More than 46 million homes in the U.S. cherish the companionship of a cat. However, for those with allergies, the dream of welcoming a feline friend can often be accompanied by sniffles and sneezes. But fear not, aspiring cat lovers! While the myth of a completely hypoallergenic cat persists, the truth is delightfully nuanced. There are indeed certain breeds that produce fewer allergens, making them potentially wonderful companions for those with sensitivities. Let’s explore some of these cute cat breeds that might just be the purrfect fit for your allergy-sensitive home.
What Exactly is a “Hypoallergenic” Cat?
It’s important to understand that the term “hypoallergenic” is a bit of a misnomer when it comes to cats. All cats, regardless of breed, produce allergens. These allergens are proteins found in cat fur, saliva, and urine. The primary culprit is a protein called Fel d 1, mainly produced in cat saliva and sebaceous glands. When cats groom themselves, they deposit saliva on their fur, which then dries and becomes airborne, triggering allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
“Hypoallergenic” cat breeds are those that naturally produce lower levels of these allergenic proteins. This doesn’t mean they are allergen-free, but for many allergy sufferers, the reduced allergen load can make living with these breeds much more comfortable. Remember, reactions vary from person to person, so spending time with a specific breed is always recommended.
12 Cute Cat Breeds That Are Easier on Allergies
If you’re looking for a cute and cuddly cat that might be kinder to your allergies, consider these breeds. Always remember to spend time with any cat before bringing it home to see how your allergies react.
1. Siberian
Woman lovingly snuggling a fluffy brown and white Siberian cat, showcasing its gentle nature and suitability as a hypoallergenic pet.
Photo credit: Adobe Stock/Evrymmnt
Siberians are undeniably cute with their large, expressive eyes and luxurious, thick, long hair. It might seem counterintuitive, but despite their abundant fur, Siberians are renowned as a hypoallergenic breed. They produce less Fel d 1 protein in their saliva than many other breeds. Beyond their allergy-friendliness, Siberians are known for their sweet and affectionate personalities. They are playful, gentle, and make wonderful family pets, bonding strongly with their human companions. Be prepared for regular grooming to keep their magnificent coat in top condition, but the cuddles and purrs are well worth it.
2. Siamese
Elegant Siamese cat with striking blue eyes sitting gracefully outdoors, highlighting its short coat and hypoallergenic qualities.
Photo credit: Adobe Stock/Vesna
Siamese cats are sleek, elegant, and undeniably cute with their striking blue almond-shaped eyes and short, close-lying coat. While no cat is truly non-shedding, the Siamese coat sheds minimally compared to many breeds. This reduced shedding means less allergen-laden fur floating around your home. Siamese are also known for being incredibly vocal and people-oriented. They develop strong bonds with their families and are often described as demanding of attention, in the most affectionate way possible. If you’re looking for a cute, talkative companion who will always be by your side, the Siamese might steal your heart.
3. Bengal
Playful Bengal cat lying on its back on a bed, displaying its spotted coat and energetic, hypoallergenic nature.
Photo credit: Adobe Stock/ingusk
Bengal cats are exotic and strikingly cute with their wild appearance, inherited from their Asian Leopard Cat ancestry. Their short, uniquely spotted or marbled coats are not only beautiful but also contribute to their hypoallergenic nature. Bengals are low-shedding cats, which helps reduce the spread of allergens. These are energetic and intelligent felines, full of playful curiosity. Bengals are known for their athleticism and love of interaction, making them entertaining and engaging companions. Be aware they need plenty of stimulation and may not be suitable for very quiet households.
4. Russian Blue
Gentle Russian Blue cat affectionately headbutting a man, showcasing its plush coat and hypoallergenic, loving temperament.
Photo credit: iStock/Drazen_
Russian Blue cats are undeniably cute with their striking emerald green eyes contrasting against their dense, plush, silver-blue coat. This breed is considered hypoallergenic due to its dense coat that traps dander close to the skin, rather than releasing it into the air. Russian Blues are known for their gentle and quiet nature. They are affectionate and devoted to their families but can be initially shy around strangers, making them wonderfully loyal companions for those they trust. Their calm demeanor and beautiful appearance make them a charming and cute addition to any home.
5. Sphynx
Intriguing black and pink Sphynx cat peering from a cozy cat bed, emphasizing its unique hairless appearance and hypoallergenic qualities.
Photo credit: iStock/Drazen_
Sphynx cats are uniquely cute, or perhaps strikingly unusual, with their almost hairless bodies and large, expressive ears. Their lack of fur is the primary reason they are considered hypoallergenic. Without a thick coat to trap saliva and dander, they produce and spread fewer allergens. Sphynx cats are known for being incredibly affectionate, social, and even dog-like in their devotion. They crave attention and warmth, often seeking out cuddles under blankets or on laps. While they require regular bathing to maintain skin health, their playful and loving personalities make them captivating and cute companions for those seeking a truly unique feline friend.
6. Devon Rex
Affectionate Devon Rex cat being held like a baby by a woman, highlighting its curly coat and playful, hypoallergenic personality.
Photo credit: iStock/insonnia
Devon Rex cats are adorably cute with their large ears, pixie-like faces, and soft, wavy, suede-like fur. Their unique, curly coat is short and sheds minimally, contributing to their hypoallergenic reputation. Devon Rex cats are known for being playful, intelligent, and very people-oriented. They are often described as “monkey in a cat suit” due to their mischievous and acrobatic nature. They thrive on attention and interaction, making them wonderful, cute companions for active individuals and families who enjoy a playful and engaging feline.
7. Cornish Rex
Two playful Cornish Rex kittens cuddling in a cat bed, showcasing their wavy coats and cute, energetic nature.
Photo credit: iStock/Sicha69
Cornish Rex cats are strikingly cute with their slender bodies, large ears, and distinctive rippled, wavy coat that lies close to the body, almost like velvet. Like the Devon Rex, their short, curly fur sheds very little, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. Cornish Rex cats are known for being incredibly affectionate, playful, and energetic. They are often described as kitten-like throughout their lives, enjoying games, cuddles, and being the center of attention. Their charming personalities and unique appearance make them undeniably cute and engaging pets.
8. Javanese
Gentle Javanese cat mother grooming her kittens, emphasizing their silky coat and affectionate, hypoallergenic nature.
Photo credit: Adobe Stock/Heidi Bollich
Javanese cats are elegantly cute with their slender, svelte bodies, almond-shaped eyes, and silky, medium-length coat that comes in a variety of colors. Despite having a longer coat than some other hypoallergenic breeds, the Javanese has a single-coat, lacking an undercoat, which results in less shedding and fewer allergens. Javanese cats are known for being intelligent, playful, and very vocal. They are deeply attached to their families and enjoy being involved in household activities. Their affectionate nature and graceful appearance make them undeniably cute and charming companions.
9. Balinese
Beautiful longhaired Balinese cat snuggling with a woman, showcasing its elegant coat and gentle, hypoallergenic temperament.
Photo credit: Adobe Stock/New Africa
Balinese cats are often described as “longhaired Siamese” and are just as elegantly cute. They share the Siamese breed’s striking blue eyes and pointed color pattern but boast a luxurious, flowing, silky coat. Despite their longer fur, Balinese cats produce less Fel d 1 protein, making them a hypoallergenic breed. Balinese cats are known for their intelligence, playfulness, and affectionate nature. They are also vocal and enjoy interacting with their families, making them wonderful, cute companions for those seeking a more glamorous feline friend.
10. Oriental Shorthair
Alert Oriental Shorthair cat with large ears looking directly at the camera, highlighting its sleek coat and curious, hypoallergenic personality.
Photo credit: iStock/Leschenko
Oriental Shorthair cats are striking and uniquely cute with their large, bat-like ears, slender bodies, and sleek, short coats that come in a vast array of colors and patterns. Their short coat requires minimal grooming and contributes to their hypoallergenic qualities due to reduced shedding. Oriental Shorthairs are known for being intelligent, curious, and very playful. They are highly social cats who thrive on companionship and can be quite vocal, often communicating with their owners in distinctive “honking” meows. Their playful antics and striking looks make them undeniably cute and entertaining pets.
11. Burmese
Energetic Burmese cat walking on a leash and harness outdoors, showcasing its short coat and playful, hypoallergenic nature.
Photo credit: Adobe Stock/Alinute
Burmese cats are adorably cute with their rounded faces, expressive eyes, and sleek, short, satin-like coats that come in rich solid colors. Their short coat is low-shedding and requires minimal grooming, contributing to their hypoallergenic nature. Burmese cats are known for being affectionate, intelligent, and playful, often maintaining their kitten-like energy well into adulthood. They are very people-oriented and enjoy being part of family activities, making them wonderful, cute and interactive companions.
12. Tonkinese
Charming Tonkinese cat with captivating aqua eyes sitting and looking at the camera, emphasizing its short coat and friendly, hypoallergenic temperament.
Photo credit: Adobe Stock/Steve Mann
Tonkinese cats are beautifully cute with their moderately slender bodies, expressive aqua-colored eyes, and soft, short, mink-like coats that come in pointed patterns. As a mix of Siamese and Burmese, they inherit the hypoallergenic traits of both parent breeds, being low-shedding and producing fewer allergens. Tonkinese cats are known for being intelligent, playful, and very social. They are affectionate and enjoy interacting with their families, often described as “Velcro cats” due to their desire to be close to their humans. Their engaging personalities and striking appearance make them undeniably cute and delightful companions.
Tips for Welcoming a Cute Hypoallergenic Cat
Bringing a cat into your home is a joyful experience. If you’re considering a hypoallergenic breed due to allergies, here are some helpful tips:
Do Thorough Research
Choosing the right breed is the first step. Delve into the characteristics of each breed, considering not just their hypoallergenic potential but also their personality and care needs to ensure a good match for your lifestyle. Visiting breeders or shelters to meet cats in person is crucial to assess your allergic reaction before making a commitment.
Consult an Allergy Specialist
Before bringing a cat home, especially if your allergies are severe, consult with an allergist. They can help you understand the severity of your allergies and suggest strategies, including medication, to manage symptoms and make cat ownership more comfortable.
Maintain a Clean Home Environment
Regular cleaning is essential in any home with pets, but it’s even more important for allergy sufferers. Vacuum frequently, especially carpets and upholstery, and consider using HEPA filters in your vacuum cleaner and air purifier to reduce airborne allergens. Regularly wash cat bedding and toys.
Discuss Diet with Your Veterinarian
Innovative cat food options, like Purina® Pro Plan® LIVECLEAR, are formulated to reduce allergens in cat hair and dander. Talk to your veterinarian about whether such a diet could be beneficial for your cat and for managing your allergies.
FAQs About Cats and Shedding
Are There Truly Non-Shedding Cats?
While breeds like the Sphynx are often called “non-shedding,” it’s more accurate to say they shed minimally. All cats experience some fur loss, but breeds listed as hypoallergenic typically shed significantly less than others, reducing the amount of airborne allergens.
Can a Cat Be 100% Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, no cat breed is entirely hypoallergenic. All cats produce allergens. However, the breeds discussed here produce lower levels of these allergens, making them more compatible for many individuals with cat allergies. Individual reactions vary, so personal interaction with a cat breed is always recommended.
WRITTEN BY
Nicole Zittritsch, LVT, BSc, MPH
Veterinarian Technician
