Hypoallergenic cats are those cats producing less allergen, specifically Fel d 1 Protein, as you could read in What Causes Allergies to Cats? article. In case you haven’t read the article, please let me summarize the most important facts of hypoallergenic cat breeds first.
Every single cat produces so-called Fel d 1 Protein which is the main allergen causing allergies in sensitive individuals. Cats secrete this protein via their saliva and sebaceous glands in the cat’s skin and dander, which is an informal term for a material shed from the body. There is no cat in the world that would be one hundred percent allergy-free. However, the levels of secreted allergen differ among several cat breeds. Whereas some cats produce a relatively high number of the mentioned allergen, other cats produce it much less. These cats are referenced hypoallergenic cats.
The major aspect affecting the truly cat’s hypoallergenic trait is genetics. Cats considered “hypoallergenic” must genetically produce lesser amounts of the Fel d 1 protein allergens. If they do not, then in all reality they are not genetically hypoallergenic. But they can be somewhat considered of a less risk to keep/own for those truly allergic to cats.
There exist several hypoallergenic cat breeds. We have prepared the following list where you can find them with their description, photos, and some other information. The most hypoallergenic cat breeds or those that are considered genetically hypoallergenic are primarily Balinese and Siberian. Many people adopt Siberian and Balinese because of that fact. On the other hand, not every cat from the list may necessarily always be hypoallergenic. Read further to understand why.
Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds List
(For more information about the specified breed click on its image or the breed’s name.)
Siberian cat together with Balinese one are considered to be the most hypoallergenic cat breeds in the world. That’s because they produce the least of the Fel d 1 protein unlike any other cats. That is proven by the research of several universities that show Siberian breed produces ten times less allergen compared to other domestic cats.
Should you be looking for a hypoallergenic cat, Siberian cat should be one of the the first hypoallergenic cat breeds you should be thinking of. It is very hearty and healthy breed suitable for every household.
Just like the Siberian, Balinese is also considered genetically hypoallergenic breed. Balinese are sociable, playful and vocal animals. They are considered among the most intelligent of all long-haired breeds. It is very healthy breed with very few health risks. Because of its long coat it’ll require a strong effort in the grooming maintenance.
Due its hypoallergenic trait, the Balinese should also be the primary cat you should consider while thinking of purchasing a low-allergen cat.
Bengal cat is an self-grooming animal whose short-haired coat is not going to require much upkeep. Besides its hypoallergenic ability, its uniqueness lies in its appearance. The Bengal cat was bred to look like it’s wild ancestors. This breed is especially suitable for experienced cat owners who have a lot of time to spend with them.
Devon Rex breed is often referenced a cat in a monkey suit because of its behavior such as running around, stealing things and being naughty. That’s why they are recommended for a very active homes. They are funny pets you will never get bored with. They demand cleaning of their big ears at least once a week to prevent a buildup of bacteria.
Cornish Rex is a healthy cat with a long life span. They’re easy to groom, but may need more bathing than other cats. Just like the Devon Rex, they can be a high energy demanding pets. This breed’s hallmark is its curly coat which completely lacks an outer, protective layer, also known as guard hairs. So when you stroke them they’re very soft to the touch. It’s one of the softest cats to stroke.
The Russian Blue cats are exquisite looking cat. It’s a quiet, well-behaved stately cat that’s called a Russian Blue although they look more gray and blue. If you’re looking for a lean, elegant, smart cat, the Russian Blue is for you. It is a loyal little cat who sometimes wary of strangers, but once he knows you’re his trusted person which of course he will decide, there will be no going back in the relationship.
The most distinctive Ocicat trait is that spotted coat. It comes in a multitude of colors variants including tourney, chocolate cinnamon, blue, lavender, fawn, everything in six shades of silver. Ocicats resemble ocelots, an endangered wild cat that ranges from southwestern Texas to Argentina. This is a wonderful family pet, but they do demand plenty of attention. Ocicat cats are friendly and very sociable.
Compared to other non-hypoallergenic breeds, allergic people to cats should be fine along with this kitty. The Javanese cat has a very elegant look, they are slender and long with a bushy tail. The Javanese cat is relatively easy to groom for a Long Hair, but still requires a brushing every two days approximately. You will also need small scissors to maintain your cat’s claws.
Breeders and fanciers report that Burmese cats are amusing, playful, and super-smart. The Burmese cat could also be called the chatty kitty of the cat world as they are very talkative. Their personality resembles a dog nature. They will follow you from room to room in your place and also play fetch with a toy. Therefore they are especially suitable for active households with lot of free time dedicated to them.
LaPerm is very good with children. They like other pets so it would be a good cat for first-time cat owners. Grooming is easy, you only need to brush the cat once or twice a week. And we also must not forget their hypoallergenic ability. LaPerms have soft curly coat. It is the curly coat that makes them so recognizable.
Siamese can also “considered” to be hypoallergenic but in all reality, they are most likely not. Siamese cats usually cause allergic reactions to those allergic to cats. And this is something many of Siamese and Balinese cat breeders can confirm. For example, Edison Avecillas, the breeder from Azureys Cats, has many allergy tests performed when people come visit his home. And 90% of the time those allergic to cats become allergic to their Siamese cats (no Balinese lines Siamese).
Now there are some Siamese that are hypoallergenic but they are short haired Balinese that look like Siamese. But their traits are a bit different since the father or mother is Balinese or the kitten/cat has Balinese lines. To begin with, the coat is much different as it is plush and not prickly like the Siamese. And they are more probable of being hypoallergenic than their true Siamese (only Siamese lines) counterparts. So if you would like a hypoallergenic Siamese, you should seek a short haired Balinese or a Siamese kitten crossed with Balinese lines.
Many people believe that the Sphynx being hairless is one of the hypoallergenic cat breeds due to that trait. But after all, it is not. It is actually worst being that the Fel d 1 proteins can stick to its skin. When petted or in close contact with the cat, the person receives direct exposure to the allergens thus causing an allergic reaction.
If you put yourself to think, this type of cat is really bad for those allergic to cats being that this cat has no way of disposing excess allergens through shedding. So in all, it can be truly stated the Sphynx is not to be considered hypoallergenic or at least not genetically hypoallergenic.
The Oriental breed is a cat that has Balinese breeding lines in some of its background so it might be common for some or few specimens of them to be hypoallergenic. But that is not the case completely. The same may apply to Colorpoint Shorthairs as that they are mixed into a large cat group due to having to mix in the genetics of other cats.
Just like in the case of Oriental Shorthair breed also Colorpoint Shorthair may be considered hypoallergenic only with a caution. Nevertheless, this cat breed is very playful and demands lot of attention from their owners.
Not Every Cat Breed May Be Absolutely Hypoallergenic
As you could have read, there are some cat breeds that have been said to be hypoallergenic but in all may truly be not. This has been confirmed by people’s previous ownership and even cat’s breeders. Those are especially the Oriental Short/Long Hair, Siamese and Sphynx breed. So how can you be sure the cat you are about to purchase is hypoallergenic?
Well, the bad news is that you can’t as it’s pretty hard task to determine the exact amount of the Fel d 1 produced. At least you can’t know with one hundred percent certainty. The good news is by choosing a hypoallergenic cat you already have a relatively high chance of decreasing the risk of future allergy symptoms and problems. You need to properly test your susceptibility to allergies first before making an order. Talk to the breeder, allergy specialist or visit a cattery. Do not forget to read our Should I Get a Hypoallergenic Cat article for the full guide how to test your cat allergies.
So why do we put these breeds in our list after all? Well, as stated before, it is hard to determine which cat is definitely hypoallergenic and which is not. Therefore, again, you need to test yourself always first to make sure. And as people usually reference these breeds hypoallergenic, we still put them on the list so they are aware of the fact not all of them may always be allergy-free.
Hypoallergenic Cats Summary
Hypoallergenic cat breeds are extremely favorite by people who suffer from cat allergies. If you suffer from similar difficulties while being in the presence of a cat, getting one of these low-allergen breeds may help you to control the problem.
If there is any suspicion of suffering from cat allergies in your case and want to purchase a cat, do not forget to communicate with appropriate people who can give you best recommendations which breed would be best for you to get. This includes allergy specialists, doctors, expert breeders and eventually catteries.