Cats that are best for allergy sufferers
Allergies can hold you back from enjoying your life to the fullest. Yet the worst part is to miss having pets in our lives!
People are more allergic to cats than dogs, yet these furry little felines make the best of pets. Still, if you are allergic being around these adorable creatures can cause itching and sneezing.
However, it does not mean you cannot enjoy the tiny paws, whiskers, and purring sounds. Some breeds produce fewer allergens than others. Hence, you can have them in your house without having to struggle with any allergies.
So, read this article and gain knowledge on the best cat for those with allergies.
The Best Cat For Those With Allergies: Top 8 Picks
You can find below felines that are generally hypoallergenic. Check them out and pick a breed that you are smitten to.
Oriental Shorthair
Oriental Shorthair is a domestic breed that is closely related to the Siamese cat. They come in various colors and patterns. Some of the common colors include shaded tortoiseshell, tabby, or bicolor.
They are typically sleek and muscular with exceptional levels of locomotion. Moreover, they are very intelligent, social, and many of them are pretty vocal. Also, they seek a lot of human interaction, so you will always be loved by them.
However, they are moderate shedders, which require regular brushing. We suggest you rub them using a damp cloth at least once a week. This way, you can help them remove dander and dead hair to minimize allergens.
Sphynx Cat
Sphynx is one of the most popular breeds among people with allergies. It is known for its hairlessness and wedge-shaped heads with prominent cheekbones. They have adorable large and lemon-shaped eyes.
Although hairless, they have a fine fuzz that can feel like suede when you run your hands over them. However, the sphynx cat produces dander like others. Hence, it is advisable to bathe them regularly and care for their skin.
They have extroverted behavior, and they are very affectionate towards their pet parent. Moreover, they display a higher level of curiosity and intelligence.
Balinese Cat
The Balinese cat is a long-haired breed that looks very similar to Siamese cats. Although they can seem like an unlikely member of the list of the best cat for those with allergies, they are a hypoallergenic cat breed.
They produce less Fel D1 protein than other felines, which is the main cause of allergy in people.
These kittens are relatively slender with long legs and neat oval paws. They have a silky coat without a fluffy undercoat like other long-haired breeds. Also, they have beautiful almond-shaped eyes and large pointed ears.
Balinese kittens are pure cream or white when they are born. However, they gradually develop colors in certain body parts, such as the face, ears, and tails. Moreover, they are very playful pets with an intense interest in activities around them.
Russian Blue
Russian Blue is a stunningly beautiful cat breed with short hair and a dense coat that stands out from the body. It comes in varying shades of gray, from slate grey to shimmering silver. They usually have bright and gorgeous green eyes.
They are generally tranquil animals with an excellent level of curiosity. Although they are somewhat reserved, they show a good level of friendliness with their pet parents. You can also train them to play fetch and open doors.
Russian blue cats are slow to mature, so they show their playful adolescent traits until they are 3 to 4 years old. Russian Blue is one of the best felines for those with allergies since they have a thick coat. The coat can trap more allergens closer to its skin, so it is vital to bathe them regularly.
Devon Rex
Devon Rex is a tall-eared and short-haired breed that is one of the best felines for those with allergies. They have a curly and extremely soft coat similar to Cornish Rex. Medium-sized Devon Rex cats are also known as pixie cats.
Generally, they are very large, with slightly rounded ears set low on their wide heads. They have a slightly upturned nose with large eyes. Moreover, they have tiny curled whiskers, which may seem like they have no whiskers at all.
They are very playful, mischievous, and loves to hang out with humans. Moreover, they follow their pet parent from room to room as they are faithful feline friends. Its wavy coat also does not shed as much, which will minimize the spread of allergens.
Cornish Rex
Cornish Rex is a domestic breed that has no hair except for the undercoat. The undercoat is very fine and is about 1 cm long. They are also known as the Greyhound of cats because of their running characteristics and sleek appearance.
If you are looking for a hypoallergenic cat, adventurous, and very intelligent, this can be perfect for you. Even though their adulthood, they stay kittenish and very playful. They can also do acrobatic jumps, race other pets, or simply play fetch with you.
Cornish Rexes are also very friendly to their pet parents and other companion animals. They come in various colors and patterns, such as white, black, chocolate, orange, and smoke. They also produce fewer Fel D1 and glycoproteins than other breeds.
Siberian Cat
Siberian Forest Cat is a centuries-old natural variety of domestic felines in Russia. This ancient breed is medium to medium-large in size. It is strong and powerfully built with large, well-rounded paws and a large furry full tail.
They have large, round, and deep eyes that give them an overall sweet expression on their face. They naturally have a slight arch to their back since their front legs are slightly shorter than hind legs. Their fur is textured and glossy, which prevents easy matting.
They also produce lower levels of dander and Fel D1. They are very affectionate towards familiar people. They are slow to mature and carry their playful attributes throughout their life.
Bengal Cat
Bengals are a domesticated feline that is a hybrid of Egyptian Mau and Asian Leopard Cat. They have a stunningly wild appearance with a golden shimmer. Their coats also show marbling, spots, arrowhead markings, and rosettes.
These are energetic, intelligent, and playful. They are also known to retrieve items and enjoy chasing and investigating. Bengal cats also love to climb up high and stay there.
In size, they are generally average. These are lean and longer than other breeds. Bengals are less likely to cause allergic reactions since they produce a lower-than-average level of allergens.
Final Thoughts
Hypoallergenic cats produce fewer allergens than regular ones. However, no cat is completely hypoallergenic. Hence, it is important to consult your physician before adopting a particular breed if you are allergic to them.
Furthermore, make sure to take the furry little feline to the vet and get a test for the allergen levels. Also, remember to follow certain tips to make the allergies less impactful by keeping the windows open and bathing them regularly.
Hopefully, this article on the best cat for those with allergies will help you bring home a little happy ball of fur!