15 Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds

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Fur shedding, while a routine part of a cat's hygiene, can be a source of irritation to their owners. Especially in people allergic to protein excreted by cats, this can be a serious problem.

Despite pet parents' fascination with perfect hypoallergenic cats, no breed truly fulfill the criteria as all cats produce some allergens. But, some cat breeds produce fewer allergenic proteins and are more tolerable for people with allergies.
Adopt one of these breeds if you can’t handle the shedding but can’t live without a cat either.


1. Bengal Cats

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The Bengal cat wins the hypoallergenic race with its short fur and easy to groom routine. Their soft and delicate hair also consists of marbled or leopard-like spots that make them pleasing to the eyes.

The breed also benefits from self-grooming, needing no baths and only occasional brushing. Some US states have banned this breed due to the part-feral behavior they inherit from their ancestor, the Asian Leopard cat, so check if they are legal in your state before adopting them.

2. Balinese

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With its signature blue eyes, the Balinese cat is already a prized possession in every home it resides. Also, this breed is incredibly friendly and a joy to be around.

Before adopting one, make sure you are getting it from a reputed breeder who breeds from a large pool of genes.

3. Oriental Shorthair

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Getting an Oriental Shorthair might burn a hole in your pocket but the breed is worth your money.

These felines, ideal for multi-pet homes, can even get along well with dogs. Unlike most breeds, they are verbal and love to communicate with through different voice tones.

4. Russian Blue

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For pet parents who prefer a tidy home and well-mannered companions, the Russian Blue cat is the perfect breed. Their silver-tipped tail is often the most unique and recognizable feature of this.

Often reserved or shy, these cats easily warm up to strangers. But, they are loyal to their owners and affectionate towards them.

5. Siamese

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Siamese cats resemble the appearance of a Balinese cat even though are uniquely distinct from each other. These kittens are born light-colored, but develop a darker complexion as they age.

Besides their looks, the Siamese breed also sheds relatively less commonly than most housecats. Applying air purifiers occasionally should be sufficient to debilitate the effect of minimal allergens excreted by these cats.

6. Devon Rex

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A bonding moment with your cat that often starts with cuddling can turn into a disastrous hairy mess. But, with the Devon Rex, you can enjoy cuddling without the worry of the kitty shedding on your favorite blanket.

Dubbed the Velcro cat, Devon Rex is always hungry for your attention and delicious treats. They are also voraciously protective of their family, particularly babies.

7. Cornish Rex

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Although some cats might be wary of human touch, the Cornish Rex just doesn’t prefer them, they demand it. These cats are so far domesticated that, contrary to their feral ancestor, the breed has a tendency to become anxious and stressed when they are parted from their owners for a long time.

Compared to most breeds, this breed poses a much lower risk of spreading allergens. Still, you may need to check for specific allergies, especially if you have children or seniors in your house.

8. Sphynx

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Sphynx is not the "inside out" cat-like many people joke about. Instead, they have a fine layer of fuzz on their skin and are often described as "hairless."

Since they lack a traditional fur coat, they do not shed like other cats. They also produce little to no dander, the primary allergen among many. Moreover, they produce fewer allergenic proteins in their saliva and skin compared to other cat breeds.

9. Burmese Cat

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The Burmese breed, in addition to its hypoallergenic feature, is incredibly social when trained at a young age. In fact, this breed is known for playing fetch with its breeds.

With their above-average cat intelligence, Burmese cats are ideal for sophisticated pet owners who are looking for a companion, not a child.

10. Siberian Cat

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The Siberian cat has adapted itself to live in extremely cold regions, so this breed is not suited to live in tropical or hot regions. Their thick fur becomes a nuisance as it can trap heat for a long time.

For individuals living in environments with regular freezing weather, the Siberian cat is a low-maintenance bliss. Besides an occasional vet visit, these cats only need to be brushed one to two times a week.

11. Javanese Cats

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Javanese cats low shedding is due to the lack of a dense undercoat that is responsible for most of the shedding. Their fur, delicate and silky in texture, contributes to an overall hypoallergenic environment as it produces very little airborne allergens.

12. Ocicats

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Created by a happy accident. the Ocicat breed is rare and exotic. The breeder, while attempting to breed a Siamese with an Abyssinian cat, accidentally birthed the first Ocicat in 1964.

The Ocicat has a small population, blessing only some of us with the chance to enjoy their friendship. They’ll need occasional brushing, so be ready to use your grooming gear a couple of times a month.

13. Colorpoint Shorthair

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Though closely resembling a Siamese cat in terms of build, the Colorpoint Shorthair has a distinct coloring that its counterpart. Their clingy nature means they will be attached to you and may even stalk you when not cuddling up.

But, rest assured, with these kittens in your home, you won’t be sneezing or coughing anymore.

14. Bombay Cat

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Unlike their evil representation in folklore, Bombay cats have no association with witchcraft and don’t deserve to be blamed for someone’s bad luck. In contrast, their dark and sturdy fur is a blessing for cat owners.

Though they don’t require grooming, occasionally brushing them can make for a bonding moment. It will also remove any matting on their hair, especially if the cat is allowed to go outdoors.

15. Donskoy Cats

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Donskoy cats are usually hairless but can grow a thin layer of hair. Even if they grow hair, it doesn't shed much, which you may notice during seasonal changes. Moreover, their dander factor needs to be improved.

These affectionate animals love to shower people with love and care, but they may not be the best fit for other pets.

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