Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds 101 (A Guide for Unlucky Folk With Cat Allergies)

Yes, You Can Have A Cat (Even with Moderate to Severe Cat Allergies)

Top Semi-Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds

1. Siberian

‍Surprisingly, this fluffy baby produces less Fel d 1 in their saliva than many cats. In a 2005 KittenTesting study, researchers found that roughly half of Siberians produced substantially fewer Fel d 1. And around 15% have low enough allergen levels to be suitable for hypersensitive homes. So, it’s important to note you may have to test a few before finding your lucky match.Best for: people who want a cuddly, affectionate cat.

2. Balinese

‍These kitties are often called the “long-haired Siamese,” but with lower allergen levels. Their coat is also low-shedding because, despite their silky fur, they don’t have an undercoat.

3. Russian Blue

‍Not only do they produce lower levels of Fel d 1 protein, but they also have low shedding.

4. Bengal

‍Not only do they produce lower Fel d 1 protein, but their unique, pelt like coat is low-shedding meaning low allergen spread. Bengals do tend to have high energy levels though, making them perfect for you active allergics. Yeah, I’m talking to you.

5. Sphynx

‍No fur does NOT mean “no allergens”, but it does mean their allergens are easier to manage with regular bathing.

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Tips: Living With Cats & Allergies

Clean regularly: Use HEPA air purifiers in the parts of your apartment they frequent most. Change sheets often. And vacuum daily.

Groom regularly: Daily brushing reduces self-grooming and loose dander. Afterwards, wipe their coat with a damp cloth.

Create a cat-free zone: This will be your safe space for when you’ve hit your limit. A good option would be your bedroom (unless the gremlins insist on sleeping with you…)

Wash hands after contact: This is obvious, but frequent hand washing is a must.

And make sure you: Test the specific breed and the specific cat prior to adopting, as allergens vary from cat to cat just like allergies vary from person to person. You can do this remotely with something called the T-Shirt test. This is where you test your allergy levels with a cloth exposed to a specific cat’s saliva and dander.

It's not easy, but it's worth it

Contrary to popular belief, allergies don’t have to mean “no cats ever.” They just mean you have to take a few extra precautions to ensure comfort. This looks like choosing the right breed, maintaining your home, grooming routinely and reminding yourself what it’s all for.

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And if you need an extra helping hand with light grooming, email us and book your first visit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I be allergic to one cat but not another?

Yes. Allergies vary by:

• Individual cat
• Protein levels
• Your immune system

You may react differently to different cats — even within the same breed.

2. Are hairless cats better for allergies?

Not necessarily. Cats like the Sphynx still produce allergens through their skin and saliva, but they're easier to bathe and their lack of fur mitigates the trapping and spreading of dander.

3. Do air purifiers help with cat allergies?

Yes. A HEPA air purifier can significantly reduce airborne allergens like dander and dust.

4. Should I adopt a kitten if I have allergies?

Yes, but test first by spending time with the kitten before adopting to see how your body reacts or using the T-shirt method. Also, keepin mind allergy sensitivity can change over time.

5. Does grooming reduce cat allergies?

Yes. Regular grooming both removes loose dander and reduces allergen spread

Professional grooming or light maintenance can make a noticeable difference. Email us to inquire about a light grooming visit for your dander munchkin.

7. Can cat sitting help manage allergies while traveling?

Actually, yes. A sitter can help maintain a clean home, brush your cat regularly and consequently reduce allergen build-up while you're away.

8. Are male or female cats better for allergies?

Female kitties and neutered males tend to produce less Fel d 1 than intact males.

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