Cat Breeds for People With Allergies

Have you ever wanted a cat, but were allergic to animals? It’s hard to like an animal when you’re allergic to everything about them. You can always try a “hypoallergenic” cat. Though they’re not 100% allergenic free, but they’re close. They are prone to shed less, or have less dander, which both are major causes of cat allergies.

By choosing a cat among hypoallergenic cat breeds, you can reduce the amount of wheezing, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. To reduce your allergic reaction to cats, groom your feline friend regularly and wash her toys once a week. You also should often vacuum your floors and consider installing an air filter in your home.

Here are some different breeds of cats that are considered hypoallergenic.

Like the look of long haired cats? Meet the Balinese. Similar to the Siamese, but they have a long silky coat. People some times don’t believe that a Balinese can be hypoallergenic. That perhaps is due to a common misconception that cat hair itself triggers allergies, which is not exactly the case. The proteins that cause allergic reactions are present in a cat’s saliva and skin oils, which are carried through the home by shed fur. But Balinese cats produce much less of the Fel D1 protein that causes allergies in the first place, so their fur carries less of the allergen around. Meaning that you may not be as allergenic to them.

Cornish Rexes are not hairless, though some times they may look that way. They have very fine fur. They posses only the “undercoat” which would be the down hair. Normal cats have three layers of fur. The outer layer is called the guard hair; the middle layer is called the awn hair; and then there is the undercoat or down hair. Due to them only having the one layer of fur, they shed less then other breeds. So people with cat allergies suffer far less or not at all.

The Devon Rex is described as the pixie of the cat world due to their rounded pixie like face with their large round eyes. To add pixie reputation, they are very clown like and love to play. Just like the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex has that soft down coat though they have a lot less.

You might not think that a Siberian would be a hypoallergenic cat with that long long coat, but they are. Though it’s not 100% like with all hypoallergenic animals. Siberians, like Balinese and Russian Blues seem to produce less Fel d 1 protein than regular cats.

Sphynxs are usually the first cat you would think of for a hypoallergenic cat and you wouldn’t be wrong. This breed has little to no hair and does not shed. Without fur to trap the allergens from their saliva, they may not cause an allergic reaction. Though the Fel d 1 protein may still be present in their saliva. They are extremely lovable and very social. Very human orientated.

There are many more breeds that are not listed that are considered hypoallergenic. Do your research prior to buying a kitten. Visit breeders and speak to your veterinarian if you have any questions about what you should do