Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds: A Guide to Allergy-Friendly Felines
Hypoallergenic cat breeds are becoming increasingly popular among cat lovers who suffer from allergies. While no cat is completely hypoallergenic, certain breeds produce fewer allergens than others. These breeds are ideal for people who want to enjoy the companionship of a cat without the unpleasant symptoms of allergies.
Ten percent of the world’s population is allergic to cats.
Shaving your cat, or buying a hairless one, will not always help your allergies because the cat will still produce the trigger proteins. Still, there are things you can do that may lessen the effects of allergies:
- Choose a cat breed that sheds less.
- Select a hypoallergenic breed that is known to produce less of the Fel d 1 allergen.
- Pick a female cat. Females tend to produce less of the Fel d 1 protein. If you choose a male, having him neutered will reduce the amount of allergens he produces, among other things.
- Have someone else deal with the litter box. Feline allergy causing proteins exist in high concentration in Kitty’s urine.
- Wash your hands after handling your furbaby.
Contents
What are Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds?
There are several breeds of cats that are considered hypoallergenic. These cats are known to produce less of the Fel D1 protein, which is the allergen that causes most cat allergies. No cat breed is entirely hypoallergenic, as all cats produce some level of allergens. However, the fact that these breeds produce a lower amount of allergens makes them better choices for people with allergies.
Some hypoallergenic breeds have specific features that contribute to their low allergen production. For example, hairless breeds like the Sphynx and the Peterbald produce fewer allergens because they have less hair, which means they shed less dander. Other breeds, like the Devon and the Cornish Rex, have curly or wavy hair that traps dander close to the skin, reducing allergen exposure.
It is important to note that hypoallergenic cats still require regular grooming and cleaning to maintain low allergen levels. Regular bathing and brushing can help reduce allergen levels in the environment. Additionally, people with allergies should spend time with a supposed hypoallergenic cat before adopting one to ensure they do not have a reaction. Even two kittens from the same litter can cause different reactions.
Related Post: Meet the Breeds
Top 10 Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds
When it comes to hypoallergenic cats, there are a few breeds that stand out from the rest. These cats produce fewer allergens than other breeds, making them a great choice for people with allergies. Here are the top 10 hypoallergenic cat breeds:
Siberian
This one is surprising to many people. Siberians have a lot of hair. The breed has a thick, long, triple coat. In spite of all that fur, they produce less of the Fel d 1 protein that causes allergies in humans. Siberians are known for their playful and affectionate natures, making them great family pets as well as stars in the show ring. The Siberian is one of the most popular hypoallergenic cat breeds.
Russian Blue
Russian Blues are another popular hypoallergenic breed. They have a short, silky but dense coat that doesn’t shed as much as most short haired breeds. The breed also produces fewer allergens than other breeds. Russian Blues are gentle and intelligent cats. They enjoy a good game of fetch. They are great companions and are suitable for most families.
Balinese/Javanese
Balinese and Javanese cats are two breeds that are often considered together because they are so similar. They are both a long haired variation of the Siamese breed, with a single coat of long, silky hair that produces fewer allergens than other breeds. Balinese and Javanese cats are affectionate and playful. They are not as loud as the Siamese but are still talkative and social kitties.
Siamese Breed Group: Siamese, Oriental Shorthair, Colorpoint Shorthair, Burmese
The Siamese breed group includes several breeds that are considered hypoallergenic. The Siamese, Oriental Shorthair, Colorpoint Shorthair, and Burmese cats all produce fewer allergens than other breeds. These cats are very vocal and affectionate. They are “people cats” so keep in mind how much you are going to be handling him.
Sphynx
Sphynx cats are unique because they have a peach fuzz coat or no fur at all. This means they produce fewer allergens than other breeds. Sphynx cats have affectionate and social personalities, making them great pets for people who want a cat that loves attention. They do have some significant grooming needs.
Bengal
Bengal cats are hybrid cats. The original cats were bred from domestic cats and the Asian Leopard Cat. They have a short, dense coat that produces fewer allergens than other breeds. Bengals are energetic and playful cats, making them great companions for people who want an active cat. They are very popular in the adventure cat community and make great agility cats. Extremely intelligent and easily bored, Bengals require a lot of enrichment.
Ocicat
Ocicats are a large breed of cat that have short, tight, shiny, spotted fur that produces fewer allergens than other breeds. They are great pets for families. Affectionate and playful, they look as exotic as the Bengal but are 100% domestic. The breed’s foundation cats are the Siamese, the Abyssinian, and the American Shorthair. They are a very athletic and spirited breed, described as “dog-like” by some.
Devon Rex
The elfin Devon Rex cats have short, curly hair that produces fewer allergens than other breeds. They are known for their playful and mischievous personalities, making them great companions for people who want an energetic cat. They make great agility cats and a great friends for your children.
Cornish Rex
Cornish Rex cats have a similar hypoallergenic, short, curly coat to the Devon. They are affectionate, playful, and social. They are active cats that make great pets for busy families.
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Other Options to Help Allergic Cat Lovers Live with Cats
While hypoallergenic cat breeds can be a great option for people with allergies, they are not the only solution. Here are some other hypoallergenic options that cat lovers can consider:
Hypoallergenic Cat Food
Purina has developed a cat kibble that neutralizes the Fel d1 protein. Purina Pro Plan LIVECLEAR cat food reduces allergens by an average of 47 percent. It does take 3 weeks of regular feeding to get to that point.
Vaccinate Your Cat
We’ll have to wait a bit for this one. A Swiss company is working on developing a vaccine for cats. It destroys the Fel d 1 at the source. The cats in the studies that received the vaccine are less likely to cause allergic humans to react to the cat. So far, the results seem very promising. The Hypocat vaccine could be on the market by 2024
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers can help remove allergens from the air, including pet dander and hair. There are a variety of air purifiers on the market, ranging from small units designed for single rooms to larger units that can purify the air in an entire home. You can even get travel-size air purifiers that fit in your car. We have one that we take with us on our show travels because both Sunny and Treeno have allergies to dust and mold. Look for air purifiers that are powerful enough for the size of your space with HEPA filters designed to capture small particles like pet dander.
Keep Things Clean
Frequent dusting and vacuuming can help reduce levels of Fel d 1 in the environment. Vacuuming every 2 days seems optimum for most allergy sufferers that live with cats. What works for you will depend on your level of sensitivity.
Bathing Your Feline
Washing your cat reduces the dander on Kitty. It is important to keep Kitty on a regular bathing schedule to reduce the amount of allergic dander in her coat even if you have one of the hypoallergenic breeds. A 2-4 week schedule is usually good depending on your cat and your sensitivity.
Related Post: How to Bathe a Cat
Be sure to use a good quality, ph balanced, cat shampoo. Look for something the show cat people use. Show cats are bathed very frequently and need a shampoo that isn’t hard on their skin and coat. Personally I’m a fan of the I don’t recommend wipes for cleaning cats, but this is one situation where I see a value. You can use dander-reducing wipes in between baths to remove allergens from Kitty’s coat. Remember she’s going to ingest whatever you use so use something designed for cats not baby wipes or flushable wipes.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, can help reduce allergy symptoms over time. They work by gradually exposing the body to small amounts of allergens, allowing the immune system to build up a tolerance. Allergy shots are typically given by a healthcare professional and require regular visits over a period of several months or years.
While these options can help reduce allergy symptoms, it’s important to note that they may not be effective for everyone. Additionally, they should not be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If you are experiencing severe allergy symptoms, consult with a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
There are many hypoallergenic cat breeds to choose from. However, it’s important to remember that no cat is completely hypoallergenic. If you have severe allergies, it’s always a good idea to spend some time with a cat before bringing them home to make sure you don’t have a reaction.
