If you love cats but you or someone in your home is allergic to them don’t give up hope. There is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic cat. However, there are breeds that produce considerably less of the protein FEL D1. This protein is found in cat saliva and is what causes allergies.
Plus quite a few of these breeds also shed considerably less than other cat breeds making them a potential option for those with allergies to cats. Allergies are also caused by the skin particles or dander of a cat.
However, if you or someone in your home is extremely sensitive to cats they may have some issues so it is always best to check with a breeder for their advice before bringing one of these felines into your home.
Here are 17 Cat Breeds that are hypoallergenic relative to others.
Contents
- 1 17 Cat Breeds that are hypoallergenic
- 1.1 1. Siberian Cats
- 1.2 2. Russian Blue Cats
- 1.3 3. Sphynx Cats
- 1.4 4. Cornish Rex
- 1.5 5. Devon Rex
- 1.6 6. Siamese
- 1.7 7. Bengal
- 1.8 8. Burmese
- 1.9 9. Ocicat
- 1.10 10. Balinese
- 1.11 11. Javanese Cats
- 1.12 12. LaPerm
- 1.13 13. Peterbald
- 1.14 14. Minskin
- 1.15 15. The Dwelf
- 1.16 16. Colorpoint Shorthair
- 1.17 17. Oriental Shorthair
17 Cat Breeds that are hypoallergenic
1. Siberian Cats
My own feline friend, Alexei, is a Siberian, so I’m particularly partial to this amazing breed. With a thick, luxurious coat, stunning colors and affectionate personality, Siberians are well-suited to any home.
Siberians are also known as being one of the most hypoallergenic cat breeds despite their long hair. The reason for this is that their saliva has one of the lowest levels of Fel D1 of any domestic cat breed.
They’re laid-back but enjoy playing, and are very attached to their humans. You’ll often find your Siberian cat following along behind you and cuddling up as soon as you take a seat.
As you may expect, this loving cat comes from Siberia in Russia, so they’re well suited to cold conditions. It’s an ancient breed thought to be ancestral to all modern long-haired cats. That’s quite the pedigree.
2. Russian Blue Cats
With emerald-green eyes and a luxurious silvery coat, Russian Blues are a startlingly pretty breed. The Russian Blue is sweet-tempered and fine-featured, with long legs that allow it to run at high speeds.
Like Siberians, Russian Blue Cats have lower levels of Fel D1 protein than other cat breeds. Plus their thick and dense coat sheds less so emits less of the protein.
This expensive breed of cat really enjoys play and requires a good bit of attention when you get home. Although, they do enjoy napping in a quiet corner and tend to shy away from large groups.
Often demanding at mealtimes, these happy felines can get quite chunky if you’re not firm. Russian Blue cats are another very intelligent breed, so it’s important to provide enough mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy.
3. Sphynx Cats
A very unusual and pricey cat breed is the regal Sphynx. Well-known for its hairless coat, the Sphynx cat is a wonderfully friendly and playful cat – and they’re certainly striking.
The Sphynx cat breed is not actually hairless – it’s covered in a light downy layer of hair that feels like suede or peach fuzz. But they don’t tend to lose that down the way that other breeds shed.
The Sphynx breed still has the fel D1 protein in their saliva so handwashing is a good option for anyone around a sphynx cat who suffers from allergies.
Despite their stern expression, Sphynx cats are energetic and often goofy tricksters. Acrobatic, energetic, and curious, you’ll see them bouncing around the home with enthusiasm. They’re also very loyal cats, and this expensive cat breed loves to be involved in family activities.
Because of their energetic and loving personality, the Sphynx takes a fair bit of work. They’re also susceptible to sunburn and skin damage, as well as getting cold easily. This makes them best suited to the indoors – but there are cat sweaters you can get to keep your Sphynx snug and safe.
4. Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex cat has a head shaped liked a triangle. As a result, its eyes and ears are prominent and large. The eyes of the Cornish Rex cat tend to be golden in colour although that can vary.
When the Cornish Rex breed does have fur it tends to be curly and sit close to their skin and this means that this breed sheds less than others. Some Cornish Rex cats have no fur at all. As they shed so little they put out less of the Fel D1 protein.
This cat breed is often compared to greyhound dogs due to their sleek appearance and they like a long, lolling run. This is a very adventurous breed that loves to explore and will keep its playful demeanor long after its kitten days are finished.
5. Devon Rex
This is another cat breed with a curly short-haired coat that means less shedding.
The mischievous Devon Rex cat, also known as the pixie cat, is a loving and loyal feline breed. They make the ideal companions and welcome family and friends’ attention, as well as being great with kids and other pets.
This cat breed emerged in England during the late 1950s and is similar to the nearby Cornish Rex cat breed.
These felines are intelligent, active, and require regular stimulation. Devon Rex cats are jumpers, and their favorite place is at head level, so perches and cat trees should be provided.
The moderately active cat enjoys learning and playing fetch, so interactive toys will also help keep him occupied while you’re out earning money.
This indoor cat breed has slender bodies with long legs, large eyes, and high cheekbones. They shouldn’t be brushed as their fur is prone to breakage; instead, rub the Devon Rex cat gently with a cloth to keep them well-groomed, weekly.
6. Siamese
The popular Siamese cat breed will shed minimally if you brush your kitty regularly. Siamese cats are one of the most adored and famous cat breeds. They are intelligent, talkative, and lovely-natured felines, making ideal family pets.
These cats have unique short coats, with a light-colored body and silky smooth fur. As they shed less than other breeds they output less Fel D1. Their face, paws, and tails are darker than the rest of their bodies. While they are great indoor cats, they seek companionship from their owners, including sitting on laps and snuggling in bed.
Their sleek short coats also highlight there proportionately large ears.
Siamese cats are often labeled as “dog-like” because they enjoy following their humans around and enjoy playtime, like fetch, so stock up on active cat toys. Although they are loving cats, this breed should not be left alone at home for extended periods.
7. Bengal
This short-haired cat breed sheds less frequently than other cat breeds and requires less grooming maintenance from their owners as well as emitting less Fel D1.
Bengal cats are one of the newer cat breeds, a combination of the asian leopard cat and a US domestic cat. These affectionate cats are energetic and playful.
A distinctive feature of their thick and lustrous coat is the pearl or gold dusting or glitter effect. This is one of the many features of the lovely Bengal cat that contributes to its extreme cuteness.
The breed is also known for its black-rimmed and almond-shaped eyes and distinctive whisker pads. Add to this their thick tail that often finishes in a black tapered tip and you have one seriously cute cat.
8. Burmese
The Burmese breed has a short, fine coat that loses less hair than other cat breeds.
Their coats are short and silky and are low-maintenance, requiring a weekly brush or combing to remove dead hair. And that short silky hair sets off their gorgeous large round and gleaming green eyes.
The Burmese are friendly, personable, and kind kitties. With Siamese ancestors, these felines are playful and affectionate, but not clingy. Burmese cats often characterized as a “rock wrapped in silk” due to being much heavier than what they appear to be.
Younger Burmese cats are curious and active, and as they get older, they become placid and prefer to watch rather than getting involved in activities. You’ll often see them sleeping on a windowsill or at the corner of a sofa, snagging the sunlight.
Burmese cats are excellent jumpers and climbers and should have cat perches or something to climb up on.
9. Ocicat
Ocicats have short smooth coats which don’t tend to shed particularly when regularly groomed. This playful cat breed loves attention. The Ocicat resembles a wild cat but is very playful and loving.
They are a medium to large cat breed with a smooth coat. Their markings are distributed across their bodies – and each hair on their coat contains more than one colour.
The Ocicat breed was created by crossing Siamese and Abyssinian cats together and then later breeding with an American domestic short hair. This is what has given them their large ears. The breed was registered in 1966.
Ocicats love to play and will see most items in your home as potential toys. They are also friendly cats who like to welcome strangers. They don’t like being alone and do get bored easily so a sibling is often a good idea.
They are high energy and highly intelligent so need lots of stimuli. They don’t have any special exercise needs and unlike many other cat breeds they like water so watch out if you’re having a bath.
10. Balinese
The Balinese cat breed began as a mutation of the Siamese cat breed. They are very similar to the Siamese cat breed but have a longer coat and they rarely weigh more than 5kgs. And this breed emits less Fel D1 protein than other cat breeds.
This is a stylish and sleek breed with the same deep blue eyes of the Siamese – add in their gorgeous silky long coat and this is one good looking cat breed. Their sleek silky coats also highlight their proportionately large ears.
Balinese cats are known to be intelligent, friendly and playful. They can also be quite vocal and rather demanding – part of that intelligence, these kitties know what they want!
This is also a breed that likes attention and shouldn’t be left alone for long periods. So if you are after an independent and introverted type of kitty this isn’t the breed for you.
11. Javanese Cats
Developed from a mix of Siamese, Balinese and Colorpoint breeds, the Javanese is a blue-eyed cat breed. Whilst they can appear delicate, they are actually quite muscular and love to jump and climb.
This intelligent cat breed love to learn tricks and new skills. They love to help out and enjoy following and often supervising their favourite humans.
Javanese cats will also play fetch and even walk on a lead. Or if they are kept indoors you may well find them visiting you when you sleep, relax on the couch or really are anywhere in the house.
12. LaPerm
The LaPerm is a Rex breed (curly coated) like the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex. These little guys grow to a maximum of 4.5 kgs in males and 3.6 kgs in females. LaPerms can be both short haired and long haired. This is an extroverted and bright cat breed that is great for kids and families.
This curly coat means less shedding which means less dander is emitted and therefore less allergy reactions.
13. Peterbald
The Peterbald cat is a strange little fellow. With hairless, grey-silver skin, a slanted face, and large pointy ears, this Russian cat breed has certainly earned its place on this list.
Created from experimental breeding, this cat first popped its head out in 1994, at St. Petersburg. This is why it’s named Peterbald (I’m sure you can guess where the bald part comes from). And one of the main reasons that this is quite a rare cat breed.
Originally a cross between a hairless Donskoy and an Oriental Shorthair, these cats quickly grew in popularity in their home country.
Since Peterbald cats don’t have any fur to keep them warm, they need to be kept indoors during the cooler seasons, as they might otherwise get too chilly.
They require a little bit more cat care than other breeds because they need to be bathed weekly in order to keep their coats from getting oily and attracting dirt.
These cats have wonderfully affectionate personalities and are often found shadowing their loved ones. Peterbald cats love attention and are very active cats in general, as well as being very loyal and loving. Their personalities are regularly likened to that of canines.
So if you haven’t decided whether you’re more of a cat or a dog person, the Peterbald is a great choice of cat companion and it is unlikely that you’ll find many other examples of this cat breed in your neighborhood!
14. Minskin
Minskin cats have quite stocky bodies and rather short legs. Their coat is unique due to its lack of fur. The Minskin breed was created from the Sphynx cat breed. This is a relatively new breed of cat. It was first developed in 1998 in Boston.
The breeder crossed his Munchkin cat with a Sphynx for a healthier immune system. By 2005, 50 cats could be called Minskins and this new breed was recognised. As you will have seen throughout this post, rare cat breeds are often quite new which means that they have yet to breed extensively.
15. The Dwelf
This relatively new cat breed has elf-like features and a dwarf-like stature. This little guy is hairless and tends not to weigh more than 9 pounds. The breed was generated from a mix of the Sphynx, Munchkin and American Curl breeds.
The Dwelf is a highly sociable breed and has a personality that is described by some as almost dog-like. They like to be around people and to be included in activities so they are terrific cats for families.
16. Colorpoint Shorthair
The colorpoint shorthair originates from the Siamese cat. They are a cross of Siamese cats and the American short hair breeds. They therefore have all of the positive attributes of the Siamese cat when it comes to being a better cat option for those who suffer from allergies. Plus they also shed far less hair than other cat breeds.
17. Oriental Shorthair
This affectionate cat is a charming and loyal pet who loves people. He is quite a talker and doesn’t like being on his own. Another descendent of the Siamese cat, these short haired cats don’t tend to shed much which gets them on the list of those breeds that are more hypoallergenic than others.
Once you have your cat home there are several things that you can do to reduce the effect of any allergic reactions. Comb or brush your cat regularly to remove fur. Wash your hands frequently, particularly after petting your cat. Don’t let your cat sleep on your bed and and vaccum your carpets and soft furnishings regularly.
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