People talk a lot about hypoallergenic dog breeds for people with allergies, but are there any hypoallergenic cat breeds? Many people who love cats are allergic to them, just like how some dog lovers are allergic to dogs.
Keep reading to find out if there are any low shedding cat breeds and what you can do to reduce your cat allergies.
Which Cat Breeds are Hypoallergenic?
Sadly, there aren’t any cats that are considered hypoallergenic. All cats shed fur to some degree (except Sphynx cats), causing their dander to float around the house. Some cats shed much less than others, but none are labeled as hypoallergenic.
As a kid, I really wanted a cat, but my mom doesn't like animals that shed a lot. I ended up begging for a dog instead because most cat breeds shed a lot while some dog breeds don't.
It’s important to note that cat fur isn’t what causes allergies. It’s their dander (skin cells), saliva, urine, and sweat. So, even if you get a low-shedding cat, there’s still a chance that your allergies could act up.
Are Any Dogs Hypoallergenic?
Even though many people talk about “hypoallergenic dog breeds,” there are actually no dogs that are 100% hypoallergenic. Like cats, dog allergies are caused by dander, saliva, and urine rather than the fur itself.
However, the reason so many people talk about hypoallergenic dogs is because some dogs have hair instead of fur. Hair on dogs is similar to human hair because it grows continuously instead of shedding. Thus, those dogs typically have fewer allergens floating around the home, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
Some dog breeds with hair instead of fur include Poodles, Maltese, Shih Tzus, Schnauzers, Bichon Frise, Airedale Terriers, and Chinese Crested Dogs. These dogs still shed minimally, but they’re typically less likely to cause allergies than breeds that shed heavily.
Why Aren’t There Any Hypoallergenic Cats?
Cat allergies are more common than dog allergies, according to this study. Thus, it seems like cats are less likely to be low-shedding than dogs. There likely aren’t any hypoallergenic cats because cats have different coat types and different allergens than dogs.
Not only do low-shedding cats tend to shed more than low-shedding dogs, but the size and shape of the protein molecule that causes allergies are different in dogs than they are in cats. In cats, those molecules also stay airborne for longer, causing people to sneeze more.
So, while neither dogs nor cats are 100% hypoallergenic, some dogs are close to hypoallergenic while the same can’t be said about cats. However, you don’t have to let that stop you from adopting a cat if you really want one. There are plenty of low-shedding cats and ways to manage your allergies.
Which Cat Breeds Are Low Shedding?
Below are a few cat breeds that are less likely to cause allergies than others, according to PetMd.
Cornish Rex
This cat breed is known for having short, curly fur that doesn’t shed much. They’re also on the smaller side, weighing 5 to 10 pounds, so they have much less hair than a large, fluffy cat. They’re typically very energetic and playful, so they do best with a family that can give them lots of attention.
Devon Rex
Like the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex has short, curly fur that sheds very little. Their appearance stands out from other cats because of their egg-shaped heads and large, pointy ears. They’re very loving and intelligent, so they also need lots of attention.
Sphynx
The Sphynx cat is probably the first breed that comes to mind for low shedding. They only have a thin layer of peach fuzz, so you don’t need to worry about fur floating around your home. However, their skin cells, saliva, and sweat could still spread and cause allergies.
Siberian
Despite having a thick coat of fur, Siberian cats are typically allergy-friendly. They don’t produce as many allergy-causing proteins as other cat species, so their loose fur is less likely to make you sneeze. They’re very friendly, but they need to be brushed regularly to keep their fluffy fur healthy.
Siamese
Siamese cats don’t shed heavily, making them as close to “hypoallergenic” as a cat can get. However, this breed is not for everyone. These beautiful cats can be vocal and needy, so they require a human who can give them as much love as possible.
Russian Blue
The Russian Blue is another example of a low-shedding cat with a short coat. These gorgeous felines usually have stunning green or blue eyes, which is why many people are drawn to them. They’re calm and can be shy, but they’re very affectionate with their loved ones.
How to Reduce Cat Allergies in Humans
Even if you’re allergic to cats, there are still ways to keep them as a pet even with hypoallergenic cat breeds. After all, pets are a crucial part of some people’s lives.
Always Wash Your Hands After Petting Your Cat
Whenever you pet or cuddle your cat, wash your hands right away. Otherwise, you might accidentally touch your mouth, nose, and eyes, which could trigger allergic reactions faster. If you can help it, avoid kissing your cat (but that may be hard for some pet parents to do).
Keep the Cat Out of Your Bedroom
It can be sad to restrict your cat’s access to certain rooms, but you’ll be much less likely to develop allergic reactions if you do. Not letting your cat on your bed or in your bedroom can reduce the amount of allergens you breathe in at night.
Keep Up with Litter Box Maintenance
Urine can trigger allergies, so make sure you keep the litter box clean. If you don’t keep up with litter box maintenance, your cat may pee outside the litter box, which could trigger your allergies even more.
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuum your home at least weekly to get rid of all the fur and dander hanging around. Don’t forget to vacuum the furniture too. With less dander on the floor and other surfaces, you’ll likely find yourself sneezing less.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you continue to have severe allergic reactions even after taking precautions, talk to your doctor. They may prescribe you an allergy medication so you don’t have to suffer whenever you’re around your cat. It’s a much better alternative than re-homing your feline family member.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Siamese Cats Hypoallergenic?
No cat is 100% hypoallergenic, but Siamese cats are as close to it as possible. They have short hair that sheds minimally, making them less likely to cause allergies than other breeds.
Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic?
No, Ragdoll cats aren’t hypoallergenic because no cat breeds are. However, Ragdoll cats are known to produce fewer allergens than other cat breeds, so they may be a good choice if you’re allergic to cats.
Are Bengal Cats Hypoallergenic?
Bengal cats have short coats with average shedding, so they’re easy to groom and less likely to cause allergies than other cats. However, no cat is completely hypoallergenic.
Are Maine Coon Cats Hypoallergenic?
Maine Coon cats aren’t good for people with cat allergies. They have thick coats that shed frequently, so they tend to cause more allergic reactions than other cat breeds.
Is There Hypoallergenic Cat Food?
Yes, there are some brands of hypoallergenic cat food for cats with allergies. They usually have a limited ingredient list to reduce the risk of allergens. If you’re interested in getting a special diet for your cat, talk to your vet.
There Aren’t Any Hypoallergenic Cats
There aren’t any hypoallergenic cat breeds or low maintenance cats that don’t shed, but there are some cats that are better for allergies. Certain cat breeds shed less and produce fewer allergens, helping their humans sneeze less. Plus, there are plenty of precautions to take so you can adopt a cat while still having cat allergies. Those precautions are worth it to have a loving feline in your family.