Hypoallergenic Cats and the Best Cat Breeds for Allergies

No cat breed is hypoallergenic. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) says “All cats produce allergens; studies have not shown that cats can be hypoallergenic (meaning that they don’t cause allergy).” Below you get what the allergy groups say about cat allergens, nine breeds with what the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) says about each one’s coat and personality, and steps that help in a home with a cat.

Hypoallergenic cats: what the sources say

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) says “All dogs and cats can cause allergy symptoms. People with dog or cat allergies may tolerate some breeds more than others. People may think those breeds are “hypoallergenic,” but a truly non-allergic dog or cat does not exist.” The Mayo Clinic says “So-called hypoallergenic cats and dogs may shed less fur than shedding types, but no breed is truly hypoallergenic.”

Hair length does not settle it. ACAAI says “Characteristics such as the length of a cat’s hair, its sex and the amount of time a cat spends indoors are not associated with cat allergen levels.”

What cat breeds are hypoallergenic?

None. The Devon Rex is a good example. CFA says “While all cats shed, Devons certainly shed less than most; they are easy-care, wash-and-wear cats that may be well tolerated by those sensitive to cats. Contrary to popular belief, though, they are not hypoallergenic.”

Some people with allergies do get along with one breed better than another. That is what AAFA means by “may tolerate some breeds more than others.”

How cat allergies work

Cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies. AAFA says “Allergies to cats and dogs affect 10 to 20% of the world’s population.”

A cat allergy is a reaction to proteins. AAFA says “you are not allergic to the pet’s hair, fur, or feathers.” Mayo Clinic says allergens from cats and dogs are “found in their dander, saliva, urine and sweat and on their fur.”

The main cat allergen is the Fel d1 protein. A 2018 review in the journal Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology says “The major allergen responsible for symptoms is Fel d 1.” It says “All cats produce Fel d 1,” that the protein is “found in the saliva, anal glands, sebaceous glands, skin and fur of cats,” and that “the sebaceous glands, and not saliva, are the main production site.”

Cat allergen travels easily. AAFA says “Cat allergens are especially sticky.” ACAAI quotes allergist Dana Wallace, MD, who says “the cat dander is absolutely the smallest dander” and that “allergen remains airborne for at least 30 minutes after you disturb it in the room.”

Best cats for allergies: how to find out which cat you can live with

AAFA says “When choosing a pet, consider fostering one first to see if you have an allergic reaction.” Mayo Clinic says “If you don’t have a pet but are considering adopting or buying one, make sure you don’t have pet allergies before making the commitment.” A shelter or breeder visit is part of how to choose a kitten.

ACAAI says “A skin-prick test is the most common way of diagnosing a cat allergy” and “Even if you’re sure your symptoms are caused by a cat, it’s a good idea to be tested, since the symptoms may actually be caused by other environmental exposures.” AAFA adds “You can develop allergies at any time. And allergies can change over time.”

Breeds often suggested for cat allergies, and what CFA says about each

No breed below is allergen free. CFA describes the coat, size, and personality of each one.

Devon Rex

The Devon Rex has a naturally curly, wavy coat, and the first one turned up in England. CFA says “In 1959, a single curly-haired male kitten turned up in a litter born in a garden in Devon, England.” It is a small to medium cat, and CFA says “Typical adult weights range from six to nine pounds; males may be somewhat larger.”

CFA describes Devons as intensely loyal and loving, and says they “dislike being left alone for long periods.” Its coat is fragile in places, and CFA says that can lead to “occasional bare or “sueded” areas.”

Siamese

The Siamese has a long, slender body, a long wedge-shaped head, and color at the points. CFA sums the breed up as “Vocal, affectionate, active; can be insistent” and says “Siamese do shed and regular grooming is needed to keep the amount of shedding under control.”

A Siamese wants company. CFA says “A Siamese wants to be with you, on you, or actively involved in whatever you might be doing; expect loud protests should you need some time and space to yourself!”

Oriental

The Oriental has the Siamese build without the point markings. CFA lists two coat lengths, a short, sleek coat and a light layer of longer, silky fur. It says “Most Orientals adore being groomed, though they are minimal shedders and don’t need much of it,” and recommends grooming once a week.

CFA says Orientals “can be fairly vocal and needy” and that “there’s never any doubt that you are dealing with a very people-centered breed.”

Balinese and Javanese

The Balinese is the longhaired variety of the Siamese. CFA says “Balinese are single-coated cats; with no downy undercoat, they are not susceptible to mats and extremely easy to care for. Combing or brushing several times a month is recommended to control shedding.”

CFA says Balinese are “somewhat less talkative than Siamese” with “softer voices,” though “Ongoing conversation is the norm.” Cats registered as Javanese carry the same Siamese type in other point colors. CFA says “Lynx points, tortie points and other “non-traditional” Siamese colors were accepted in 1979 under the name of Javanese. In 2008, CFA breeders voted to merge the two into a single breed with separate divisions.”

Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex has a short, wavy coat. CFA says “The breed’s distinctive coat is a mutation that began in Cornwall, England in 1950” and that the coats are “simple to care for and prone to only minimal shedding.”

CFA also says “The coat is completely lacking in guard hairs, giving it an unbelievably soft, silky texture.” These cats are “easily chilled in cold weather,” according to CFA.

Sphynx

The Sphynx is the “hairless” cat, though CFA says “Contrary to popular belief, the breed is not always totally hairless.” It calls the Sphynx medium-sized and substantial, “curious, outgoing, very intelligent, and anything but shy.”

On allergies, CFA says “It is often thought that Sphynx are low in allergens, because they may be tolerated by some allergic people. However, these cats have very oily skin that requires regular bathing and bathing helps reduce the amount of allergens present on the skin. A freshly bathed Sphynx is unlikely to spark severe allergy symptoms but please do understand that this does not add up to a low-allergen cat.”

Russian Blue

The Russian Blue has a short, dense coat with silver-tipped blue hairs. CFA says “Run your fingers through the coat and you’ll see that they leave little “footprints” behind.” Weights are “males rarely exceeding 10 pounds and females ranging from 5 to 8 pounds.”

Like other cats, Russian Blue Cats shed, and CFA says combing two or three times a month will help keep shedding under control. Russian Blues may be shy with visitors. CFA says “It is typical for a Russian to hide under the sofa when a guest enters the house,” after which curiosity takes over.

Siberian

The Siberian is a large cat built for the Russian winter. CFA says it has “a thick, triple coat,” and a mature male weighs between 12 and 18 pounds, with females between 8 and 12 pounds. CFA says “Siberian coats vary enormously, with some needing weekly grooming sessions to prevent mats while others can go for weeks without one.”

CFA calls Siberians “sociable, curious, and easygoing cats,” and says they are among the slowest-maturing breeds, with most reaching full size by three years.

Bengal

Bengal cats are, in CFA’s words, “Confident, curious, and athletic.” They descend from a cross between a domestic cat and the Asian Leopard Cat. CFA says it accepted Bengals for registration in 2016, “requiring five generations of pure domestic ancestry.”

CFA says the coat “is incredibly soft and silky, unlikely to mat, and does not shed heavily, especially in comparison to other shorthair breeds.” It also says Bengals are “fascinated by water.”

Living with a cat when you have allergies

ACAAI says “Avoidance is the best way to manage a cat allergy.” For households that keep the cat, ACAAI and AAFA list these steps.

• ACAAI says “Keep the cat out of your bedroom and restrict it to only a few rooms,” and warns that “keeping the cat in only one room will not limit the allergens to that room.”
• ACAAI says “High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners run continuously in a bedroom or living room can reduce allergen levels over time.” AAFA says “Use an air cleaner with HEPA filter at least four hours per day.”
• AAFA says “Vacuum fabric furniture and carpets weekly. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.”
• AAFA says “Use slipcovers on fabric furniture or cover with blankets that can be washed weekly in hot water.”
• AAFA says “Have someone without a pet allergy brush the pet outside to remove fur.”
• ACAAI says “Giving your cat a bath at least once a week can reduce airborne cat allergen.”
• ACAAI says “Don’t pet, hug or kiss the cat; if you do, wash your hands with soap and water.”

Allergen also rides on fabric. AAFA says “people can carry pet allergens on their clothing,” and advises “Wash your hands, face, and clothes after petting or touching the pet,” which covers your favorite cat lover clothes.

If a kitten is on the way, put the bedroom rule and a HEPA cleaner on your new kitten checklist.

When to see a doctor

ACAAI lists these cat allergy symptoms: “Sneezing or a runny or stuffy nose,” “Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing,” “Watery, red or itchy eyes,” and “Skin rash or hives.” It also says “Dust and pollen in a cat’s coat can also cause allergy symptoms. In those cases, the allergy is to the dust or pollen, not to the cat.”

AAFA says “When you have moderate to severe allergies, it is best to see a board-certified allergist.” Mayo Clinic says to “call a healthcare professional” when symptoms are severe, with “nasal passages feeling completely blocked, wheezing and difficulty sleeping.” It adds “Seek emergency care if wheezing or shortness of breath quickly gets worse.”

FAQs on hypoallergenic cats

Can I keep a cat if someone in my home is allergic?

ACAAI says “If you have a cat and are allergic to cats, consider removing the cat from the home.” For families that keep the cat anyway, it lists the steps above and says an allergist can help work out treatment.

Do two cats cause more allergen than one?

ACAAI says “Homes with more than one cat have higher levels of cat allergens.”

How long do cat allergens last after a cat leaves?

AAFA says “Pet allergens can cause symptoms up to 6 months after the animal is gone, especially cat allergens.”

Sources

• American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Pet Allergies
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Pet Allergy
• Mayo Clinic: Pet allergy, symptoms and causes (Wayback Machine copy)
• Bonnet B et al. An update on molecular cat allergens: Fel d 1 and what else? Chapter 1: Fel d 1, the major cat allergen. Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology, 2018
• CFA: Devon Rex
• CFA: Siamese
• CFA: Oriental
• CFA: Balinese and CFA: Javanese
• CFA: Cornish Rex
• CFA: Sphynx
• CFA: Russian Blue
• CFA: Siberian
• CFA: Bengal