10 Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds for Allergic Families

First of all, before choosing an hypoallergenic cat for your allergic family you should take into account that scientific research on cat allergens is still ongoing, and that the reaction of your allergic family member cannot be completely prevented or calculated, as it all depends on the particular person and cat.

However, some cat breeds produce less allergens than others, so your chances are much better. Commonly hypoallergenic cat breeds include:

• Abyssinian cat
• Bengal cat
• Burmese cat
• Colorpoint Shorthair cat
• Cornish Rex cat
• Devon Rex cat
• Javanese cat
• Ocicat
• Oriental Shorthair cat
• Russian Blue cat
• Siberian cat
• Siamese cat
• Sphynx cat

The protein Fel d 1 is the allergen present in cat saliva that causes issues for those with allergy to cats. How does this impact any allergy sufferers? When a cat licks their coat, the saliva dries and becomes present in the air, finding its way to your sinuses. Luckily, some of these hypoallergenic cat breeds produce less of this protein.

Findings suggest male cats produce allergenic secretions more often and in more quantity than females, with non-neutered ones producing more than their neutered counterparts. Kittens produce fewer allergens as compared to adults. Moreover, dark cats tend to produce more allergens than light colored ones.

Three of the common hypoallergenic cat breeds are Oriental: the Oriental Shorthair, the Balinese cat, and Javanese cat. These are a popular option for those who want a particularly hypoallergenic cat with the characteristics of the popular Siamese.

Balinese cats are also called “long-haired Siamese”, and they are one of the few cat breeds that produce less Fel D1 protein as compared to other cats, resulting in fewer allergic reactions. Though many people think this long-coated cat cannot be hypoallergenic, this fuzzy cat breed is among the least allergenic cats.

A popular yet incorrect notion is that cat hair triggers allergies. The truth is that allergies are caused by cat saliva and skin oil. These are carried by the hair that the cats shed, and so this misconception arose.

Balinese cats produce less protein of the Fel d 1 variety, so their hair also is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.

Oriental Shorthair cats may be hypoallergenic, but it is important to groom them regularly to prevent the dander from coming into contact with the human nasal system and triggering an allergic reaction.

Oriental Shorthair cats have the widest variety of possible coat colors and patterns among all cat breeds. This cat breed's fine and short coat sheds very infrequently, so people with cat allergies report fewer reactions to it.

The Javenese cat sports a medium-length single coat that does not become matted. On account of their lack of undercoat, Javanese cats have less fur - translating into less dander and fewer allergens.

Russian Blue cats are among the most hypoallergenic cat breeds that produce less severe allergic reactions. Unlike the previously described Oriental cats, which are considered hypoallergenic because they shed less hair, Russian Blue cats produce less Fel d 1 protein and are therefore considered perfect for allergic families.

Devon Rex cats have shorter hair and less fur overall, which is why their paw pads and ears have to be frequently cleaned to prevent oil build-up, although a full bath is rarely needed. Their coat is fine, curly and downy and barely sheds. On the other hand, the Cornish Rex cat does require some bathing and more upkeep, although their coat is similar.

Cats' coats are made up of three different layers with different types of hair each:

• Guard hair: Outer layer
• Awn hair: Middle layer
• Down hair: Undercoat

Devon Rex cats barely have guard hair, while Cornish Rex cats do not have guard nor awn hair. Therefore, they shed less hair making them the perfect hypoallergenic breed for allergic families.

The Sphynx cat is hairless and, therefore, a low allergy cat. However, this does not mean it is easy to look after this breed, as Sphynx cats require maintenance such as frequent baths to remove the buildup of oil in their skin and their large ears that require regular cleaning. The Sphynx has no hair to trap allergens from the saliva during grooming sessions, so it is a good choice for an allergic family with time to devote to their upkeep.

Siberian cats have a moderately long coat. However, they are a hypoallergenic breed due to below average enzyme levels in their saliva. Close to 75% of people who are allergic to cats experience no reaction to the Siberian cat breed.

Bengal cats are not less hairy, nor do they produce less protein. What, in that case, makes Bengal cats a low allergy breed?

The answer is none other than their fine pelts that require lower maintenance. As a consequence, Bengal cats don't groom themselves as frequently and for such long times, so their coat contains less allergen-rich saliva. The dander present in the fur also does not spread, because they shed less than other cats.

The most notable feature of the LaPerm cat is that their coat is unique and curly. The nature of the coat is responsible for less allergic reactions for many allergy sufferers, as LaPerm cats shed less hair than other cats. Moreover, their curly coat traps the dander and prevents cat allergy sufferers from coming into contact with saliva coated cat hair.

Once you have brought a hypoallergenic cat to your home, grooming the cat correctly is important to prevent allergic reactions. Research proves that grooming the cat two to three times per week can remove close to 84% of current allergens and reduce future allergies as well. Using cool, distilled water can also lower the allergens. When you groom your can you'll ensure they remain well-cared for and healthy; your pet will be happy, and they will be a great addition to the family.

If you're interested in the different aspects of caring for a cat, we recommend the following articles:

• Benefits of having a cat
• Tips to make your cat's coat shiny
• The 10 most affectionate cat breeds
• Cleaning your cat's teeth

These are the best 10 hypoallergenic cat breeds for allergic families. Did we miss any? What is your experience of caring for a hypoallergenic cat? Tell us all in the comments section!

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