Are you allergic to cats but still aspiring to become a cat parent one day? Fear not. You can still adopt a feline baby and make a new addition to your family despite your allergies. This article compiles a list of some of the best cat breeds for allergies. While your options may be limited to specific breeds, there are still plenty of options to choose from.
Did you know? People with cat allergies are usually allergic to the proteins in cats’ saliva, urine, and skin flakes, not their fur. To help reduce allergens, clean more often and more systematically the areas where your cat spends a lot of time at.
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Ideally, the best cat breeds for people with allergies are those who don’t shed (as much). There are quite a few cat breeds that fit that category.
Below you will find Cooper Pet Care’s top 10 best picks:
Russian Blue
With its luxurious coat, the Russian Blue is a great pick for hypoallergic people who prefer furry cats. They’re very attractive with a dense coat that doesn’t shed much. Thus, there’s little dander floating around and less allergens. The Russian Blue is also an extremely loveable feline!
Balinese
The intelligent, energetic, and talkative Balinese cat is a breed that produces little Fel D1 (a protein that induces allergens). They have a single-layer coat, but they are also a little fluffy. They’re another great pick for people with mild allergies who like furry cats.
| Cat insurance from From | Dog insurance from | Coverage | Contribution | Own risk | ||
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€8.46 | €12.11 | €3.250 — €6.000 | 10% — 50% | €0 — €150 per year |
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€14.05 | €17.77 | €3.000 — €6.000 | 20% | €30 — €50 per year |
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€12.16 | €17.42 | €3.000 — €5.000 | 20% — 50% | €0 — €250 per year |
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€13.27 | €20,14 | €3.000 — €6.000 | 20% | none | View |
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€13.86 | €14.67 | €2.500 — €5.000 | 20% | none | View |
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€10.56 | €13.14 | €3.500 | 25% | €25 per claim |
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Javanese
Cousin to the Balinese, the Javanese has no undercoat. They have relatively less fur and thus, more opportunities to cuddle with. They’re intelligent, easy to train, and great with children!
Bengal
Bengal has an unusual short pelt with spots all over that makes them resemble a small wildcat. They’re affectionate and playful and an ideal pick for humans with allergies as they don’t shed very often.
Cornish Rex
Their short and wavy coat doesn’t shed dander (skin flakes) as often as other cats that are either longhaired or have dense coats. They are highly intelligent and very active. They also love being the center of attention.
Devon Rex
Another one of the best cat breeds for allergies is the thin undercoated Rex. Due to its thin fur, its grooming requirements are limited to less than once a week. Like the Cornish Rex, they are also active, outgoing, and playful. Moreover, they enjoy being around humans a lot.
Selkirk Rex
Unlike the high-energy Cornish Rex and Devon Rex, the Selkirk Rex is much more laidback. Their coat also sheds minimally, though you must brush them at least twice a week. This helps remove dead hair, and it reduces the spread of allergens.
Sphynx
The lively, funky Sphynx is an affectionate charmer. They are one of the best cat breeds for allergies because they are hairless and in need of occasional baths to keep skin oil under control. The cleaner they are, the less allergens they induce.
Oriental Shorthair
Oriental Shorthairs tend to purr very often. This is because they enjoy the people they are with and want to be involved with them all the time! If you brush them regularly, their fine and silky coat won’t shed as much!
Siberian
The Siberian cat’s thick fur requires frequent brushing. However, they also produce very little Fel D1 that keeps allergen levels low. As long as you brush them several times weekly, their fur won’t mat or tangle.
Still looking for answers about cats and allergies? Schedule an instant video consultation with our qualified veterinarians and get tailored advice from the comfort of your home – today.