Top 10 Cat to Get If You Are Allergic to Cats

Are you a cat lover who also happens to have allergies?

If so, you’re not alone. Approximately 10% of people have pet allergies, and cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies. If you have a cat allergy, you might assume you can never own a cat.

But luckily, that’s not always the case. Although no cat breed is truly hypoallergenic, some breeds are less likely to trigger allergies than others. In this article, we’re going to reveal some of the best cat breeds for people with allergies.

What Causes Cat Allergies?

Before we delve into the breeds, let’s start with what causes allergies. Allergic reactions are caused by the immune system as it responds to substances that are usually harmless to most humans.

So, people with cat allergies react to certain substances that cats produce. A common misconception is that this substance is the cat’s fur. Although fur can contain allergens, cat allergies are actually driven by the presence of the Fel D1 protein, which is found in cats’ saliva, urine, and dander.

Now, how can people with cat allergies possibly tolerate the presence of a cat? Well, since the Fel D1 protein is the true culprit of the allergies, the key is to look for breeds that produce less of this protein than other cats.

Another trick is to look at the type of fur that the cat has because certain types of fur are less likely to trigger allergies.

Cat Allergy Precautions

Even if your cat allergy is minor, there are still precautions you should take to avoid having a reaction. To minimize the chance of allergic reactions, brush your furry friend at least once a week to prevent dander.

This also works by removing excess fur so that it doesn’t spread throughout the house. You should also keep a rigorous cleaning schedule. PetMD recommends that people with cat allergies regularly sweep and mop the floors, vacuum the rugs, clean the furniture, and wash bedding.

It’s also advised to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter because regular filters don’t always catch enough allergens. Having a standalone HEPA filter can be very helpful too.

The Best Cat Breeds for People with Allergies

Now, let’s review 10 allergy-friendly cat breeds in no particular order:

1. Siamese

Siamese cats have short fur, which means they shed significantly less than other breeds. These cats also release the Fel D1 protein in smaller quantities.

The silky fur of Siamese cats also traps the Fel D1 protein, which minimizes its release into the environment. Siamese cats are very vocal and have a distinct low-pitched meow. This breed is also known for being more social than other cats, making them more likely to be attention seekers.

Siamese cats are often very attached to their owners, making them a great choice if you want an affectionate companion. These cats are also said to be very intelligent, plus there is no denying their elegant beauty.

2. Balinese

The Balinese looks almost identical to the Siamese, except that it has long fur, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as the long-haired Siamese.

Believe it or not, despite its long fur, this breed does not shed much because they only have a single coat. The Balinese also produces less of the Fel D1 protein than other breeds. Like the Siamese, Balinese cats are intelligent, affectionate, and rather vocal.

3. Oriental Shorthair

The Oriental Shorthair has a short and sleek coat with fine hair strands. Their coat also sheds less than other cats, which means they spread fewer allergens throughout the house. Another perk about the Oriental Shorthair is that they don’t produce a lot of Fel D1 protein or dander.

This breed is a cross between a Siamese, Abyssinian, and either an American Shorthair, British Shorthair, or Russian Blue. Like their Siamese relatives, Oriental Shorthairs are known for being super talkative and love getting a lot of attention.

4. Javanese

Like the Oriental Shorthair, the Javanese only has a single coat layer. In addition, the fur on their coat is rather fine, which means that shedding is much more minimal than other breeds.

The Javanese came about after breeders wanted to take the qualities of a Siamese cat but alter the look of the coat. Similar to their Siamese relatives, the Javanese tend to have great communication skills. They are also known for being intelligent and curious.

5. Russian Blue

Despite having two coats of fur and thick fur, Russian Blues are considered to be low shedding cats. Russian Blues also have less of the Fel D1 protein and less dander. These cats are known for their striking green eyes.

Unlike the other breeds we have covered so far, Russian Blues are known for being relatively quiet and reserved cats, but they still love spending time with their owners.

6. Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex has a unique coat with short and wavy fur that can sometimes appear curly. This type of coat is beneficial to people with allergies because, like with human hair, curly hair tends to bind together, making shedding hair fall less frequently.

The Cornish Rex also comes in a wide variety of coat patterns and colors. This breed is sometimes referred to as the “greyhound of cats” because it has a sleek appearance and galloping run.

7. Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is a unique-looking cat sporting a head that some would say resembles an alien. They also have large ears and long skinny necks. Like the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex also has wavy or curly fur.

The Devon Rex is a very social breed and is even considered to be outgoing by some. Devon Rexes are known to love their humans, often developing deep attachments with each family member.

8. Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex is yet another wavy or curly-haired cat. Their fur is also soft and thick, making them look almost plush-like. For this reason, they are sometimes referred to as the “poodle cat” or the “cat in sheep’s clothing”.

Despite the Selkirk Rex’s thick fur, this breed still sheds less than other cats. This breed has a reputation for being sweet and patient. Unlike their other Rex relatives, the Selkirk Rex is more laid back and easy going.

9. Siberian

Siberian cats are fairly rare, at least in the United States. As for allergy perks, Siberians produce less of the Fel D1 protein.

For this reason, mild allergy sufferers might have minimal reactions around this breed. The Siberian cat is said to be adventurous and energetic.

They love to jump and climb, so don’t be surprised if your Siberian is found on top of your refrigerator one day. Although they are not as clingy as other breeds, the Siberian is still an affectionate cat.

10. Sphynx

Although this breed is often called the “hairless cat”, the Sphynx is technically not hairless.

Believe it or not, they have very fine, suede-like fuzz all over their bodies. However, they are excellent options for allergy sufferers because allergenic proteins can’t get trapped in their fur since they have so little of it.

This breed also produces less dander than other cats. The Sphynx is an energetic cat who loves to show off her attention. This breed is also known to be very loyal and affectionate and will often follow humans around the house.

Final Thoughts

We want to stress a final time that no cat is truly hypoallergenic. However, if your cat allergy is not severe, it’s possible you can tolerate one of these breeds. Either way, expose yourself to the breed you want several times before you adopt.

Everyone’s allergies are different, and the last thing you want is to adopt a cat you can’t keep. Here at PawsAdviser, we firmly believe that adoption is for life.

If you found this article helpful, please share it with other cat lovers. And remember, whether you’re a first-time cat owner or a seasoned cat lover, PawsAdviser is here to help you make the best decisions for your furry friend. Check out our other articles on why cats are the best pets, the best cat breeds for busy people for more information.