You’re not the only one who loves cats but has allergies. Allergens can make a lot of cat lovers sneeze, have watery eyes, or have skin problems. Fortunately, some dog breeds are known to make fewer allergens, so they are better for sensitive people. In this article, we’ll look at the 13 best hypoallergenic cat breeds, what makes them hypoallergenic, and why they are thought to be better for people with allergies.
This guide to the 13 best hypoallergenic cat breeds will help you pick the right pet if you want a cat but have allergies.
1. Siberian Cat
Breed Overview:
- Where it came from: Russia
- Coat: thick, semi-long, and has three layers
- Personality: loving, loyal, and ready for anything
- Hypoallergenic Trait: Makes less Fel d 1 protein
Siberians are one of the best hypoallergenic breeds, even though they look beautiful and fluffy. Research shows that a lot of Siberians give off much less Fel d 1, which makes them a great choice for people with allergies. These cats are smart, active, and very close to their families. They can also jump well and sometimes sit on the highest point in the room.
Best for: Families who want a cat that is loving, active, and doesn’t cause allergies.
2. Balinese Cat
Breed Overview:
- Place of Origin: United States
- Coat: Smooth, medium-long, and only one layer
- Personality: smart, talkative, and loving
- Hypoallergenic Trait: Low Fel d 1 production is a hypoallergenic trait.
Balinese cats are often called “long-haired Siamese,” but their silky coats make them surprisingly hypoallergenic. They make a lot less Fel d 1 than many other breeds, which makes them great for homes with allergies. These cats are very friendly and love to talk to their owners. They do well when they have company.
Best for: People who like cats that talk and play with them.
3. Oriental Shorthair
Breed Overview:
- Where it comes from: the United States
- Coat: Short, smooth, and fine
- Personality: lively, friendly, and outgoing
- Hypoallergenic Trait: Little shedding and dander
There are more than 300 colors and patterns of Oriental Shorthairs, which are sleek and athletic cats. Because their coats are short and fine, they don’t shed much, which keeps allergens from spreading. They are very smart and do well in homes that are busy and where they can spend a lot of time with their owners.
Best for: Families or people who want a lively, loving cat and are active.
4. Devon Rex
Breed Overview:
- Where it came from: England
- Coat: The coat is short, curly, and soft.
- Personality: Playful, naughty, and loving personality
- Hypoallergenic Trait: Wavy coat that sheds less
The Devon Rex stands out because of its large ears and pixie-like face. They have short, curly coats that don’t need as much care as other breeds. Their less shedding is good for people with allergies. They are also known for being silly, which makes families laugh a lot.
Best for: People who want a cat that is fun and likes to play.
5. Cornish Rex
Breed Overview:
- Where it came from: England
- Coat: Very short, soft, and wavy
- Personality: Active, curious, and loving are some of the traits of this person.
- Hypoallergenic Trait: Doesn’t have the outer guard hair layer
Unlike most cats, Cornish Rex cats only have one layer of hair. This means that there is a lot less shedding and fewer allergens that can get around the house. These cats are active, like to climb, and like to play a lot.
Best for: Families who want a breed that is active and doesn’t cause allergies.
6. Sphynx Cat
Breed Overview:
- Where it came from: Canada
- Coat: No hair or very fine peach fuzz
- Personality: loving, outgoing, and fun
- Hypoallergenic Trait: No fur to trap allergens is a hypoallergenic trait.
The Sphynx is probably the most well-known hypoallergenic cat. Even though they don’t have fur that spreads allergens, their skin still makes oils, so they need to be bathed often. These cats are very loving and often act more like dogs because they need attention.
Best for: People who are willing to take care of their pets’ grooming regularly.
7. Russian Blue
Breed Overview:
- Where it came from: Russia
- Coat: short, thick, and made up of two layers
- Personality: smart, quiet, and kind
- Hypoallergenic Trait: Less Fel d 1 production
Russian Blues are beautiful cats with silver-blue fur and bright green eyes. They are naturally graceful and calm, so they are great for homes that are quieter. People with allergies love these cats because they make less Fel d 1 protein.
Best for: Cat lovers who are allergic and want a calm, loyal breed.
8. Bengal Cat
Breed Overview:
- Origin: United States (Asian leopard mix)
- Coat: short, smooth, and with spots or marbling
- Personality: Smart, active, and open to new experiences are some of their personality traits.
- Hypoallergenic traits: Low shedding and a fine coat are two hypoallergenic traits.
People know Bengals for how they look like leopards. Their coats are short, silky, and easy to care for. They also shed less than other breeds. Bengals are very smart and active, so they need a lot of mental and physical activity.
Best for: families with kids who can handle a lot of energy.
9. Oriental Longhair
Breed Overview:
- Where it came from: the United States
- Coat: silky and medium-length
- Personality: Talkative, loving, and playful
- Hypoallergenic Trait: Low levels of allergens, even though the hair is long
Oriental Longhairs are just as friendly as their shorthaired cousins. Their silky fur doesn’t shed as much as other longhaired cats, which makes them easier for people with allergies to take care of.
Best for: Families who like cats that are friendly and like to play.
10. Javanese Cat
Breed Overview:
- Where it comes from: the United States
- Coat: silky, medium-long, and low-shedding
- Personality: Loyal, smart, and outspoken personality
- Hypoallergenic Trait: A coat with only one layer that sheds less
Javanese cats are smart and like being around people. They are very similar to Siamese and Balinese cats. Their coats are soft and don’t shed a lot, which cuts down on the spread of allergens.
Best for: Families who want a smart and loving cat.
11. Siamese Cat
Breed Overview:
- Where it came from: Thailand
- Coat: Short and smooth
- Personality: friendly, talkative, and loving
- Hypoallergenic Trait: Less shedding and lower levels of allergens
Siamese cats are easy to spot because of their beautiful blue eyes and pointed coat patterns. Their short coats don’t shed much, and they are very social, often following their owners around.
Best for: Cat lovers who like vocal and social cats.
12. Ocicat
Breed Overview:
- Where it came from: the United States
- Coat: short, spotted, and easy to care for
- Personality: Loyal, energetic, and playful personality
- Hypoallergenic Trait: Coat that doesn’t shed much
Ocicats are small wildcats that act like house cats. Their short coats don’t shed much, which keeps allergens out of the house.
Best for: Families with kids who want a fun, exotic-looking cat.
13. Burmese Cat
Breed Overview:
- Origin: Myanmar (Burma)
- Coat: short, shiny, and easy to care for
- Personality: loving, loyal, and fun
- Hypoallergenic Trait: Smooth coat that doesn’t shed as much
Burmese cats are loving lap cats with big, expressive eyes. They are social and do best when they are around other people. Their short coats are easy to care for, which makes them good for homes with allergies.
Best for: People who want a breed that is cuddly and loving.
Advice for People with Allergies Who Live with Cats
You can still lower the amount of allergens even with hypoallergenic breeds by:
- Taking care of your cat regularly
- Using air filters with HEPA
- Regularly cleaning and vacuuming
- Cleaning sheets and curtains often
- Keeping cats out of the bedrooms
FAQs
1. Are hypoallergenic cats completely free of allergens?
No, they still make allergens, but not as much, which makes them easier to deal with.
2. What kind of dog is best for families with kids?
Siberians, Bengals, and Burmese are fun and good with kids.
3. Do cats without hair need to take baths?
Yes, breeds like Sphynx and Peterbald need to be bathed every week to keep oil from building up.
4. Can grooming help with allergies?
Yes, brushing and bathing your pet now and then will help a lot with loose fur and dander.
5. Which cat that doesn’t cause allergies is the calmest?
Russian Blues are one of the calmest and gentlest hypoallergenic breeds.
Final Thoughts
If you have allergies, you don’t have to give up your dream of having a cat. You can have a cat friend and keep your allergy symptoms under control by choosing one of the 13 best hypoallergenic cat breeds. Even people with allergies can find the right cat for them. It could be the playful Bengal, the loving Sphynx, or the calm Russian Blue.