17 'Hypoallergenic' Cats to Keep Your Sneezing at Bay

If you're allergic to cats, the very thought of this Bengal on your pillow probably triggers a sneeze. The best hypoallergenic cat breeds can drastically reduce your tissue consumption. Mark Liddell / Getty Images

Do you love cats, dream about having cats, but know that these adorable felines often trigger your allergies?

Here's the deal: There's no such thing as naturally hypoallergenic cats. Cats produce the allergenic protein Fel d 1, found in saliva, oils and the dander (tiny flakes of dead skin, similar to human dandruff) that collect in their fur.

But some cat breeds produce less Fel d 1, making them a better choice for allergy sufferers. There are biotech efforts to produce genetically modified hypoallergenic cats. But in the meantime, here are 17 cat breeds that may be more friendly (and less painful) for allergy sufferers.

Contents

17 Lower-allergen Cat Breeds
9 Ways to Reduce Allergens in Regular Cats
Treating Symptoms of Cat Allergies

17 Lower-allergen Cat Breeds

1. Siberian Cat

The Siberian cat, despite its luxurious and fluffy coat, surprisingly produces fewer allergens than many other cat breeds.

2. Bengal Cat

Bengal cats have short, sleek coats that require minimal grooming, which helps reduce the spread of allergens.

3. Sphynx Cat

Famous for being hairless cats, Sphynx cats produce dander but lack cat hair that can spread allergens.

4. Devon Rex

The Devon Rex has short, soft and wavy fur. Because they have less cat hair and groom less frequently, they're less likely to spread allergens in your home.

5. Cornish Rex

Like the Devon Rex, the Cornish Rex has only a fine undercoat that sheds minimally, reducing the spread of allergens.

6. Oriental Shorthair

Known for their sleek bodies and large ears, Oriental Shorthairs have fine, short coats that require little grooming and naturally produce less Fel d 1.

7. Balinese

Often called the "long-haired Siamese," Balinese cats look fluffy with their silky coats, but they also produce less of the Fel d 1 protein.

8. Siamese Cat

There's anecdotal evidence that Siamese cats produce less cat allergens, and their short coats shed less, which prevents allergen spread.

9. Russian Blue

The Russian Blue has a dense, plush coat that traps allergens better, compared to other cat breeds.

10. LaPerm

The LaPerm is a unique breed with curly fur that doesn't shed as much as other cat breeds, which can reduce the spread of dander.

11. Burmese

Burmese cats have short, fine coats that produce fewer allergens. They are lap cats, known for being super snuggly.

12. Tonkinese

A mix between Siamese and Burmese cats, the Tonkinese has a short coat that's easy to manage. Again, less grooming means less dander and potentially less allergen spread.

13. Ocicat

Ocicat with kittens.
Fabio Petroni / Getty Images

Ocicats have a leopard-like pattern that makes them look wilder than they are. Ocicats are domestic cats with short coats that shed minimally.

14. Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair has a dense but short coat that requires minimal grooming, which helps reduce allergens.

15. Abyssinian

Abyssinians are sleek, muscular cats with short coats that produce fewer allergens.

16. Peterbald

The Peterbald is another breed of hairless cats, similar to the Sphynx, but they sometimes have a fine layer of fuzz on their bodies. Regular grooming keeps allergens under control.

17. Javanese

The Javanese has a fine, silky coat that doesn't shed much, reducing the spread of allergens.

9 Ways to Reduce Allergens in Regular Cats

There are ways to manage cat allergies by reducing the allergens in cats that aren't considered "hypoallergenic."

Use an air purifier to trap allergens.
Vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter vacuum.
Wash sheets, blankets and furniture often.
Keep cats out of your bedroom.
Have someone who's not allergic (whether it's a partner or professional), brush the cat more frequently to remove loose fur and dander before it spreads.
Bathe the cat regularly with cat-safe shampoo.
Wipe your cat with hypoallergenic pet wipes.
Use allergen-reducing sprays to help neutralize allergens on your cat's fur.
Research pet food brands that may reduce Fel d 1 allergens in cat saliva.

Treating Symptoms of Cat Allergies

Here are some medications for anyone struggling with cat allergy symptoms. Read warning labels and check with medical professionals before taking any medications.

Antihistamines such as Loratadine (Claritin), Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can block allergic reactions. Be sure to check whether you're taking a drowsy or nondrowsy option.
Decongestants such as Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help with stuffy noses.
Nasal sprays such as Fluticasone (Flonase) or Mometasone (Nasonex) can reduce inflammation in nasal passages.
Allergy shots are another potential longer-term solution that may reduce cat allergies over time by gradually desensitizing your immune system. Check with your doctor to see if this could be an appropriate or safe measure for you.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.