Adopting a cat into a family can often be hindered by pet hair allergies, but there are hypoallergenic or hairless cats that are perfect for these people.
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Cat hair allergy
We often, and wrongly, talk about an allergy to cat hair when it is an allergy to an allergen called secreted by the animal’s salivary, lacrimal, sebaceous and anal glands.
By licking itself, the cat spreads Fel D1 on its hair. The allergen is then found in the environment and causes, in the allergic person, sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion and hives in some cases.
It may be possible to adopt a cat even if you are allergic to Fel D1. Hypoallergenic cats might help you get around the problem.
What is a hypoallergenic cat?
No cat is completely hypoallergenic. However, some cat breeds produce a lower amount of allergens, they are called “hypoallergenic cats”.
A hypoallergenic cat is a cat that produces a lower amount of Fel D1, the allergen responsible for cat dander allergies. In fact, they cause fewer allergic reactions than the others, but it would be wrong to think that they eliminate them completely.
Fel D1 is actually always present in the animal’s saliva. It is therefore a lesser evil. Some people who are hypersensitive to the allergen will still have reactions when in contact with a hypoallergenic cat.
Alleviating the effects of cats on allergies
If you want to mitigate the effects of cats (even hypoallergenic ones) as much as possible, it is recommended to keep the surfaces of your home clean, to wash and brush your cat regularly.
You can also use an air purifier and steam clean your carpets to get rid of certain allergens in particular.
If you are looking for a hypoallergenic cat so that you no longer suffer from your allergy attacks, here are our 10 favorite cat breeds.
1. The Sphynx
The Sphynx is an excellent companion cat. He is loving, calm, very sociable and does not hesitate to play with children as with other animals. He likes to be taken care of and is very intelligent.
This cat is not completely naked as you might think, it actually has very fine down. This breed actually has very fine down which gives it a peach skin feel to the touch.
This way, the allergenic proteins found in the Sphynx’s salivary glands cannot stick to its coat.
This breed requires frequent baths to clean oils from their skin, and their large ears also need to be cleaned carefully.
2. Bengal
The Bengal is a cat known for its spotted fur that resembles a leopard’s. It is a very active companion, curious and has a strong character. His intelligence will surprise you: it is not uncommon for him to learn to open doors and even tap!
It is a cat that produces little Fel D1, making it one of the hypoallergenic breeds. He has rather short and thick hair. Its fur is exceptionally soft, silky and velvety to the touch.
On the maintenance side, it needs regular care so it doesn’t become vulnerable to disease.
3. The Balinese
The Balinese is intelligent and loving, very active and athletic. A hunter at heart, he likes to climb and gain altitude, but also to play.
Despite its thick coat, this cat produces little Fel D1 protein. With its loving and faithful nature, the Balinese is a very sensitive cat and attached to its master.
This cat breed is very hairy and needs to be brushed several times a day.
4. Russian Blue
Unsplash Katharina Gloth
Extremely attached to his master, the Russian Blue is not a “pot-de-lime” cat for all that. It seeks the presence of its owner, with whom it is affectionate, while knowing how to be discreet. However, he is much more reserved towards strangers.
Its silver-grey-blue hair is short, soft and silky like a stuffed animal’s. The Russian Blue is a doubly hypoallergenic cat as it produces little Fel D1 protein and its double layered coat keeps it on the skin, limiting its spread in the house.
This breed requires easy maintenance: weekly brushing is sufficient to prevent the cat from spitting up hairballs.
5. Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is an ideal cat for a family. Although he is physically atypical with his large ears, he has a benevolent and gentle nature towards people and other animals that may surround him.
Also considered a small monkey, the Devon Rex likes to climb and jump. He overflows with energy. He is a pleasant cat to live with and very demonstrative. He cannot stand loneliness and is always looking for company.
With its very fine coat, the Devon Rex is particularly sensitive to outdoor temperatures. It is also a cat that sheds a little hair, which makes it an animal that is perfect for allergy sufferers.
Unlike other breeds, this one should never be brushed. Instead, rub it with a soft washcloth or cloth once a week.
6. The Oriental Shorthair
Unsplash Manuel Keller
With a strong personality, the Oriental Shorthair is enthusiastic and loves to entertain his masters. It is often described as a very sociable, vocal cat that seeks attention and craves to participate in the activities of its humans.
It is a very possessive cat and therefore very attached to its owner. He is intelligent and particularly independent, although he does not like solitude.
As the name suggests, the oriental cat short hair has short hair. Oriental cat breeds can be short-haired or long-haired, depending on the specific cat’s mix. The Oriental Shorthair cat is the specific variety best suited to allergy sufferers.
Easy to care for, the Oriental Shorthair only requires occasional brushing as well as regular checks of the ears and eyes to ensure they are kept clean.
7. Siberia
The Siberian cat is nothing but a big ball of tender and loving fur. It is an intelligent, lively cat that is very attached to its master, making it an ideal companion.
Despite its long and dense hair, the Siberian cat is still the most hypoallergenic breed in the world. It is actually the one that produces the least Fel D1 protein. However, we must not confuse hypoallergenic (which reduces the risk of allergy) and anallergic (which does not cause allergy).
In terms of maintenance, the coat of the Siberian cat requires no special care apart from brushing once a week. The latter must be more frequent during the moulting period. Note that its long hair is difficult to maintain and leads to many knots.
8. Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is a rather rare cat, but very endearing and attached to its master. He behaves like a dog as he does not hesitate to follow his owner everywhere in the house. He retains his kitten character throughout his life.
This cat is active, happy and playful. Its only drawback is that it meows quite regularly in a piercing voice.
The Cornish Rex is characterized by a coat that feels like silk to the touch. With only one coat of hair, the Cornish Rex has much less shedding, which is good news for allergy sufferers.
It should be brushed very lightly to remove the dust that tends to accumulate in the coat. It is better to use hand or massage glove so as not to damage the dress.
9. Korat
Unsplash Marko Ganzaro
Originally from Thailand, the Korat is a small cat characterized by its blue fur and green eyes. It is the perfect pet if you live in an apartment.
The Korat is very loving, he follows his master everywhere. He also loves to be cuddled and played with. He is an intelligent, gentle, reserved and curious cat, but remains suspicious of people he does not know.
This breed has no undercoat and therefore does not shed seasonally. It therefore secretes less Fel D1 than other breeds. The korate requires little maintenance.
10. LaPerm
Courtesy matouchat.fr
LaPerms are loving and sociable cats, known for their patience with all members of the family. This is an endearing breed, although independent and somewhat lonely.
Their affectionate nature means they get on well with children and other pets, making them an ideal family companion.
This medium-sized cat is characterized by its fur with curly hair. Due to its unique curly texture (which comes in a variety of colors), the LaPerm cat sheds significantly less hair than its congeners. This breed is therefore a winning choice for people with allergies.
Do not hesitate to consult an allergist, who will be able to advise you in relation to the degree of importance of your allergies. And we hope you find the right cat for the whole family!
