Life with cats can be fun and rewarding. While true cat lovers don’t need a reason to have a feline friend, having a cat at home can give us companionship and a purpose. It’s nice to come home to a buddy that makes us laugh, helps us unplug from our busy lives. and fills our hearts with love.

But what if you or someone you live with is allergic to cats? Don’t fret because here, we present a list of hypoallergenic cat breeds. It’s important to note that these hypoallergenic cat breeds are not 100% allergen-free, but are proven to reduce allergic reactions significantly.

What Causes Allergies to Cats?

According to WebMD, about 10% of the population of the U.S. suffers from pet allergies. One of the most common culprits is cats. Cat allergies are twice as common, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. While most people believe it’s their hair and fur that causes allergies, it’s actually their saliva, urine, and dander that’s to blame.

When a cat sheds its fur, it also releases dander, microscopic bits of dead skin that naturally shed. Dander itself isn’t what our immune system reacts to, but what creates a vehicle for two proteins allergens called Fel d 1 and Fel d 4. Their skin and their sebaceous glands produce Fel d 1. Their saliva usually produces Fel d 4, which is left behind on their skin when they groom.

People with overly sensitive immune systems are at risk the most. Unfortunately, their immune system starts a defensive attack against these particles and causes major havoc. The body mistakes these normally harmless things for harmful ones like bacteria or viruses and initiates the allergic immune response causing typical symptoms like coughing, wheezing, hives, red and itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and even skin redness.

How Can You Tell You’re Allergic to Cats?

Some symptoms, like the ones above, are pretty easy to spot and can start right after contact with a cat. However, some people may not know they are allergic to cats and mistake them for a cold or seasonal allergies. So, how can you tell if you are allergic to your feline friend? Look for these signs that can help you pinpoint cat allergies:

10 Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds for the Allergic Cat Lover

So how can you reduce the chances of an allergic reaction, but still be able to enjoy your cats at home? Try adopting hypoallergenic cats. When choosing your new friend, consider getting a cat with no hair or a non-shedding breed. These are deemed hypoallergenic cats because they have less hair, produce less dander, or have lower allergen concentrations than other commonly known cats.

10. Oriental Shorthair

What Makes It Hypoallergenic?

Oriental Shorthair hypoallergenic cats have a very fine, short coat that doesn’t shed much. Keeping them groomed will also keep dander to a minimum. Most people who suffer from cat allergies don’t react to this breed or only have a mild reaction.

Personality

Orientals Shorthairs become extremely attached to their person or persons. It’s essential to socialize them. For this breed, the more action they get, the better. Just make sure that children don’t give them a hard time and treat them gently, and with the respect they deserve.

9. Cornish Rex

What Makes It Hypoallergenic?

Cornish Rex hypoallergenic cats only have the soft undercoat versus the three types of hair most cats have. This makes them one of the non-shedding cats, or at least they shed minimally.

Personality

This cat is very intelligent and active. They love to be involved in everything, especially the things you are doing. They are quick learners with a playful and outgoing personality.

8. Sphynx

What Makes It Hypoallergenic?

Sphynx hypoallergenic cats are hairless. While they still produce saliva and dander, they don’t produce as much, since they don’t have fur to trap their saliva while grooming.

Personality

This breed loves to stay close, typically looking for warmth. They tend to have an affectionate personality and love company, so having two is ideal.

7. Russian Blue

What Makes It Hypoallergenic?

Russian Blue hypoallergenic cats produce less of the allergen protein Fel d 1.

Personality

This breed tends to be shy and reserved. While they are affectionate with their people, they are not clingy and are less enthusiastic with guests. Don’t get a Russian blue if you want a cat to follow you around.

6. Bengal

What Makes It Hypoallergenic?

Bengal hypoallergenic cats don’t like to groom often or as long as other cats, which means less saliva on their skin and on the allergens. They also don’t shed as much, so they don’t spread that much dander.

Personality

The Bengal loves to be around people. They are intelligent and will quickly learn what gets your attention. They get bored easily, so if you can’t give them the care they need, it’s best to get two.

5. Balinese

What Makes It Hypoallergenic?

Balinese hypoallergenic cats tend to have a lower concentration of Fel d 1 than other cats. While they still have saliva and shed, less concentration means less of an allergic reaction.

Personality

These cats tend to be funny, extroverts, and clowns at heart. They are also highly intelligent, so be sure to keep them busy.

4. Siberian

What Makes It Hypoallergenic?

Siberian hypoallergenic cats have lower levels of Fel d 1, and even people with severe allergies have reported little to no reaction around this cat.

Personality

This cat tends to be a little mischievous and loves climbing. They love being around people but aren’t overly clingy and don’t demand too much attention.

3. Devon Rex

What Makes It Hypoallergenic?

Devon Rex hypoallergenic cats have soft, fine hair, and little to no topcoat, so shedding is minimal.

Personality

This breed tends to have a fun and playful personality. They are great for families with children.

2. Javanese

What Makes It Hypoallergenic?

Javanese hypoallergenic cats have only one of the three layers of hair that most cats have. Less hair leads to less shedding and less dander.

Personality

This breed has a very demanding personality and will want to follow you everywhere. They are intelligent and active.

1. LaPerm

What Makes It Hypoallergenic?

LaPerm hypoallergenic cats have a curly coat that sheds less frequently, and that makes for fewer allergens in the air.

Personality

A typical cat that loves to jump on shoulders, open drawers, and jump on furniture. They love to be involved in everything and are highly active.

A few other things to take into consideration when choosing your new friend is that males usually produce more allergenic secretions than females. Moreover, intact males produce more than neutered males

Darker cats also tend to produce more allergens than light-colored ones. There is no known reason why this happens. Plus, kittens produce fewer allergens than adult cats.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, there isn’t a 100% allergen-free cat breed. However, choosing a hypoallergenic cat can help minimize your allergic reaction and make living with your feline friend more bearable

After all, when you decide to get a pet, you make a lifelong commitment to care for them. Taking the time to research which one is right for you is highly recommended.

Because the breeds above all have less hair, produce less dander, or have lower allergen concentrations, they are a better option for someone living with cat allergies.