10 Best Cat Breeds That Don't Shed or Smell

Are you looking for Cat Breeds that don’t shed a lot? If you’re one of the millions of people who have an allergy to cats, you’re not alone.

But if you’re an allergy sufferer who happens to love cats, we have even better news for you. There are a handful of hairless cat breeds and cat breeds that don’t shed or smell as frequently as others that may help alleviate your itchy eyes and runny nose. In this article, we’ll explore 10 cat breeds that don’t shed or smell.

Before we dive into the list, let’s discuss why these particular cat breeds can be a better choice for allergy sufferers. Cats produce a protein called Fel d 1, which is present in their skin, saliva, and urine.

When a cat cleans itself, this protein gets on its fur. From there, it can easily become airborne and cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to it. Cats that don’t shed or smell as much can help reduce the amount of this allergen in the environment.

Now, let’s take a look at the 10 best cat breeds for people with allergies.

1. Bombay

The Bombay cat is one of the best non-shedding cat breeds around. They have a warm, friendly, and outgoing personality and most Bombay cats are fantastic around children. Bombay cats are black, featuring gorgeous eyes and a reasonably short fur coat. The fact that the coat is so short is one of the reasons why this cat is hypoallergenic.

Bombay cats are strikingly beautiful and they resemble panthers with their deep black, slick coats. These cats are very affectionate and have temperaments that are often compared to that of a dog. They enjoy human interaction, they like going out for walks on a leash, and they even play fetch. Their short, tight coat means they shed less, which can help reduce allergens in your home.

2. Siberian

One look at these cats may have you thinking we’ve included them on this list in error, as they have long and luxurious looking fur. However, these cats naturally shed very little and are even considered to be hypoallergenic despite their long coats. Siberian cats are large and fluffy, so it might seem like they shed a ton, but they actually don’t.

They have a long and heavy coat, but they really don’t shed that much. They do need to be combed though, so that the fur doesn’t build up too much. Bonus: these cats are known to be hypoallergenic as well. If you’re a fan of longer fur on a cat and don’t mind the more time-intensive maintenance required, this may be the perfect cat breed for you.

3. Burmese

The Burmese is a small cat with a short, fine coat that naturally touts less hair than other breeds. According to the Cat Fanciers Association, they have a lot of affection for their people, wanting to be by their side as much as they can, but without being overly demanding.

Some Burmese will even play fetch with a toy. Burmese cats have a short coat that is bound to spread less dander around your home than most other breeds. Their fur is also very fine, and this leads to lighter shedding as well.

4. Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is loosely related to the Cornish Rex and is another breed that lacks guard hairs. They have sparse, curly coats that shed far less than most other cat breeds.

These cats are also highly sociable and are known to get along not only with humans but also other cats and even dogs. A cat that sheds very little and gets along with dogs? It’s no wonder these cats are sometimes referred to as “poodles that purr.”

5. Cornish Rex

While the Cornish Rex has hair, this cat’s coat is curly, very short, and lies close to the body, so they shed less than other breeds. The Cornish Rex is also very playful breed, so they could be the perfect choice for someone who wants an active playmate for themselves or their other pets.

The Cornish Rex is a rather unique-looking cat, as they have sparse coats and no guard hairs, which make up a top coat of fur that often protects cats against water. No guard hairs, as you may have guessed, means less fur to shed. These cats are very social and love human interaction. They are also slow to mature and will exhibit kitten-like behavior well into their adult years.

6. Abyssinian

Another heavy seasonal shedding breed, Abyssinian cats have a short, sleek coat that won’t shed much except for two times a year as the weather changes during summer and winter. They have a beautiful deep red coat, and they are known to be very inquisitive and explorative cats.

Their curiosity often leads them into a bit of mischief. They’re even referred to as “Abby-grabbies” because they’ll try to get their paws on just about anything they can see to investigate.

If you want a cat with a dog-like temperament, the regal-looking Abyssinian is worth considering. They’re inquisitive, playful, and love attention from their humans. While their short, thick coat does shed a bit, it’s fairly minimal, and they require little in the way of grooming.

7. Russian Blue

Another minimal shedder, Russian Blues generally shed over a two to three-week period just once or twice a year. They are easy to groom.

The hair of the Russian Blue also notably stands out at a 45-degree angle that you can literally trace patterns into where they’ll remain until you smooth them out with your hand. A compact breed with a graceful, muscular build, the Russian Blue has a gentle temperament and is known for being easy to train.

8. Siamese

Siamese cats are beautiful and sleek, and their short hair lends itself to less shedding and less dander being spread around your house. Siamese cats are not hairless, but they don’t shed much.

Their fur tends to be shorter than some of the other cat breeds. Siamese cats have low maintenance coats that can be cared for by brushing with a fine-tooth comb. Once their dead hair is removed, they’ll shed minimally. With large ears, distinctive blue eyes, and a sleek, slim figure, the Siamese comes in a seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac point and loves being around and chatting with their people.

9. Oriental Shorthair

These beautiful, slender cats have, you guessed it, short hair. So while they do shed, they blow less fur and therefore less dander than most breeds with longer fur. Because of their connection to the Siamese family, Oriental Shorthairs are similarly easy to groom.

Long and slender like the Siamese, Oriental Shorthairs differ in their coloring, which can range in over 300 colors and patterns that include ebony, pure white, bicolor, and tabby. A loving, entertaining breed, these kitties like to be the center of attention and can become sensitive if ignored or left alone too often.

10. Sphynx Cat

The Sphynx cat breed is virtually a hairless cat breed. The only reason that it is almost hairless and not entirely hairless is that there is a small level of fuzz very close to the skin. Other than that, you will see this feline’s bare skin rather easily and from a distance.

A Sphynx cat looks entirely hairless. Probably the most well-known of naked cats, a Sphynx appears to be hairless and fragile. However, they actually have hair follicles and are covered by a very fine hair. It’s just that we can’t really see it or even feel it.

A Sphynx might look weird, but they actually feel super soft, like suede. Getting one means you don’t have to deal with cat hair, but they can be a bit high maintenance since they don’t have hair that absorbs their body oils. They need to be bathed regularly, and their skin needs to be protected from the sun if they’re allowed to go outside.

Summary

There you have it, the top 10 cat breeds that don’t shed or smell. From the sleek Bombay to the virtually hairless Sphynx, these breeds offer options for those who love cats but suffer from allergies.

Remember, no cat is 100% hypoallergenic, but these breeds tend to produce fewer allergens than others. Always spend time with a cat before bringing it home to see if it triggers your allergies.

We hope this guide has helped you consider a few new options for your next pet. If you found this information helpful, please share these 10 cat breeds that don’t shed or smell with your friends and family. Remember, at pawsadviser, we’re here to help you make the best decisions for your pets.

Finally, no matter what breed or age you choose, owning a cat can bring a lot of joy and companionship to your life. The bond between a cat and its owner is a special one, and it can provide a sense of purpose and routine that can be very beneficial for people with allergies.

So whether you’re an allergy sufferer looking for a new pet or a loved one trying to help find the perfect companion for an allergy sufferer, consider one of these cat breeds. They’re loving, low maintenance, and can make a wonderful addition to any home.