No allergy is good, but for feline aficionados, finding out you’re one of the 10% of people who are allergic to cats can be truly devastating. Of course, it’s not uncommon to find an allergic Cat Owner who puts up with the runny nose, puffy eyes and itchy skin for their dream pet (with the help of an antihistamine or two!). But what you may not know is that there are some options for kitty lovers with allergies.
Before we get into the best hypoallergenic cat breeds, let’s get into what it is that triggers allergic reactions to kitties and find out what “hypoallergenic” actually means.
Cat allergies explained
It’s estimated that about one in five Australians experiences pet allergies, with twice as many people experiencing cat allergies than dog allergies. But it isn’t their fur that’s the issue – it’s their saliva, urine, and skin flakes (also known as dander). More specifically, cat allergies are generally caused by a protein called Fel d 1. When you think you’re having an allergic reaction to the cat, you’re actually having a reaction to this protein.
When we talk about “hypoallergenic” cat breeds, we’re talking about breeds who produce less of the Fel d 1 protein. Therefore, they tend to cause fewer reactions in those sensitive to it.
Unfortunately, opting for a hypoallergenic cat breed doesn’t 100% guarantee that you’ll never have a reaction again. If you have a severe cat allergy, it’s best to avoid getting a cat altogether. For those with mild allergies, you may be able to get away with one of the following breeds. Still, it’s best to arrange a meet and greet before committing to a lifetime caring for one of these sweet kitties.
7 hypoallergenic cat breeds
#1: Sphynx
How could we start our list with anything other than the always divisive Sphynx? Whether you think they’re beautiful or ugly, there’s no denying their position as the very best cat breed for those with allergies. Why? Well, when you’ve got no fur to speak of, there’s no need to groom yourself. And when you don’t groom yourself, you’re not spreading the Fel d 1 found in saliva onto your fur, which sheds, and finds its way onto humans. That said, the protein is secreted through other parts of the body, so while you’re less likely to react to a Sphynx, it’s not impossible.
#2: Balinese
Despite its name, the Balinese cat was actually developed in the United States. It’s closely related to the Siamese cat (as you can see by its similar colouring), and despite their long coats, they don’t shed as much as you might think and are thought to secrete less of that allergy-triggering protein. They’re intelligent, friendly, and adaptable, making them fantastic family pets.
#3: Siberian
One look at the Siberian’s luscious locks might have you questioning its position on our list, but looks can be deceiving. Like the Balinese, this agile, smart kitty is believed to produce less Fel d 1, making it a safer choice for people with mild allergies. Of course, that glorious hair does require a decent amount of grooming, so you’ll need to commit to regular brushing to keep its coat looking beautiful.
#4: Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is a pretty low-maintenance breed, with thin hair that sheds very little. That, combined with its happy, lovable personality make it an ideal addition to the family, but these cute kitties can also be incredibly cheeky, so prepare to catch them red-handed in all manner of cheeky situations!
#5: Cornish Rex
Cornish Rexes are much like their Devon counterparts, but with one intriguing difference – their coat. Yep, the Cornish Rex has a curly coat, much like a poodle! The fur itself is still quite thin, short, and low shedding, making for a reasonably hypoallergenic cat breed. They’re curious, agile, and absolutely adore attention, so prepare to have yourself a little shadow! Because they love people so much, it’s a good idea to engage a local Cat Sitter to keep them occupied when you’re out on the town.
#6: Burmese
Soft, silky and a little stubborn, the Burmese is a breed with many facets. They’re highly social (so don’t take kindly to being left alone for long periods of time), smart, and great around children. They do still shed, so regular brushing is required, but compared to many other breeds, they’re certainly on the more hypoallergenic side of the scale.
#7: Oriental Shorthair
Known for its large ears, captivating eyes, and long, slender body, the Oriental Shorthair is a sight to behold. Not only are they absolutely stunning to look at, but these kitties have surprisingly easy-to-look-after coats and charming, outgoing personalities. They love spending time with people and have tons of energy, so be prepared to spend some time tuckering them out!
