Are you a cat lover that’s allergic to cats? No cat breed is truly hypoallergenic, because all cats produce the protein that causes most cat allergies. But some breeds, including the Balinese, Devon Rex, Siberian and Sphynx, are popular with allergy sufferers, and they may be easier for some people to live with.
Being allergic doesn’t always mean that you have to give up on the idea of owning a cat, especially when cats make such good pets. Just like hypoallergenic dogs, these breeds come with no guarantees, so keep on reading to find out which ones to consider and how to give yourself the best chance of living happily together.
Are there hypoallergenic cats?
Not really. “Hypoallergenic” means less likely to cause an allergic reaction, not allergy free. A 2021 veterinary review found that claims about hypoallergenic breeds lack scientific support, and that every cat studied so far produces the main allergen.
That allergen is a protein called Fel d 1, and about 90-96% of people with cat allergies are sensitive to it. It mainly comes from a cat’s saliva and skin glands. When your cat grooms, it spreads through the coat, and it then travels around your home on dander, which can stay in the air for several days.
This is why the cat’s hair isn’t the real problem. According to the same review, hair length and coat color don’t affect how much Fel d 1 a cat produces. Less shedding may simply mean less hair and dander around your home. How you react can also vary from one cat to another, even within the same breed.
The best hypoallergenic cat breeds
These 10 breeds are among those most often recommended for people with allergies. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Breed | Coat | Personality |
|---|---|---|
| Balinese | Long, low-shedding | Looks similar to a Siamese |
| Cornish Rex | Short, soft, low-shedding | Intelligent and active |
| Devon Rex | Short, low-shedding | Loving, playful and cuddly |
| Javanese | Silky, low-shedding | Looks similar to a Siamese |
| Oriental | Needs brushing a couple of times a week | Loyal, playful and active |
| Russian Blue | Thick, short fur | Calm, friendly and great with children |
| Selkirk Rex | Wavy, sheds moderately | Gentle and good with families |
| Siamese | Short, needs weekly brushing | Very social and intelligent |
| Siberian | Long, needs weekly brushing | Loving, cuddly and sociable |
| Sphynx | Hairless, needs regular washing | Active and loves attention |
1. Balinese cat
The Balinese cat is a beautiful creature that looks a lot like a Siamese cat. It’s often called one of the best cat breeds for allergy sufferers, and it’s said to produce less Fel d 1, although this hasn’t been proven.
The cat has a long coat, but it’s a low-shedder, which is good news if you’ve been looking for a hypoallergenic cat with long hair. You can find more tips in our guide to grooming long-haired cats. Balinese cats also made our list of the most intelligent cat breeds.
2. Cornish Rex
A very intelligent and active cat, the Cornish Rex might be a great choice if you’re looking for a low-shedding cat. Unlike cats with long and dense hair that tend to shed a lot, the Cornish Rex has a short, soft and curly coat that sheds very little.
Just keep in mind that a low-shedding coat doesn’t mean that the cat is allergen free. If you’ve been searching for curly-haired hypoallergenic cats, this is one to meet in person.
3. Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is a loving and cuddly cat that is also considered to be a hypoallergenic breed. These cats don’t tend to shed as much, which may mean less hair around your home.
This is a very playful and active cat that can add joy and laughter to your daily life. To keep them busy, take a look at our cat enrichment ideas.
4. Javanese cat
If you’re a lover of Siamese cats and on the lookout for a hypoallergenic cat, then the Javanese cat might be a good option. This cat looks a lot like a Siamese cat and has a silky coat.
Some cat lovers with allergies swear by these cats. They also don’t shed much, and their coat doesn’t require much attention, so you’ll need to brush it only about once a week.
5. Oriental cat
This is a domestic cat that has a long lifespan and looks a lot like a Siamese cat. Oriental cats are often suggested for people with mild cat allergies, and they make great companions because they’re very loyal, playful and active.
This is a low-maintenance cat that you will need to brush a couple of times a week. You can also wipe them once a week with a damp cloth to remove dead hair and dirt from their coat. If you’re new to this, we’ve put together 4 ways to groom your cat at home.
6. Russian Blue cat
Like the Oriental cat, the Russian Blue is also recommended by some people as one of the best cat breeds for people with allergies. These cats have a thick coat and short fur.
You will have a breeze taking care of this cat, as you’ll only need to brush it weekly. The Russian Blue is a very friendly and loving creature that is also great with children. It has a calm temper and rarely gets aggressive, so this cat might be a great choice if you live with a large family.
7. Selkirk Rex
Known as a cat in sheep’s clothing, the Selkirk Rex can be a great companion. This cat is sometimes considered to be a hypoallergenic breed, although it does tend to shed moderately because of its wavy fur.
You’ll need to brush it a couple of times a week to keep loose hair under control. The Selkirk Rex has a cool and gentle temper, making it a great choice for families with children.
8. Siamese cat
This popular cat breed with a friendly temper is anecdotally a good fit for allergy sufferers. It’s also one of the smartest cat breeds, and it’s very social and loves to be around people.
You will need to brush it once a week, as the Siamese cat doesn’t tend to shed much.
9. Siberian cat
Although there’s no scientific proof, the Siberian cat is also often considered to be a hypoallergenic cat. If you’ve been looking for a bigger hypoallergenic cat with plenty of fluff, this breed often tops the list. These cats don’t tend to tangle much, so you may only need to brush them weekly.
Siberian cats are known to have a dog-like personality, so you may also like our list of cat breeds that act like dogs. They’re loving, cuddly and sociable cats that are great companions to children and easily become friends with other household pets.
10. Sphynx
Popular for its hairless coat, the Sphynx cat can be a great companion if you’d prefer a cat that doesn’t leave hair all over the sofa. Remember, though, that it still produces Fel d 1 through its skin and saliva. Sphynx cats need regular washing, so find out how often to bathe your cat. This is a very active and intelligent cat that craves human attention.
How to choose the best cat for your allergies
Since there’s no guaranteed allergy-friendly cat, it’s worth taking your time before you bring one home:
- Spend time with the actual cat. Visit more than once if you can, and pay attention to how you feel afterward.
- Consider a neutered male or a female. Unneutered males produce more Fel d 1 than neutered males or females.
- Speak to your doctor. This is especially important if you have asthma or your reactions tend to be severe.
- Ask about returns. Find out what happens if your symptoms turn out to be too much to live with.
If you already have other pets, take a look at how to introduce cats before your new companion comes home.
How to reduce cat allergens at home
You can’t remove every trace of Fel d 1, but combining a few habits may help:
- Keep your cat out of your bedroom.
- Use a HEPA filter, and vacuum and clean often.
- Choose hard floors or washable rugs, because carpets and soft furniture can hold a lot of allergen.
- Wash bedding and other fabrics regularly.
- Avoid touching your face after petting your cat, and wash your hands.
- Ask your doctor about medication if your symptoms continue.
Bathing your cat is less useful than you might think. In one study, levels fell at first but returned to normal within a week, even with weekly baths.
You may also have seen cat food designed to reduce allergens. In a study of 105 cats, a diet containing an antibody against Fel d 1 reduced the allergen on their hair by an average of 47% by week 10. The food is made by Purina, and the author of the review has worked with them. It’s still unclear how much of a reduction is needed to relieve symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Are there allergy-free cats?
No. Every cat studied so far produces Fel d 1, including hairless cats. Some people simply react less to certain cats than others.
What is the most hypoallergenic cat?
There’s no scientifically proven “most hypoallergenic” breed. The Balinese and Siberian are often said to produce less Fel d 1, but this hasn’t been proven, so it’s best to judge by how you react to the individual cat.
What are the best cats for people with allergies?
Breeds that are popular with allergy sufferers include the Balinese, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Russian Blue, Siberian and Sphynx. Reactions vary, so try to spend time with a cat before adopting.
Are there non-shedding hypoallergenic cats?
All cats with hair shed to some degree. The hairless Sphynx sheds the least hair, and the Cornish and Devon Rex are known for shedding very little. None of them is completely allergen free.
Are hypoallergenic cats good for people with asthma?
They can still trigger symptoms, so speak to your doctor before getting a cat if you have asthma.
Sources
- Sparkes AH. Human allergy to cats: A review for veterinarians. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2021
- The Healthy: Are there hypoallergenic cats?
- PetsRadar: Hypoallergenic cat breeds
- Cornell University: New food may control cat allergies
