Do Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds Actually Exist?

While an estimated 10 percent of people are allergic to household pets, cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. If you're one of the 10% of people in the world who suffer from pet allergies but still really, really love cats, this statistic can be a bit of a bummer.

There may be a bit of hope for all you allergy sufferers out there who sneeze even at the sight of a cat: hypoallergenic cats. Certain breeds are touted by cat breeders across the globe.  But do hypoallergenic or non-allergenic cats really exist? The short answer is: Kinda-sorta.

Most people with cat allergies react to Fel d 1, a protein found on cat skin, or Fel d 4, a protein found in the cat's saliva. When your cat grooms itself, it is spreading the Fel d 4 and Fel d 1 protein onto their fur and skin. When they shed, the fur (and allergen) are sprinkled throughout your home. 

All cats produce the Fel d 1 and Fel d 4 proteins. Different cats produce different quantities of these allergens, and different people have different reactions to different allergens. One person with cat allergies might not react the same way to two different cats who produce different levels of the protein.

Essentially, this means that no cat breed can be claimed to be truly and completely hypoallergenic. Not even the hairless Sphynx is completely hypoallergenic!

There are a few breeds like the Sphynx, however, that are known to either produce less of the Fel d 1 and 4 proteins or simply shed less than other breeds of cat. There is no guarantee that people with cat allergies will not have a reaction to a "hypoallergenic" cat breed. Here are the top 10 cat breeds that are often considered non-allergenic. 

1. Balinese

The Balinese has a luxurious coat and is sometimes called the “longhaired Siamese.” You might be surprised that a shaggy-coated cat would be good for someone with allergies, but it turns out they produce less of the Fel d 1 protein than other breeds, making them less allergenic.

2. Russian Blue

The Russian Blue has a short, double coat that is silky and plush to the touch. Like the Balinese, Russian Blues also produce less Fel d 1 protein, making them a better choice for people with allergies. They’re known for their striking appearance just as much as for their loyal and playful personalities.

3. Bengal

A Bengals’ fur is very fine and requires less grooming than other cat breeds. Since they spend less time licking their fur, it contains less saliva (a common source of cat allergens) and their dander is less likely to be spread around.

4. Devon Rex

The Devon Rex has a soft, short, and curly coat. It may also have bare patches without fur considered normal for the breed. Due to their short coat, the Devon Rex does not shed as much as many other breeds, so they may spread fewer allergens in your home.

5. Oriental Shorthair

The Oriental shorthair comes in more than 300 different colors and patterns, but all of them have very short, fine coats with only minimal shedding. Many people with cat allergies report good results with this breed, especially with regular grooming to keep dander in check.

6. Cornish Rex

Similar to the Devon Rex but with a curly coat of fur, the Cornish Rex has only a soft “undercoat” of down hair (most cats have two other layers of fur on top, the middle awn hair and the outer layer, or guard hair). This means they shed less than many other breeds, which may be beneficial if you have allergies.

7. Siberian

If you love the look of a long-haired, shaggy-coated cat, the Siberian is it. Fortunately, they also produce less Fel d 1 protein, making them less likely to trigger allergic reactions than other cats, even those with far less fur.

8. LaPerm

The LaPerm cat has a unique curly coat that may help reduce the spread of dander around your home. Many people with allergies do well with LaPerms in their homes.

9. Sphynx

The Sphynx is a hairless cat, famous for its adorable similarty to a peach (minus the fuzz). With no fur to trap allergens from their saliva, they may not cause an allergic reaction as easily as other breeds. Keep in mind, however, that even without fur the Fel d 1 protein will still be present.

10. Javanese

Instead of having only an undercoat like the Cornish and Devon Rexes, the Javanese has just a top coat, which means less shedding and dander to spread around your home.