Are you a cat lover with the unfortunate luck of being allergic to cat hair? Are you looking for cats that dont shed or shed minimally? Well, look no further, because hypoallergenic cat breeds are the answer to this dilemma in your life.
In this article, we'll explore what hypoallergenic cats are, talking about their special traits and what you need to do to take care of them.
Whether you're a seasoned cat owner looking for an addition to your family or someone thinking about getting their first cat, knowing which cats are less likely to cause allergies is a big help.
Say goodbye to lots of cleaning, itchy eyes and throat, and say hello to the joys of having a feline friend without the allergy worries. Let's dive right in!
100% Hypoallergenic Cat - Is There One?
When it comes to hypoallergenic cat breeds, it's essential to understand that there's no such thing as a cat that's 100 percent hypoallergenic.
All cats, no matter their breed, release a protein known as Fel d 1 in their saliva, and urine, and tiny skin particles, commonly referred to as dander. This protein is a common trigger for allergies in people.
However, some cat breeds might be more suitable for allergy-prone people, as they tend to produce less dander or have coats that generally shed very little.
Another essential thing to consider is that non-neutered male cats often produce higher levels of Fel d 1. This is one of the many reasons why neutering or spaying your cat is highly recommended.
Conversely, female cats typically produce lower amounts of the allergenic protein Fel d 1. Kittens generally produce fewer allergens than adult cats. However, as kittens grow up and eventually become adult cats, this might change.
13 Cat Breeds That Don't Shed
Let's look at all the cat breeds that don't shed at all or shed minimally.
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Sphynx cat
Sphynx is a unique breed because it's naturally hairless, thanks to a genetic mutation. This makes it a popular pick for folks looking to have a cat without triggering their allergies too much.
Now, while Sphynx cats don't have a thick fur coat, they do have a bit of a peach fuzz-like hair on their bodies. They require minimum grooming, and a simple wipe-down would keep their body oils controlled. These cats are amazing cuddle buddies and the best choice for allergy sufferers.
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The Peterbald Cats
The Peterbald cats can come in a variety of coat types. We call them hairless cat breeds because some are completely hairless, while others might have a peach-like fuzz covering their bodies. There are also Peterbalds with wavy brush coats or just simple short coats.
In terms of their looks, Peterbalds have almond-shaped eyes, big pointy ears, and slim, muscular bodies. They resemble Oriental Shorthairs, which happen to be one of their parent breeds. The other parent is the hairless Donskoy cat.
Peterbalds are a bit of a rare find, and they're not just good-looking. These cats are smart and incredibly affectionate. These hairless cats can be very good companions.
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Cornish Rex
Even though the Cornish Rex breed has hair, it doesn't shed as much as other cat breeds.
They have a curly coat that is short and tends to stick close to their body. Moreover, these cats are known for being quite playful. So, if you're looking for a furry friend who's full of energy and can get along with other pets, the Cornish Rex might just be the perfect choice.
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Devon Rex
Just like the Cornish Rex, these little furballs have curly hair and a short coat. They're known for forming strong bonds with their owners and love getting attention.
But here's the catch: all that love and cuddles can lead to more hair, cat saliva, and allergens on you and your clothes.
So, if you're someone with severe allergies, it's a good idea to have a chat with your doctor before bringing a Devon Rex into your home.
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Burmese cat
Now, let's talk about the Burmese cat. It's a small cat with a short, fine coat that naturally doesn't have as much hair as some other cat breeds.
According to the Cat Fanciers' Association, these cats are big on affection for their humans. They really want to be around you as much as they can, but they're not overly clingy or demanding.
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Birmans
Looking at the Birmans, one might think all that fluff means you and your home will be covered in fur, but here's the catch: these cats are actually pretty low on shedding. This is because their coats don't get tangled up, so they need minimal grooming.
Birmans are smart, gentle, and naturally affectionate cats. They're the kind of cats that respond well to training and can easily fit into a home with kids and other pets.
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Exotic Shorthairs
This breed of cat is like the short-haired version of a Persian cat. So we can't really call them hairless cat breed. They've got this thick, dense coat, but here's the cool part: they don't shed a lot. Well, not as much as a Persian cat. All you need to do is give them a bit of combing to get rid of any dead hair.
When it comes to their personality, these cats are pretty chill. They're calm, relaxed, and love being affectionate. Plus, they fit in right about anywhere.
Whether it's a cozy apartment or the open country, Exotic Shorthairs can fit in easily.
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Russian Blue
They do most of their shedding in just a short two- to three-week window, which happens only once or twice a year. And the best part is that grooming them is a breeze.
They are called the Russian blue because these cats have this unique silver-blue double coat that's soft and dense. They're not too big but have a graceful and muscular build.
What really sets this breed apart is their gentle personality. They're known for being easygoing and trainable.
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Siamese cats
Siamese cats are very popular in the cat world and easily recognizable with their big ears and striking blue eyes. They've got this sleek and slender body.
If we talk about their coats, they're pretty easy to handle. All you need is a fine-tooth comb to keep them looking in tip-top shape. Once you've brushed away the dead hair, they won't shed much.
They're not just good-looking cats. They're also quite social and love bonding with their human friends.
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Oriental Shorthairs
Just like their Siamese cousins, these cats are a breeze to groom, as Gonano points out. They share the same long and slender physique, but they really stand out when it comes to their colors. They come in over 300 different colors and patterns, ranging from ebony and white to bi-color and tabby.
These cats are not just pretty. They're also incredibly affectionate and entertaining. They love being in the spotlight and enjoy all the attention, so much so that they can get a bit sensitive if they feel ignored or left alone too often.
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Donskoys
These cats have four different coat types, and they come in a bunch of colors. Interestingly, most of the time, they're hairless, except for one coat type. So, if you're looking for a cat that doesn't shed much, the Donskoy is a solid choice.
Some Donskoys have patchy fur or short peach fuzz that feels soft when touching it.
These cats are super social and love being the center of attention. They're the life of the party when it comes to feline companions.
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Bengal cats
The Bengal cat is famous for its eye-catching fur that looks a bit like a wild leopard. Surprisingly, this fur is very soft to the touch, and these cats don't lose much of it.
According to The Cat Fancier's Association, Bengals are curious, active, and really like affection. They enjoy playing a lot and are great companions if you want a smart and fun pet.
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Bombay cat
The Bombay cat is pretty cool because it looks like a little panther with its shiny black coat. Their short and snug fur doesn't shed much, so you don't need to do a lot of grooming. Just a brush every once in a while should do the trick to keep their fur looking nice.
In terms of their personality, Bombay cats are sharp and curious. They're also really friendly and outgoing. These cats are great for big, busy families because they love being in the mix and having fun with everyone.
Final Words!
While wrapping things up, we want to emphasize that no cat is entirely allergy-proof. Still, cats that don't shed can make life easier for people with cat allergies or those who want less fur on them and their homes.
From the unique Sphynx to the fun-loving Bengal, the gentle Burmese to the curious Bombay, and the affectionate Siamese to the intelligent Peterbald, there's a variety of cats to choose from.
Each has its own special qualities, personality, and fur type, but they all share one thing: all cat breeds shed less compared to other cats.
However, when picking the right cat, consider your allergy sensitivity. It is essential to talk to a doctor because, at the end of the day, welcoming a cat into your home should be a decision you've thought through thoroughly.
