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Cats are among the most lovable and affectionate pets.
It can be tough on the soul to know that you are actually allergic to these lovely creatures.
Naturally, when you or the people around you are allergic to something, it only makes sense to avoid it.
But did you know there is still hope?
Yes, that’s right, and it comes in the form of hypoallergenic cats.
You can still own a cat even if you, your spouse, or kids are allergic to these furry pets.
After all, furry pets are simply irresistible.
What makes cats an allergen for some people is the proteins secreted by the skin (Fel d1 protein), and it’s also present in the saliva and urine.
Many people believe they are allergic to the cat’s hair, but in reality, they’re allergic to the saliva that’s transferred onto the hairs when the cat is grooming.
You can get this saliva on your hands while petting your kitty.
Furthermore, cats are continually shedding small particles of dander into the surroundings, which are then spread around the home.
The saliva left on the coat while grooming turns into vapor when dry.
That means more allergens in the environment.
All these are the reasons why some people experience bouts of sneezing or itchy eyes when around cats.
What are hypoallergenic cats?
Some people are yet to understand hypoallergenic cats.
What are they, and why are they unique, especially for people with cat allergies?
The hypoallergenic cat breeds produce less of the Fel d1 protein that is known to trigger allergic reactions in people.
Aside from that, these cat breeds may have very short hair that tends to hold less Fel d1 protein.
They don’t shed as much hair as their counterparts and hence less likely to spread allergens in the home.
That said, you must understand there is no 100% hypoallergenic cats.
While these cats are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in people, they don’t eliminate them completely.
The advice would be to spend some time with your chosen cat breed and see if things work out for you.
If there are no allergies, you can commit to sharing a home with your feline companion.
The top hypoallergenic cat breeds
There is no cat that’s entirely and absolutely hypoallergenic.
But there are those breeds you can trust that will rarely cause allergies for you or your loved ones.
These are the top hypoallergenic cat breeds.
Sphynx
When you take a look at the Sphynx cat, the first thing you notice is that it has no hair.
The idea of having a hairless cat might seem odd at first, but a unique look is definitely something to consider.
The sphynx is a suitable cat breed for allergy-prone people since it’s basically hairless.
This means the allergic protein in the saliva won’t get trapped on the coat.
Bengal
The Bengal cat has such an outgoing personality that it would be difficult not to love it.
Unlike some more withdrawn breeds, the Bengal seems to love playing around, which many people find enchanting.
This cat produces little Fel d1 protein compared to other breeds and also sheds less hair.
Therefore, they rarely trigger allergies in people.
Cornish Rex and Devon Rex
The Cornish Rex and The Devon Rex are among the unique cat breeds.
In contrast to other cat breeds that have fur arranged in three layers, the Cornish Rex only has the bottom undercoat.
That’s why it’s incredibly soft and hypoallergenic because it sheds very little hair.
The soft hair means little grooming required.
On the other hand, the Devon Rex comes with a fun-loving and social personality you will undoubtedly love.
Similar to the Cornish Rex, this cat only possesses the soft down hair for the undercoat.
The Devon Rex is less likely to cause allergies because it has less hair and sheds very little of that hair.
These hypoallergenic cats’ soft fur gives them a velvety soft feel like that of the Rex rabbits.
Thus, the names.
Russian Blue
The Russian Blue is quite a gorgeous cat breed that can make for a wonderful pet.
Despite the dense coat, this cat breed is hypoallergenic.
They produce low levels of the Fel d1 protein in the skin, which is often a nightmare for allergy sufferers.
Also, the thick fur is short-haired and sheds less often.
In addition to its hypoallergenic qualities, you will like this cat’s intelligence and affectionate personality.
The Russian blue is a fantastic pet for people with cat allergies.
Balinese
You might wonder why this cat is hypoallergenic, especially when you look at the coat.
It came to be from the natural mutation of the Siamese gene, and that’s why it possesses the charm of the Siamese.
This is among the very few cat breeds with the ability to produce less Fel d1 protein compared to other cats.
For this reason, they cause a few allergic reactions in allergy-prone people.
The Balinese cats are sociable and fun-loving.
They even notice when the owner is in a bad mood and needs some cheering up.
Thus, if you are looking for a hypoallergenic cat, this might be the one for you.
Siberian
Surprise, surprise… the Siberian cat breed is actually hypoallergenic.
It’s a worthy option for allergic cat lovers who are into long-haired cats.
When you set your eyes on a Siberian, you will instantly notice the gloriously long coat.
This makes people wonder if it’s really hypoallergenic.
The Siberian cat breed has a skin that produces less Fel d1, earning it a spot on the list of hypoallergenic cat breeds.
Allergy sufferers will definitely fall in love with the cute, fluffy appearance of this cat.
Conclusion
It turns out there is a cat for everyone, and the allergic people are not left behind either! There are lots of hypoallergenic cats out there, and this list is just the tip of the iceberg.
A hypoallergenic cat might not be wholly allergy-free but will help you rest easy.
Don’t shy away from picking a cat breed that you fancy.
