What is Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds?

Top Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds for Person that have Allergies

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said that there are between 6 million to 10 million Americans allergic to cats and other pets. If you have been enduring allergy problems but can’t get rid of cute lovely cats, then you may opt for these low allergen type of cats.

First, let’s identify the reason that makes cat hypoallergenic

Hypoallergenic or low allergen cats are cats with fewer allergens in their body than regular cats. Yes the operative word here is ‘fewer,’ as there will never be a non-allergenic breed of cat.

The main reason what causes allergic reaction is the protein named Fel D1 found in cat’s saliva. When cats lick their coat, they’re transferring this protein to their fur, the allergen then dries up and becomes airborne, and your nose or sinuses is its favorite warm home. The thing with this protein allergen is that, some cats produce significantly less of it, making them hypoallergenic.

Other factors that affect cat’s allergen production are:

Male cats produce more allergenic secretion that female cats.

Neutered males produce less allergenic secretion than intact males.

Dark-colored cats ten to produce more allergenic protein than light-colored cats, (no one knows the exact reason why).

Young cats or kittens produce significantly less allergens than adult cats.

So to sum things up, a light-colored female cat is the best option for your allergy problems.

Some Cats Are Good For Allergy Sufferers

Although there is no such thing as pure allergenic-free cat breed, as all cats secrete at lease some allergens, studies have identified seven breeds that produce significantly fewer allergens compared to other breeds. So when you’re thinking of adapting or purchasing a pet cat, make sure you consider these breeds and find-out which breed best suits your household.

Balinese

Balinese cats are often called as the “long-haired Siamese.” Though it doesn’t look like a good candidate for hypoallergenic cat because of its thick coat, this cat actually secretes less Fel D1 protein, resulting to lesser allergic reactions.

Oriental Shorthair

Oriental shorthair cats are both good to groom and hypoallergenic. If you love to brush a cat frequently, then this one is good for you.

Javanese

This breed looks quite similar to the Balinese cat; it has a sports medium-long single coat that doesn’t mat. The idea is that, less undercoat equals less fur, which translates into fewer allergens to stick to the cat’s body.

Devon Rex and Cornish Rex

Both breeds shed very little fur. Devon has less and shorter fur, but you have to keep it clean by padding its paws and cleaning its ears as oil can build up pretty easy on their body. However, you don’t need to frequently bathe this breed.

Cornish on the other hand, require more caring and bathing to mitigate the old build up on their body.

Siberian

This breed has a moderately long coat, but very hypoallergenic because of its low enzyme levels in its saliva. Surveys even say that 75% of allergy sufferers find no allergy reaction with the Siberian cat.

Sphynx

The hairless cat is the most popular cat associated with hypoallergenic characteristics. However, hairless doesn’t mean maintenance-free, and you have to frequently bathe this cat to remove build up of oils on its skin and ears.