very cute. They have large ears and are known for their talkative nature. These cats require a lot of exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
These cats love to create close friendships with family members and other pets in the home.
9. Sphynx
Sphynx Cat Breed Overview
Other Name: Canadian Sphynx
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 10 to 12 pounds
Coat: Hairless with fine peach fuzz
Physical Characteristic: Hairless, wrinkled head, lean-built
The sphynx cats are considered ‘hairless’ but have fine, downy fuzz.
All cats produce some dander; the same goes with the sphynx, but this can be reduced to a minimum by frequent bathing. It will also prevent the oil buildup on the skin.
If we talk about the nature of these cats, then they are friendly, outgoing, and mischievous. They are also smart, curious, and love attention.
10. Selkirk Rex
Selkirk Rex Cat Breed Overview
Other Name: Sheep Cat
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Coat: Short to long curly hair with dense undercoat
Physical Characteristic: Loosely curled coat, round head, heavy-boned body
The Selkirk Rex is a very relaxed cat breed. This cat has a wavy coat that does not shed a lot.
Brushing twice a week is good for removing dead hair and tangles and limiting its ability to spread allergens.
The cat will need bathing to remove excess oil from the skin. Also, by this, the dander can be removed.
11. Bengal Cat
Bengal Cat Breed Overview
Other Name: Felis Bengalensis and Leopard Cat
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 8 to 15 pounds
Coat: Short and dense
Physical Characteristic: Muscular build, large expressive eyes, sleek and athletic body
Another great hypoallergenic cat you can bring home is the Bengal cat. These cats are gorgeous, with beautiful spots on their body that make them look like tiny leopards.
They are highly energetic and intelligent, which makes them pretty easy to train. Bengal cats have short coats and don’t shed too much, which makes them perfect for allergic individuals. They don’t need much grooming and maintenance.
12. Burmese
Burmese Cat Breed Overview
Other Name: Thongdaeng or Supphalak
Height: 9 to 10 inches
Weight: 6 to 12 pounds
Coat: Short, sleek, glossy coat
Physical Characteristic: Slender body, rounded head, expressive eyes
If you are looking for a cat that’s talkative, Burmese is the best option. These cats are stubborn but love to spend time with family. These are smart and enjoy playing games.
Burmese have a silky short coat and don’t shed much, which makes them one of the best cats for allergies. They don’t need much grooming, and daily brushing is enough to keep their coat in the best condition.
13. Ocicat
Ocicat Cat Breed Overview
Other Name: Ocis
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 8 to 15 pounds
Coat: Short, sleek and thick coat
Physical Characteristic: Muscular and athletic built, almond-shaped eyes, spotted coat
Ocicat is a smart and athletic cat breed that doesn’t cause allergies. While they are a bit demanding and chatty, you will definitely enjoy their company. They love to play with humans as well as other cats.
The best thing about this breed is that they enjoy taking baths from time to time, which helps to control dander. Also, they are low shedders and don’t need much brushing and grooming.
Extra Measures to Reduce Cat Allergens in Your Home
Even if you have hypoallergenic cats, it is necessary to take some measures to reduce cat allergens in the home.
Follow the below-mentioned tips to reduce cat allergens:
- If possible, keep the cat out of your bedroom.
- Cover your pillow and mattresses.
- Cover your couch and the other furniture
- Remove or reduce the number of carpets in the home
- Create extra ventilation
- Clean your house every week to reduce the dander buildup.
Tips for Adopting Hypoallergenic Cats
1. Do Your Research
If you want to adopt a hypoallergenic cat, then most importantly, you must research to get the right cat. It is important to know your cat completely before you bring them to your home.
Through the research process, you can make the best decision regarding the selection of the cat breed.
2. Consult an Allergy Specialist
You can consult an allergy specialist to know the severity of the symptoms before bringing the cat to the home. They will be qualified to provide medication to help with your symptoms.
3. Keep your Home Clean
The cats tend to shed hair and dander, which can gather on furniture, carpets, and clothing.
It will be easy to keep the home clean when you have a hypoallergenic cat because they don’t shed a lot.
4. Search Online About Hypoallergenic Cats for Sale
You can search online for hypoallergenic cats that are available for sale. This way, you will get an idea about breeds that are hypoallergenic. You can also check their pictures, read reviews and even check their health certificates.
FAQs
What cats are 100% hypoallergenic?
There is no cat breed that is 100% hypoallergenic, as all cats produce dander and proteins that cause allergies.
Is A Bengal cat hypoallergenic?
Many people often question, “Are Bengal cats hypoallergenic?” The answer to this question is yes. Bengal cats are considered hypoallergenic; they don’t trigger allergies, and even if they do, the symptoms are mild and manageable.
Are hypoallergenic cats expensive?
Yes, Siberian cats are close to hypoallergenic because they produce less allergy-causing proteins.
Are Female Cats Less Hypoallergenic?
Yes, female cats tend to produce less allergens than the male ones.
Final Thoughts:-
If you are allergic and still want to enjoy the company of a feline friend, choose a hypoallergenic cat. These cats produce less allergy-causing protein and are considered safe for people with allergies. In this article, we have listed the 12+ best cat breeds hypoallergenic. You can choose to bring any of these cats home. However, make sure you buy them from a reputable breeder.
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