Are you a cat lover who suffers from allergies? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Our list of 17 hypoallergenic cat breeds will help you bring home your feline friend without triggering any allergic reactions.
If you’re allergic to cats but still want to bring one home, don’t worry – there are many breeds that produce fewer allergens than others. While no cat is 100% hypoallergenic, some breeds have lower levels of the protein Fel d 1 in their saliva, oils, and skin.
Reducing Allergen Production
Before we dive into the list of lower-allergen cat breeds, it’s essential to understand that even these cats can still trigger allergies. However, they tend to produce fewer allergens than other breeds. This is because some breeds have a lower amount of ‘Fel d 1’ in their saliva, oils, and skin.
17 Lower-Allergen Cat Breeds
The Siberian cat has a luxurious and fluffy coat that surprisingly produces fewer allergens than many other cat breeds.
Bengal cats have short, sleek coats that require minimal grooming, which helps reduce the spread of allergens.
Famous for being hairless cats, ‘Sphynx cats’ produce dander but lack cat hair that can spread allergens.
The Devon Rex has short, soft and wavy fur. Because they have less cat hair and groom less frequently, they’re less likely to spread allergens in your home.
Like the Devon Rex, the ‘Cornish Rex’ has only a fine undercoat that sheds minimally, reducing the spread of allergens.
Known for their sleek bodies and large ears, ‘Oriental Shorthairs’ have fine, short coats that require little grooming and naturally produce less Fel d 1.
Often called the ‘long-haired Siamese,’ Balinese cats look fluffy with their silky coats, but they also produce less of the Fel d 1 protein.
There’s anecdotal evidence that Siamese cats produce less cat allergens, and their short coats shed less, which prevents allergen spread.
The Russian Blue has a dense, plush coat that traps allergens better, compared to other cat breeds.
- LaPerm
The ‘LaPerm’ is a unique breed with curly fur that doesn’t shed as much as other cat breeds, which can reduce the spread of dander.
Burmese cats have short, fine coats that produce fewer allergens. They are lap cats, known for being super snuggly.
A mix between ‘Siamese’ and ‘Burmese cats,’ the Tonkinese has a short coat that’s easy to manage. Again, less grooming means less dander and potentially less allergen spread.
Ocicats have a leopard-like pattern that makes them look wilder than they are. ‘Ocicats’ are domestic cats with short coats that shed minimally.
The ‘Exotic Shorthair’ has a dense but short coat that requires minimal grooming, which helps reduce allergens.
Abyssinians are sleek, muscular cats with short coats that produce fewer allergens.
The ‘Peterbald’ is another breed of hairless cats, similar to the ‘Sphynx,’ but they sometimes have a fine layer of fuzz on their bodies. Regular grooming keeps allergens under control.
The ‘Javanese’ has a fine, silky coat that doesn’t shed much, reducing the spread of allergens.
Reducing Allergens in Your Home
While these breeds may be lower-allergen, it’s still essential to take steps to reduce allergens in your home. Here are some tips:
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Use an air purifier to trap allergens
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Vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter vacuum
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Wash sheets, blankets and furniture often
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Keep cats out of your bedroom
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Have someone who’s not allergic brush the cat more frequently to remove loose fur and dander before it spreads
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Bathe the cat regularly with cat-safe shampoo
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Wipe your cat with hypoallergenic pet wipes
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Use allergen-reducing sprays to help neutralize allergens on your cat’s fur
Treating Cat Allergy Symptoms
If you’re struggling with cat allergy symptoms, there are medications available. Consult a medical professional before taking any medication.
Cat allergy treatment involves reducing exposure to allergens and mitigating symptoms.
Common treatments include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunotherapy.
Antihistamines block histamine release, while corticosteroids reduce inflammation.
Immunotherapy involves gradual exposure to increasing amounts of cat dander.
Some people find relief with HEPA air purifiers and regular grooming.
However, treatment success varies among individuals, and some may require ongoing medication or multiple approaches.
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‘Antihistamines such as Loratadine (Claritin), Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)’
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‘Decongestants such as Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)’
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‘Nasal sprays such as Fluticasone (Flonase) or Mometasone (Nasonex)’
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Allergy shots that may reduce cat allergies over time by gradually desensitizing your immune system
- howstuffworks.com | 17 Hypoallergenic Cats to Keep Your Sneezing at Bay
- newsbreak.com | 17 Hypoallergenic Cats to Keep Your Sneezing at Bay NewsBreak
