Do you love cats? Do you want a cat to be your pet? Are you or your spouse or kids are allergic to cats, which is restricting you from adopting a cat? If yes, then you’re at the right place. Undoubtedly, cats are one of the most adorable creatures on our planet and come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and coat types. And, owning a cat is an amazing feeling.

Sometimes, it can be moody and adamant, but at the same time, it is super cuddly, extremely sweet, and adorable. A cat makes you smile, and you can quickly get along (especially if you are an introvert) because cats are one of the most domesticated animals. However, some people are allergic to the cat’s hair. In this situation, it becomes very difficult to adopt a cat.

Having an allergy to cats does not mean you can’t own one; you would be happy in knowing that there are some amazing cats that don’t trigger allergies. They don’t shed their fur as much as other cats, which makes it possible to own a cat for allergy sufferers. These cats are known as Hypoallergenic cats.

But a few questions strike our mind – What makes cats hypoallergenic? Does that mean they are 100% allergen-free? Well, we are going to discuss the same in this article, and tell you what type of hypoallergenic cat is suitable for you. Without wasting much time, let’s get started.

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What makes cats hypoallergenic?

Many breeds of cats are hypoallergenic, but why is it so? Well, it is not because of cat fur; the reason behind it is that the cats secrete protein Fel D1 in their saliva, which makes an allergic person vulnerable to these animals. It causes them sneezing, has itchy eyes, and also in worst cases, has an asthma attack.

However, hypoallergenic cats, in general, produce much lower levels of allergens than most other cats. Though there is no such thing as 100% hypoallergenic cats, some cat breeds are much less harmful when compared to others.

What are the signs that you are allergic to cats?

Pet allergies are widespread. Many people don’t even realize that they are suffering from a pet allergy. When someone is allergic to cats, they might think that they are feeling sick right at the moment, especially when the cat goes near them. To avoid such confusion, here we have listed a few symptoms confirming that you are allergic to cats.

You are exhausted all the time: Cat allergies may cause fatigue, and you may feel tired all the time. Sneezing, wheezing, and rashes are common signs of cat allergy, but you can find the difference if you feel sick and worn out all the time.
Your face looks swollen and painful: As you feel congested, you can sense that your face is swollen and slightly painful. The congestion in the body comes as a headache and makes your head looks puffy.
Feel sore throat all the time: Usually, pet allergies make you feel like you always live with the cold. They won’t go away. It could be worse in the early morning, mostly. Also, you have a feeling of a sore throat all the time without any signs of a fever.
Redness in Skin: Just like other allergies, cat allergies cause rashes in the skin. There are red rashes, or your skin turns slightly reddish, which can be seen in the light. Also, it appears as patches only, especially form the area where the cat has got in contact with your skin.

Which factors affect allergen production in cats?

Some essential factors which affect the overall allergen production among cats are:

Male cats generally produce more allergenic secretions than female cats.
Intact male cats have been observed to produce more than neutered male cats.
Cats that are dark usually tend to produce more allergens than light-colored cats. But why is it so, has not been proved.
Kittens produce much lesser allergens than cats, which have reached their adult stage.

So, if you or any of your family member is allergic to cats, choose a cat very carefully as your pet. There are a few breeds that are considered safe. Have a look at this list to know which cats you can pet because they are considered hypoallergenic.

Top breed of hypoallergenic cats

Now, you know why some of the cats are hypoallergenic, let us have a look at those which can be considered as a pet in your home.

Breed	Size	Weight	Life Span	Grooming Frequency
Balinese	Medium	5-10 lbs.	18-22 years	Weekly brushing required
Oriental Shorthair	Medium	5-10 lbs.	13-14 years	Weekly brushing required
Javanese	Small	5-10 lbs.	10-15 years	Brushing required weekly
Devon Rex	Small	Less than 8 lbs.	9-15 years	Monthly baths required
Sphynx	Medium	6-12 lbs.	8-14 years	Regular baths required
Cornish Rex	Medium	7-13 lbs.	11-15 years	Brushing is optional
Siberian	Medium	8-17 lbs.	10-18 years	Brushing twice
Russian Blues	Medium	8-15 lbs.	15-20 years	Brushing twice

Balinese

Also known as “Longhaired Siamese,” the Balinese cats look unique. They are one of the top candidates for hypoallergenic cats. They are one of the very few breeds of a cat which produce much less of their Fel D1 protein when compared to other cats around the world. Therefore, causing much lesser allergic reactions among those people who are vulnerable to allergens. Balinese cats are sweet and smart, which makes them fun animals to be around. Just like the Siamese cats, they are famous for their vocal communication. These cats are extremely social and sensitive to their owner’s moods. Balinese cats will always be more than willing to cheer their owners with unique visual expressions and vocal skills.

Oriental Shorthair

Oriental Shorthair is considered as one of the most popular non-allergenic cats. Even though it is always a good idea to groom your Oriental cat frequently to prevent too much dander, the personality of an Oriental Shorthair cat is as prominent as their coat. Pet Magasin Grooming gloves help in grooming and cleaning the cat’s body. They promote the growth of healthy hair and keep them good and clean all day. These cats are natural entertainers because they are always full of fun and enthusiasm. They love being around the center of attention in front of others. This cat breed has really frequent mood swings, and that is why you need to adore them even more. Also, they show curiosity in their nature, which makes them go great lengths if they want to know something.

Javanese

Javanese cats, just like the Balinese, have a medium-long single coat that does not shed too much. It is due to their lack of proper undercoat, and as they have less fur. It does not result in too much dander, and hence, few allergens are produced. These cats are intelligent and wise, which allows them to communicate easily. Javanese cats have a high fascination with food, and they can easily burn off a lot of extra calories by using different antics. It is a perfect breed of cats for those who want very responsive pets, and that makes them very easy to train. They will always follow you and ensure that they listen to almost every command that you give them.

Devon Rex

There are two prominent Rex Cats, and among them, the Devon Rex has a much shorter and less fur than the other. Make sure to clean and groom the paw pads and the ears of your Devon Rex to remove the oil buildup more frequently. Burt’s bees spray is recommended for the cats to keep the mites and other insects away.

However, they do not need frequent full baths like other breeds like the Sphynx or Cornish Rex. You will find that this breed of cat has been compared to elves and other space aliens because of their huge and jumbo-sized ears, which look like a satellite. They have unique but sharp eyes that appear ethereal to look at. Devon Rex cats love their owners very much. They will cuddle up with you and stay with you almost all the time. As they shed much lesser fur than others, you can easily snug back with them without any worries.

Cornish Rex

Another Rex breed in the list of hypoallergenic cats; the Cornish Rex usually requires more maintenance and attention than the Devon Rex. Cornish Rex will need more frequent baths and cleaning so that they do not shed too much of their fur and prevent the oil from buildup on their skin. These cats are very active and have mischievous ideas roaming around their minds. These gazelle-like felines usually have a very playful temperament. When they are in a good and sociable mood, it becomes really difficult to ignore them as they will constantly look for other attention. Cornish Rexes love their owners and other family members who stay close to them. Both the Cornish and Devon Rex are two of the best hypoallergenic cats that you can pet at home.

Sphynx

Since the Sphynx is a hairless cat, it is often considered to be the best hypoallergenic cat breed on our planet. However, just because they are hairless, it does not mean that they do not require any grooming. You will need to frequently provide your Sphynx with a full bath to remove their oil buildup. Their large ears also require a lot of frequent cleanings. Sphynxes are hyperactive in every way. They are constantly on the move and will keep doing different things throughout the day around your house. However, don’t get swayed away by that because these cats are very loyal and devoted to their owner and family. They will always be showing their affection and their love for their owners. If you want a playful and fun cat in your home, then a Sphynx is one of the best breeds that you can choose to be your pet.

Siberian

Similar to the Balinese, the Siberian breed of cats has a moderately long coat, but they are still hypoallergenic because of their capability of producing lower-than-average enzyme levels. It has been found that almost 75% of the total numbers of allergic people have no problem with a Siberian cat around them. These are affectionate cats with a calm and composed personality. They are always in a playful mood and want to have fun with others. They love to play in the water, jump from high places, and do many other things. Siberian cats are also very intelligent, which allows them to think of different ideas by themselves. In spite of their size, Siberian cats are really agile and swift.

Russian Blues

A really beautiful and majestic looking cat, the Russian Blue can be your pet even if you have allergic people in your household. These cats produce very less Fel D1 protein, which does not result in too much dander and production of allergens around the house. Also known as Archangel Cats, Russian Blues are independent and very intelligent cats. The Pet Magasin Grooming gloves help in grooming and cleaning the cat’s body. They promote the growth of healthy hair and keep them good and clean all day.

keep themselves at a higher level of pride, which requires you to win their trust before you can pet them. But once that is done, they are really playful and loyal. If you have small children or other cats around the house, they will easily adapt to them and make friends.

So, if you have read the article till this point, then you are now aware of what are hypoallergenic cats and which breed you can pet at home even if you have people allergic to cats in your household.

FAQs on Hypoallergenic cats

How to trust the label “hypoallergenic”?

Now here is something you have to understand. It is a fact that no cat is 100% hypoallergenic; even hypoallergenic cat breeds cause fewer allergies to people or do not make any fatal widespread. They produce less Fel D1 protein compared to other breeds of cats.

How to minimize the allergens in general?

Frequent brushing and baths are an effective method. Many studies and researches have proved that regular bathing can reduce the allergens up to 84%. Maintaining them in the hygienic environment helps in the reduction of future allergenic production on cats. People also claim using distilled water reduces the allergen level. Also, you can wash the bedding and the cat toys regularly, so they are allergen-free.

Do we have a cure for the allergy caused by cats?

The answer is pretty easy. People have the misconception that cat allergies are fatal. Well! They are not. If you have a weaker immune system or you’re highly prone to these allergies, it may reduce the time of playing with the cats or staying near them. There is no permanent solution or special curing methods to reduce cat allergy. All you can do to avoid the trouble of breathing problems or rashes is to spend minimal hours with the cats.

Final Words

Cats are lovely and fun animals. They are mostly faithful to their owners and are easier to take care of. But being allergic should not stop you from owning them. These Hypoallergenic breeds mentioned above are the best breed of cats that can be domesticated if any of your family members are allergic to cat dander. However, never make a quick decision when buying a cat. It is always recommended to do proper research on your environmental condition and choose the cat breed as per your lifestyle and surroundings.

So, what you’re waiting for? Explore the internet & choose any of the wonderful cat breed mention-above for petting at your home. We hope that this article has cleared all your doubts. If you still have any queries, please comment and stay tuned for more information about cats.

All the best!