Do you dream of owning a cat, but allergies are holding you back? You’re not alone—approximately 10% of the population is allergic to cats. But have you ever wondered what exactly causes these allergies? The culprit is a protein in cats’ saliva called Fel d 1, which triggers allergic reactions in many humans. Since cats groom themselves by licking, this protein spreads all over their bodies. As a result, when they shed their fur, they leave behind allergen-soaked hairs in your home. While regular grooming may reduce the amount of dander they shed, it won’t make them completely hypoallergenic.
Although there’s no such thing as an allergen-free cat, there are hypoallergenic cat breeds that produce fewer proteins and shed less compared to average cats. This means that they leave behind less of the allergen in your home and on you when you cuddle them. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular hypoallergenic cat breeds and the common health conditions associated with them.
Most Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds
These four cat breeds are considered highly hypoallergenic and are perfect for pet lovers with sensitivities to cat allergens. They produce significantly fewer proteins of the Fel d 1 type, which cause allergic reactions in humans.
1. Balinese-Javanese
Resembling the popular Siamese breed, Balinese cats (also known as Javanese) have a silky smooth coat and a luxurious tail plume. Don’t let their fluffy appearance fool you—Balinese cats are considered one of the least shedding long-haired breeds. Like their Siamese counterparts, they are talkative, have an easy-going personality, and are hypoallergenic.
Although Balinese cats are beautiful, like all pets, they are prone to a few health problems to watch out for, such as amyloidosis, asthma, progressive retinal atrophy, hyperesthesia, lymphoma, and heart defects.
2. Siberian
With their bushy coats and fluffy tails, Siberian cats may not immediately come to mind when thinking about hypoallergenic breeds. However, they are gaining popularity due to their minimal dander and affectionate, intelligent temperament. In fact, Siberians are one of the few cat breeds that don’t mind getting wet and actually enjoy playing in water.
Siberian cats are generally healthy, but two health conditions that pet parents should be aware of are cardiomyopathy and anemia.
3. Devon Rex
Resembling hairless breeds, Devon Rex cats are often called “poodles that purr” because of their short, curly hair and wagging tails when they’re happy. These social and playful cats are considered hypoallergenic. While they may be small in size, they make up for it with their large and sociable personalities.
Devon Rex cats are predisposed to a few health problems, including Devon rex myopathy, cardiomyopathy, and fading kitten syndrome.
4. Sphynx
The Sphynx cat’s skin is said to resemble warm suede, just like their warm and affectionate personality. Despite their appearance, most Sphynx cats are not completely hairless—they have fine and short fur that is often invisible to the human eye. Shedding is almost nonexistent in these cats, making them highly allergy-friendly.
While Sphynx cats are selectively bred to minimize health issues, they are genetically predisposed to two concerns: cardiomyopathy and obesity.
To explore these hypoallergenic breeds and learn more about their unique qualities, consider visiting Katten TrimSalon. With the right cat breed, you can enjoy the companionship you desire without compromising your allergies.