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Are you one of those unfortunate cat lovers who sneezes at the mere thought of a cat?
You're not alone. Many would-be cat parents grapple with feline allergies, dreaming of a purring companion who doesn’t bring on the sniffles.
Unfortunately cats for allergic people don't exist. But some are less likely to cause symptoms than others, which brings us to the world of hypoallergenic cats.
They may not be as plentiful or well-known as their canine counterparts. While cats for people with allergies don't exist, there are some that produce less allergens. We want to be clear here: allergy-free cats don't exist.
Let’s explore what makes a cat hypoallergenic and which breeds are kindest to allergy-sufferers.
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Quick comparison: "hypoallergenic" cat breeds
| Cat breed | Allergy benefits | Coat type | Key allergy notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siberian | Low Fel d 1 production | Long, Luxurious, Triple | Despite long hair, they’re genetically known to produce significantly less of the main Fel d 1 protein. |
| Russian Blue | Low Fel d 1 production | Short, Dense Double | Believed to produce lower levels of Fel d 1; its dense coat may also trap dander close to the skin. |
| Balinese | Low Fel d 1 production | Medium-Long, Single | Often called the "long-haired Siamese," this breed produces less Fel d 1 protein in its saliva and skin. |
| Sphynx | Minimal dander spread | Hairless or Peach Fuzz | Absence of fur means no saliva-coated, dander-filled hair is shed around the house. Requires frequent bathing to manage oily, allergen-rich skin secretions. |
| Devon Rex | Very low shedding | Very Short, Curly (Down hair only) | Has less hair overall than the Cornish Rex and sheds minimally, greatly reducing dispersal of allergens. |
| Cornish Rex | Low shedding | Short, Fine, Wavy (Single coat) | Lacks two of the three coat layers, resulting in very low shedding and less allergen release. |
| Oriental Shorthair | Low shedding | Short, Fine | Extremely short, sleek coat sheds very little, helping to minimise the spread of allergy-inducing proteins. |
| Bengal | Low shedding & grooming | Short, Pelt-like | Low-maintenance coat sheds little. They also produce lower amounts of the Fel d 1 protein than other breeds. |
| Burmese | Low Fel d 1 Production | Short, Dense | Produces lower levels of the Fel d 1 protein compared to most domestic cats. |
What makes a cat hypoallergenic?
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Technically speaking, no cat is 100% hypoallergenic.
The main culprit behind cat allergies is Fel d 1, a secretoglobin protein complex, found in cat saliva, skin, and fur. While no cat is completely allergen-free, hypoallergenic breeds produce less of this protein, making them more tolerable to allergy sufferers.
Cats that are low shedders release less saliva coated hairs into the environment, further reducing the amount of Fel d 1 protein about.
So when we use the phrase “hypoallergenic” to describe certain cats, we’re really just referring to cat breeds that tend to produce fewer allergens than others, meaning they are less likely to cause symptoms. This doesn’t make them ‘allergy-free’, however. Sensitive allergy sufferers may still react to these breeds.
What cat breeds are hypoallergenic?
Pining for a home where the sound of purring doesn’t compete with the sound of sneezing?
Certain cat breeds might be the right match. Here are the cats that are best for allergies.
Siberian cats
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Known for their majestic, luxurious fluff, Siberian cats are a surprising ally for allergy sufferers.
Despite their abundant fur, they produce significantly less Fel d 1 protein than most other breeds. This makes them an excellent choice for allergy-sufferers who nonetheless dream of owning a fluffy cat.
And not for nothing, but Siberians are also playful and affectionate. They’re a great choice, even if you’re not an allergy sufferer.
Bengal cats
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Their distinctive leopard-like spots aren't the only things that set Bengals apart. These cats have a unique coat that produces less allergen-containing dander than many other breeds. They are also thought to produce less Fel D 1 than some other cats.
They love exercise and interactive play. And since they’re hypoallergenic, allergy-sufferers can get up close and personal with those feather wands and rubber mice.
Russian Blue
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With that striking blue-grey coat and shimmering green eyes, the Russian Blue is as gorgeous as it is low allergen.
These cats are fairly gentle and reserved, but they can form deep bonds with their owners—including the allergy-prone ones.
Oriental Shorthair
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The Oriental Shorthair is another great option for reducing allergic reactions. Their short, fine coat doesn’t shed much, which can help minimise the spread of allergens.
These cats tend to thrive in social environments and often seek attention and interaction from their human companions. Fortunately, allergy-sufferers can meet their needs.
Devon Rex and Cornish Rex
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Both of these breeds are notable for their unique, curly coats. Their less dense fur translates to fewer allergens floating around your home. The Devon Rex and Cornish Rex are often described as dog-like for their loyalty and playful behaviour. Though if you’re looking for an actual hypoallergenic dog, you might consider a poodle mix.
Balinese cats
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Balinese cats don’t actually come from the Indonesian island of Bali; they just reminded a breeder of Balinese dancers. Wherever they come from, they’re a decent choice for allergy-sufferers.
These kitties are often mistaken for their non-hypoallergenic cousin, the Siamese. Strangely enough, they actually have longer hair than the Siamese.
Balinese cats are known for being sociable, highly intelligent, and sometimes a bit vocal. If you’re looking for a friendly hypoallergenic cat with absolutely no connection to Bali, the Balinese is, oddly enough, a solid choice.
Burmese cats
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Unlike those “Balinese” pretenders, these friendly felines actually do originate from Burma, now Myanmar. Elegant and sleek, Burmese cats stand out for producing less Fel d 1 than many other breeds.
They thrive on human interaction and are often described as 'people-oriented' cats, even when those people tend to sneeze in the presence of whiskers.
Sphynx cats
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This one’s pretty self-explanatory. Sphynx cats don’t leave saliva-coated, dander-filled hair around the house because they don’t have any hair to shed.
Small amounts of allergens can still be found in their skin and saliva, but they’re as hypoallergenic as cats can be.
Ultimately, each of these breeds brings its own unique charm—and, mercifully, fewer achoos.
Factors to consider when choosing a hypoallergenic cat
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Choosing a cat is a big decision, and even more so when allergies are in play. Here are some key factors to consider when thinking about cats good for allergies:
Allergen levels: Even among hypoallergenic breeds, the level of allergens can vary. Do your research, consult a vet or other expert, and, if possible, spend time with the breed to assess your reaction.
Gender and neutering: Studies suggest that female cats and neutered male cats produce lower levels of the Fel d 1 protein in comparison to unneutered male cats, so consider this when looking for a “hypoallergenic” cat.
Grooming needs: Different hypoallergenic cats have different grooming needs, and the ones that shed more tend to produce a higher number of allergens. Have we mentioned that no cat is 100% hypoallergenic?
Health and longevity: You should research the most common cat health issues in the breeds you're considering. Healthy cats—in particular, those with good skin and coat health—often produce fewer allergens.
Lifestyle fit: Don’t get so fixated on the allergy factor that you forget to choose the cat that’s right for you. Consider the cat's temperament and energy levels. Some hypoallergenic breeds are more active and require more engagement, while others are more laid-back.
Remember, finding the right hypoallergenic cat isn’t just about managing allergies. You need to find a feline friend who’s right for your needs and lifestyle.
Managing allergies with hypoallergenic cats
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Owning a hypoallergenic cat doesn't just mean you can throw caution to the wind.
First and foremost, regular grooming is absolutely essential. Even low-shedding cats need to be brushed about once or twice a week to improve skin health. If your kitty is suffering from some specific skin issue, like fleas, you’ll need to consult a vet and use a more aggressive treatment.
You can also try:
HEPA filters: Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home to trap allergens
Allergen-reducing products: Consider using allergen-reducing sprays or wipes on your cat, as recommended by your vet.
Creating allergy-free zones: Designate certain areas of your home, like bedrooms, as cat-free zones to create a respite from allergens.
And remember, cleanliness is next to catliness.
You should regularly clean your home to reduce the accumulation of pet allergens. This includes vacuuming carpets and washing bedding. Let’s be honest, you should have been doing this anyway.
Myths about hypoallergenic cats
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When it comes to cats for allergic owners, there's a litter box full of misconceptions. Let’s run through them, shall we?
“Hypoallergenic cats are allergen-free": We’ve already busted this one a few times, but let’s do it again: No cat is truly hypoallergenic. Some just produce fewer allergens than others, but none are completely allergen-free. As a result, some individuals with severe allergies may struggle to live with any type of cat. It’s sad, but true.
"Hairless cats are the best option for allergy sufferers'': Ah, the Sphynx. Feline baldness must lead to a sniffle-free home, right? Look, it’s true that hairless cats are extremely hypoallergenic compared to other breeds, but they still produce the Fel d 1 protein in their saliva, urine and sebaceous glands. Did we mention that no cat is truly hypoallergenic?
“Short-haired cats are better for allergies than long-haired cats": There’s even less truth to this one. It's not the length of the hair that matters, but the amount of Fel d 1 protein the cat produces. Some fluffy or long-haired breeds don’t produce many allergens, including the ones we’ve discussed in this article, like the Balinese or the Siberian.
"You can build immunity to cat allergies": Don’t count on it. While some people may develop tolerance over time, this is hardly a guaranteed outcome for everyone.
Separating myth from reality can help you set the right expectations when you choose a (mostly) hypoallergenic cat.
How cat insurance can help
If you’re a chronic allergy sufferer, you'll be concerned about both you and your cat's health.
Cat insurance can ease the financial burden of life-saving care, helping you pursue treatment your cat needs when they need it. Even as you’re taking care of your own health, you should never forget about theirs.
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