We’ve rounded up the best cats for people with allergies.
Do hypoallergenic cats exist?
Low-allergy or hypoallergenic cats produce lower amounts of allergens than other cat breeds. It’s thought that people who are allergic to cats are actually allergic to proteins in their saliva, rather than simply fur or dander (dead skin). The protein Fel D4 is produced in the saliva while Fel D1 is produced in the sebaceous glands on the feline’s skin, too. The good news is that these proteins are generated in lower amounts by some breeds. This can make them easier to tolerate for allergy sufferers. Although it’s important to note there are no completely hypoallergenic cats, some types of kitty are less likely to produce symptoms in a person with allergies.
What are the best cats for allergies?
These breeds are usually well-tolerated by people with allergies:
Siberian
Siberian cats produce less of the allergy-causing protein Fel D1. Therefore they’re one of the best cats for people with allergies. These cats are much larger and heavier than the average domestic cat, not to mention strong. Siberians are also extremely clever and can be very affectionate. One other trait: unlike most felines, they’re attracted to water and may even try to paddle.
Bengal
With their unusual markings, Bengals are striking cats. They’re also loyal, clever and mischievous, making them fun pets. Bengals have fine, sleek fur, which means they need less maintenance than other breeds. They also don’t tend to groom as much and shed less fur, making them one of the best hypoallergenic cats. Because of their strong personalities, Bengals are best-suited to more experienced cat owners.
Russian blue
Russian blues have dense, fluffy double coats in a beautiful blue-grey colour. They naturally produce less of the Fel D1 protein, so they’re great cats for people with allergies.
Burmese
Very affectionate, Burmese cats are known for following their owners around the house while ‘talking’ to them in a hoarse meow. These charming kitties have short, dense fur and don’t tend to shed a lot, so they generate less hair and dander.
Sphynx
Because the sphynx breed has no hair, there isn’t anywhere for their saliva to get trapped. If you have one of these hairless felines, you won’t find fur stuck to your clothes or furniture. And it’s the saliva on shed cat fur that can cause allergies. Another great idea of breeds of cats for people with allergies
Balinese
Balinese cats look quite similar to Siamese cats. Although they often have medium-length or long, thick fur, they don’t shed much compared to some other breeds. They also produce less of the Fel D1 protein, so the hair they do shed shouldn’t aggravate allergy symptoms.
Devon rex
The fur of the Devon rex is wavy and short, which sets it apart in the feline world. While most cat breeds have triple coats, Devon rexes have a single coat, so they shed around a third less hair than other types of felines.
Doing your research thoroughly before you even start thinking of getting a cat is a must. Take a look at Gumtree’s handy guide that gives lots of useful advice if you’re planning on buying a cat or kitten online. But, if someone in your household has allergies, there’s even more to consider. You might like to ask the owner or breeder if you can spend some time with the kitty to check that the breed won’t make symptoms flare up. This way, you can be sure that you can provide the cat with a home for life.