Are there hypoallergenic cat breeds?

If you have cat allergies but love cats, it can feel like you’re giving up a piece of your soul to save your sinuses. Cat allergies occur in about 10% of the population, and can be a real problem for cat lovers that have it. Most people aren’t actually allergic to the cat itself, but their saliva, in particular the protein Fel D1.

Female cats seem to produce less of it than male cats, and lighter cats seem to produce less than darker ones. You may also be less allergic to one individual over another, so your best bet may actually be to visit a shelter and pick an individual your sinuses agree with.

If you’re looking for ideas on a breed, these cats may be generally less allergic.

Balinese

This long haired cat may look like a nightmare for cat allergies with its fluffy coat, but it produces less Fel D1 then other breeds. These cats are also generally sweet and affectionate too, making them ideal candidates for your allergy-reduced snuggles.

Oriental shorthair

Another low allergen cat, this pet has much less coat than the Balinese. You can reduce your risk of being allergic to the pet even farther by grooming the cat regularly to help reduce dander. These cats love to be the center of attention, and can be counted on for their antics as they try to keep your attention just a little longer.

Sphynx

If you’re concerned about pet hair, why not get one with no hair at all? This cat does require some maintenance—they need regular baths to help keep oil from building up on their skin. This will also help with allergies however, because the baths will wash away any allergy causing saliva along with the oils. These cats have wonderful personalities and make fun pets.

If you’re allergic to cats, it doesn’t mean having to give up your dream of owning one. All you need to do is be a bit more selective about which cat you get.

https://www.petfinder.com/cat-breeds/collections/hypoallergenic-cats/