Cats are adorable and amazing animals, and make wonderful life companions. Nevertheless, unfortunately it’s sometimes common to find that some people are allergic to cats. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are a cat lover and enjoy spending time with these cuddly furry buddies. Luckily for you, there’s a cat for every person! There are some cats which are less likely to produce allergic reactions than others.
So, in the end, it’s all about the breed of cat that you choose! Do you want to know more about the different cat breeds that don’t shed and are thus hypoallergenic? Read along to know more about the possibilities that you can have if you are allergic to cats!
Are there fully hypoallergenic cat breeds?
As much as we would like to give you better news, the fact is that there are no cat breeds which can be considered fully hypoallergenic. This has to do with the fact that the allergens which cause the reactions are present in cats’ saliva and skin glands. In this sense, as all cats have skin and produce saliva, then all cats have the potential of causing allergic reactions.
Nevertheless, there’s a difference between cats that tend to shed more and cats that tend to shed less. The cat breeds that shed more are the ones which are more likely to trigger allergic reactions. And the cat breed that shed less are those which are not so risky for people who are prompt to have allergies.
So if you are allergic to cats, but still love these amazing animals and would like to have one as a pet, then don’t worry! There are some cat breeds which you could choose to get and that will possibly be more gentle towards your allergies. We will tell you all about them next!
22 different cat breeds that don’t shed and could be great options for allergic cat-lovers
As we have mentioned above, there are many different cat breeds which you could choose from if you have a tendency to have allergic reactions to these wonderful, furry animals. We’re sure that, amongst all the diverse breeds that we will mention, you’ll find the one that is perfect for you and your family!
Some of the cat breeds that we will describe next are more friendly, some are more mischievous, some are more demanding and some more independent. Depending on your preference and your particular situation, you’ll discover that some breeds are more fit for you than others. But one thing is certain: all of these cat breeds are great options for cat-lovers who suffer from allergies.
Sphynx
One of the most popular cat breeds for people who are prompt to have allergic reactions is the Sphynx. This is a naturally hairless cat and, as such, it won’t shed at all. In this sense, as we have explained above, there are much less chances that they might trigger allergic reactions.
The Sphynx cats still require a certain amount of grooming: even though they don’t have hair that needs to be brushed or washed, their skin has oils that need to be removed from time to time. They are very sociable animals and usually get along very well with other people and other pets in the household.
Abyssinian
Abyssinian cats are sometimes popularly known as “the dogs of the cat world”. They are very friendly and affectionate, and love being around humans all the time. Moreover, even though they do have a thick, strong coat and they shed a bit, this is not a very big amount of shedding. In this sense, they make a very good choice for people who are looking for hypoallergenic cats.
Bengal
The amazing Bengal cat is a very energetic, curious and playful animal. It makes a wonderful life companion and is a very popular breed. They have short hair which usually shed very little, so they are a great option for people with allergies. Moreover, it does not require a lot of grooming and maintenance, as they are also very clean and very smart, so they are more than capable of keeping themselves clean with little to no human assistance.
Peterbald
As is the case of the Sphynx, the Peterbald is also a cat breed that is hairless. Some of the Peterbald cats actually do have a little bit of hair, but there are many who have none at all. In this sense, the shedding will be almost nonexistent. Originally from Russia, the Peterbald cats are very loyal, affectionate and sociable creatures.
Siamese
These beautiful cats with incredible, deep blue eyes are some of the most famous breeds in the cat universe. Siamese are very smart and sociable, and quite demanding of attention from their humans and their families. If you like these cats and are allergic, the good news for you is that this breed is actually a very good choice for people with allergies.
Their low maintenance requirements, along with their short coats, result in Siamese cats shedding quite little. In this sense, they’re definitely an option to consider if you’re looking for hypoallergenic cat breeds.
Cornish Rex
This beautiful, majestic cat has a slim and athletic body, big eyes and prominent ears. As they have a coat which is short, wavy and silky, they shed very little. In this sense, Cornish Rex cats also are a very good choice for people who have allergies. Bear in mind that these cats are very active and demanding, so you will probably find them regularly seeking attention.
LaPerm
These adorable, curly haired cats are very smart, energetic and can even be quite noisy. The LaPerm coats are soft and they shed minimally, so they can be considered a safe option for people who are looking for hypoallergenic cat breeds.
Burmese
The Burmese cats are very friendly, affectionate and attention-seeking. Being close to their families is very important for them. They have short, soft and fine coats, and have a tendency to shed much less than many other breeds. So, if you are looking for a hypoallergenic cat breed that is also playful and lovable, this can be a wonderful option!
Russian Blue
These cats get their names from the color of their furs. The short, soft and silky fur of Russian Blue cats is of a grey-blueish color. Moreover, they also belong to the group of cat breeds which are minimum shedders. Russian Blue cats usually shed during 2 or 3 weeks, and only once or twice a year. Even when they shed, the amount is quite manageable. For all these reasons, these felines can be considered a very interesting choice for people with cat allergies.
Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair cats are very calmed, relaxed and easy going. This breed is a very good choice for people who live in apartments or small spaces, as they can adapt very easily to any type of area, and they tend to be very comfortable in any home. Exotic Shorthair cats, also commonly described as short-haired Persian, shed very little and have thick and dense coats, which makes them great options for those who are looking for hypoallergenic felines.
Lykoi
Lykoi cats have sparse coats and are even considered to be partially hairless. As you might imagine, this feature makes them excellent companions for people with allergies. Even though they do molt their coats some times every year, they actually shed less than many other breeds. Lykoi cats are also very affectionate and smart.
Japanese Bobtail
The gorgeous Japanese Bobtail cats don’t shed a lot, because they have a single layer coat. They also usually groom themselves quite well, so don’t require a lot of maintenance and efforts from their humans. They are originally from Japan, where they were popularly known as cats of good luck which brought wealth and prosperity to their humans. Their name refers to the fact that these cats have short and tiny tails.
Bombay
These adorable cats that look like tiny black panthers have very intense yellowish eyes, flat faces and rounded heads. Their hair is short and they shed very little, thus being very good choices for households where there are people with cat allergies.
They do require weekly brushing, as they don’t have an undercoat. Regarding their personalities, Bombay cats are very gentle, lovable and affectionate animals. They do like to spend a lot of time playing, so be sure to have at hand a few toys for them to be entertained.
Ocicat
Ocicats are quite similar to wild cats, but with a playful and fun personality. Their hair is smooth and short, and they usually won’t shed a lot when groomed with a certain frequency. This is why Ocicats can also be considered hypoallergenic cats. They come from a mix between Siamese cats, Abyssinian cats and American domestic short-hairs.
They are very friendly and welcoming with strangers, and love to spend time playing. Take into account that Ocicats are not very fond of spending a lot of time alone, so if you’re not home very often it could be a very good idea to get another furry friend.
Singapura
The Singapura cats are tiny and adorable, and have short hair that shed very little, thus making them very good options for people with cat allergies. They are very friendly, joyful and playful. If you are looking for a cat that is affectionate, the Singapura breed can be just what you need.
Their eyes are big and full of expression, and their bodies small and majestic. Moreover, if you have other pets, it’s very likely that a Singapura cat will get along very well with them.
Minskin
The graceful and slim Minskin cats have short legs and bodies which are quite stocky. Such as happens with other cat breeds as is the case of the Sphynx, these cats are hairless, and therefore don’t shed at all. In this sense, they make great options for those who are looking to get a cat which is hypoallergenic.
Devon Rex
These cute, gentle cats tend to develop very tight and solid bonds with their humans. They have curly, short hair that doesn’t shed very much, so if you are looking for an affectionate cat that won’t trigger allergic reactions, the Devon Rex could be a very interesting option for you. Bear in mind that they will demand quite a lot of attention.
Oriental Shorthair
The Oriental Shorthair cats have a familiarity with Siamese cats. As such, they are also easy to groom and don’t shed a lot, so they can be very suitable for those who have allergies. This cat breed has a wide diversity of possible colors, which can range from over 300 different patterns.
They are loving, affectionate and friendly. They adore being the center of all the attention and can get a bit grumpy if they are ignored for large periods of time, so keep in mind that they will be quite demanding.
Turkish Van
The Turkish Van cats have a medium-length fur which sheds very little and is very easy to maintain with a simple weekly brushing. As such, these cats can be excellent alternatives for people who have cat allergies. Moreover, Turkish Van cats are playful and affectionate. They are a breed that loves water, unlike most of the other cats out there.
Korat
Originally from Thailand, the Korat cats have a shiny, silky, short and dense fur that sheds very little. In this sense, they are definitely an option to consider for those who are looking for hypoallergenic cat breeds. Their color is silver-blue and their bodies slim and large. Regarding their personalities, the Korat cats are very loyal, playful and affectionate. If you manage to get yourself a Korat cat, you’ll have a wonderful companion.
Turkish Angora
At first sight, these beautiful, white cats might look like felines which lose a huge amount of hair. Nevertheless, fortunately for allergic people, they are not! Their soft, silky and thin coats shed very little and they have no undercoat. The Turkish Angora do require some maintenance and a weekly brushing is recommended to keep their coats as silky and shiny as they are.
When considering their personality features, the Turkish Angora cats can be a bit mischievous and they are very active. Definitely a cat breed with which you won’t get bored at all!
Colorpoint Shorthair
These beautiful cats are the result of crossing Siamese cats with a typical domestic shorthair cat. With slim, strong and harmonious bodies, the Colorpoint Shorthairs have furs that shed very little, so they make a great option for people who are looking for hypoallergenic cats. They do require certain maintenance, as it’s important to brush them quite often. Besides, they enjoy being brushed very much! Colorpoint Shorthair cats are very demanding of attention, and love spending time with their humans.
In conclusion, there are many different cat breeds which don’t shed and thus can be excellent options for people who have allergies. Even though no cat can be considered 100% hypoallergenic, the breeds that we have presented to you here will probably not trigger allergies as easily as other cat breeds could do.
Whether you live in a big house or small apartment, or if you spend a lot or little time at home, or if you prefer active cats or calmer ones, there will always be a cat for you! Which of these breeds would you rather choose? Let us know in the comments below!
