Best Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds: Top 5 Kitties Most Recommended By Experts

A furry feline friend can be a great companion for many people. Even with allergies, you can still give a kitty cat a loving home. Some cats are considered hypoallergenic because they produce fewer allergens that are found in their skin, saliva, and urine that can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. It is important to note that no cat is completely hypoallergenic, and even breeds that are considered to be can still produce allergens. That being said, the best hypoallergenic cat breeds are just as loving as any, but without the sniffles.

There are many different breeds of cats! Each breed has their own unique characteristics including fur length, personality, size and even allergy level. They all have one thing in common though – they all love to sleep, and sometimes even on your lap! And who knows? Maybe kitties are the key to finding love. A recent study shows the “lonely cat lady” stereotype is a thing of the past: a new poll suggests that when it comes to romance, cat owners are doing just fine, if not better. Cat owners were actually slightly more likely to be involved in relationships (92% vs 89%) than non-cat owners. And half of feline-deficient singles claimed to be uninterested in dating to begin with, compared to only one in three cat fanciers. 

Owning a pet can be a lot of responsibility but also a great stress reliever. A recent study finds that just 10 minutes petting a furry friend can reduce levels of stress. It doesn’t take a scientific study to know that spending some time with a cuddly cat or friendly dog will probably put you in a better mood. That being said, researchers from Washington State University have found objective, physiological evidence that just 10 minutes spent petting a cat or dog will lower stress levels.

Looking to reap the benefits of pet ownership, but worried about an allergy flare up? Put your mind at ease because of the many breeds of hypoallergenic cats! StudyFinds set out to do the research for you, visiting 10 expert websites to put together this list of the best hypoallergenic cat breeds that were recommended across these sites! If you have your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!

The List: Best Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds, According to Experts

1. Balinese

What’s not to love about a fluffy cat like a Balinese breed. Affectionate plus beautiful fur! “This elegant breed of cats was named after the graceful dancers of Bali but actually originated in the United States after a spontaneous genetic variant of Siamese cats resulted in kittens with long hair. What’s more, they are believed to produce less Fel d 1 than most other breeds. They tend to be vocal, alert, and affectionate, as well as extremely intelligent. They’re also one of the cutest cat breeds as kittens. The closely related Javanese cat also seems to trigger less of an allergic response,” says RD.

Balinese cat
Balinese cat (Photo by monicore on Pexels)

It is easy to think that a long hair cat would mean more potential for allergies. Luckily, that is not the case! Balinese cats are best known for their long, silky coat, pointed patterning, and deep blue eyes. Like the Siberian, Balinese cats are also known to produce less Fel d 1—making them a superb choice for allergy sufferers,” adds Litter Robot.

A low maintenance hypoallergenic breed of cat like the Balinese is a win-win! “The Balinese is nearly identical to the Siamese cat breed in most regards, except for its long coat and full plume tail. Despite its coat length, the affectionate and active breed is known for being a low-shedder and just needs a weekly brushing,” says The Spruce Pets.

2. Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex breed originated from a litter of kittens in the 1950s in England, sporting a unique look and wavy coat of soft hair. “The Cornish Rex is distinguished from all other breeds by its extremely soft, wavy coat and racy type. The cat is surprisingly heavy and warm to the touch. All contours of the Cornish Rex are gently curved,” explains Pet Finder.

Cornish Rex cat
Cornish Rex cat (Photo by Lili on Unsplash)

This soft wavy haired breed does require occasional baths. “A Cornish rex has a wavy, downy soft fur but no coarse layer. He does require occasional baths to reduce oil buildup, but those will also help minimize Fel d 1 allergens,” says Daily Paws.

Not only is the Cornish Rex suitable for those with allergies but they also have a fun, playful personality. “Some people believe the short, wavy coat of the Cornish Rex doesn’t tend to shed as much dander as longhaired cats or cats with dense coats. Rex cats only have a fine undercoat and no topcoat at all. These cats are generally very intelligent and active, and they love to be the center of attention,” adds The Spruce Pets.

3. Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is a cousin to the Cornish Rex, arriving in 1960, nearly a decade after the Cornish Rex. “The curly coat is one of the most distinctive features of the Devon Rex cat. It is very fine, short, and wavy, which is rare among cat breeds. This waviness is caused by a mutation that cat lovers just can’t get enough of! Devon Rex cats can trace their lineage to one feral cat with the wavy coat mutation from Devonshire, England. These kitties are affectionate and people-oriented, though they have a mischievous side that fits well with their pixie-like features.” explains Litter Robot.

Devon Rex cat
Devon Rex cat (Photo by Simona Melegová on Unsplash)

A busy schedule and a pet cat can still pair well together. “Just independent enough to be an ideal cat for working families, the Devon Rex will shower its people with love and attention when they are around, and stay out of trouble when they are not. And, because it sheds very little, it does not shower the home in hair,” states Pet MD.

The Devon Rex breed is a low maintenance hypoallergenic breed. “The Devon Rex has thin, fine hair and sheds less than many other cat breeds. You can wipe down the coat of this cat to encourage the spread of natural oils, but generally, Devon Rex cats won’t require much grooming care to keep them clean,” says Pumpkin.

The Devon Rex and Cornish Rex have many similarities, “Both breeds are considered hypoallergenic cats and are said to feel as velvety soft as Rex rabbits, hence the name,” adds Purina.

4. Siberian

Siberian cats originated in the forests of snowy Russia which influences their long beautiful coats. “This fluffy cat, originating in the forests of Russia, has been around since at least the year 1000, though it didn’t arrive in the United States until 1990. Siberians are intelligent, athletic, and generally quiet though affectionate, and they love to play in water,” explains RD. 

Siberian cat
Siberian cat (Photo by Amber Kipp on Unsplash)

What’s not to love about a fluffy cat? “Although the Siberian’s glamorous long coat requires brushing throughout the week and sheds a little more than other cats, you won’t have to worry too much about sneezing and itching. Siberian cats are irresistible for many reasons, including their playful sweetness and reduced allergen production,” says Daily Paws.

Siberian cats are surpringly a hypoallergenic breed despite their thick, full coats. “The Siberian cat’s claim in the hypoallergenic department stems from the belief that this breed produces relatively little of the Fel d 1 allergen compared to other cats. However, there still is little scientific proof of this. These cats have very thick coats, though they don’t tend to mat or tangle. Weekly brushing is usually all they need,” adds The Spruce Pets.

“Other studies have shown that around 75% of people with cat allergies do not experience symptoms when in the presence of a Siberian cat,” comments TruPanion.

5. Javanese

Javanese cats originated in North America. “The Javanese resulted from a cross with a Balinese and colorpoint shorthair, creating a Siamese-like cat with long hair and a wider coat color range. These cats don’t have an undercoat, meaning they don’t shed much and only need a weekly brushing. Thus, they spread fewer allergens, which might work for people with mild cat allergies,”says The Spruce Pets.

Not only do the Javanese cats have hypoallergenic benefits but they are also very charming! “Javanese cats are faithful companions who will follow you from room to room, chatting at you along the way. The Javanese shares many similarities with the Siamese, but there are subtle differences between the two,” says Pet Finder. Not only charming but also a loving breed “This affectionate breed will happily sit on your lap, share your bed, and cuddle up with you at night,” adds Petkeen.

A cat who truly understands you, “The Javanese possesses a high degree of intelligence and seems to understand when spoken to. It will look a person straight in the eye and answer with a meow. In fact, the cat is well-recognized for its excellent communication skills. Javanese are also loyal to a fault and can be easily trained,” explains Pet MD.

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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.

 

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