Cats are our favorite feline companions, and they have been for thousands of years. Not only are they great for pest control, but they also make great cuddle buddies. Unfortunately, not everyone gets to enjoy quality cat time because many people are allergic to cats.
The good news is that plenty of hypoallergenic cat options are available, so you don’t have to think twice about adding a new feline friend to the family. So, what cats are hypoallergenic? Read on to find out!
Can Cats Be Hypoallergenic?
There aren’t any 100% hypoallergenic cats, except for some hairless ones, but some cats are less likely to trigger your allergies than others. This is because some cats will shed less and produce less dander. Still, many people aren’t just allergic to the fur on a cat because some may be allergic to their saliva or even their urine.
For these reasons, we recommend spending some time with any cat you plan to adopt before you consider them.
What Cats Are Hypoallergenic? Our Top 5 Picks
Hypoallergenic cats are a great way to spend time with your favorite feline friend without having to blow your nose every five seconds. While everyone reacts differently to different types of cats, we help you narrow your options by taking you through some of the best hypoallergenic cat options below.
1. Sphynx
When it comes to hypoallergenic cats, you have to start with the Sphynx, and we’re not talking about the Ancient Egyptian statue. The Sphynx is a hairless cat breed that can be completely bald. While they may look unsettling if you’ve never seen one before, this dramatically reduces the risk of dealing with allergens like dander and loose hair.
These cats tend to be friendly, but you do need to help them maintain their skin sometimes because it needs to remain oiled to prevent skin problems. Depending on your maintenance tolerance, this may be a deal-breaker.
2. Siberian
The Siberian doesn’t look hypoallergenic at first due to their beautiful, long coat. While they have long hair, you’ll find that they shed less than other cats, which means fewer sneezes if you’re allergic to cat hair. You’ll also find that Siberian cats tend to be kind, gentle, and caring animals.
That said, you will have to groom these cats because their long hair can get matted. Therefore, expect to brush them a few times weekly for the best results.
3. Siamese
The Siamese is one of the more unique cat breeds you’ll come across. This is due to their bright blue eyes, pale coats, and black faces. You’ll also find that their paws and tail are usually black as well, so it looks like they’re wearing little boots.
The Siamese is a good hypoallergenic choice because their coat is short and they don’t shed too often. These cats tend to be a great option, but only if you have the time to spend with them. They’re vocal and need a lot of attention, so long periods away from home can make them unhappy.
4. Bengal
The Bengal cat is likely an ancestor of the Asian leopard. This is why they tend to have a wilder appearance. They feature orange coats with spots or stripes that help them stand out from other cat breeds. What makes these cats hypoallergenic is their lack of shedding, so you don’t have to worry about dealing with loose hairs.
It’s important to note that these cats aren’t always available. Some regions may have bans on them, and you may find them hard to care for due to their intelligence and high energy levels.
5. Cornish Rex
The Cornish rex is a cute cat with a thick curly coat. While this may seem like a recipe for allergies, they don’t shed too often. This means that you won’t have to worry too much about loose hairs clogging up your nose.
Another benefit of Cornish rexes is that they make great emotional support cats. They’re easier to find than many other hypoallergenic cats, and they love people and attention. The only consideration is that they have a lot of energy and need grooming from time to time.
So, What Cats Are Hypoallergenic?
At the end of the day, no cat is truly hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, even urine and saliva from cats can trigger allergies and discomfort. For this reason, hypoallergenic cats are options that shed less than other cats.
That said, if you know you’re only allergic to their coat, you may want to go with a Sphynx because they tend to have a lot less hair than other cats, if any hair at all.
