Cats are part of millions of American households. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), about 32.1% of U.S. households have at least one cat.
For people who love cats but start sneezing, itching, or getting watery eyes around them, that can be frustrating. Cat allergies are common, and the reaction isn’t caused by fur alone. One of the main triggers is a protein called Fel d 1, which is found in cat saliva and skin secretions and can spread through the home as cats groom themselves.
There is no truly hypoallergenic cat. Some breeds may produce less Fel d 1, shed less, or spread fewer allergens around the house, which can make them easier for some allergy sufferers to tolerate. But reactions vary from person to person, so spending time with a cat before bringing one home is a smart idea.
Here are 14 breeds that are often considered better options for people who love cats but have allergies.
Siberian
Siberians have thick, luxurious coats, so they may seem like an unlikely choice for someone with allergies. Yet some Siberians have been found to produce lower levels of Fel d 1 than many other cats.
They are affectionate, playful, and often enjoy being around their families. Their size and fluffy appearance make them look like giant cuddle bugs, and many are happy to curl up beside their favorite people.
A Siberian can still produce allergens, so people with serious allergies shouldn’t assume the breed will be symptom-free.
Related: 12 Common Mistakes Most Cat Owners Make
Balinese
Balinese cats have silky, medium-length coats and striking blue eyes. They’re related to Siamese cats and are known for being social, affectionate, and very vocal.
Some Balinese cats produce less Fel d 1 than other cats, which is one reason the breed is often mentioned in discussions about allergy-friendly pets.
They also tend to form strong bonds with their owners. If you like a cat that has plenty to say and wants to be involved in whatever you’re doing, the Balinese could be a fun match.
Bengal
Bengals are known for their spotted or marbled coats, which give them a wild appearance. Their short, fine fur also means there isn’t a huge amount of hair to clean up around the house.
That doesn’t make them allergen-free, but some allergy sufferers find Bengals easier to live with.
Their personalities are a different story. Bengals are active, curious, and intelligent cats that need plenty of playtime and stimulation. They’re a better fit for someone who wants an energetic companion rather than a cat that spends most of the day sleeping on the couch.
Related: 9 Hairless Cat Breeds Perfect for Allergic People
Devon Rex
With oversized ears, expressive eyes, and a soft, wavy coat, Devon Rex cats have a look that’s hard to confuse with any other breed.
Their coats are much finer than those of many cats, and they tend to shed less. That can mean less loose hair around the house, although the main cat allergen is still present.
Devon Rex cats are playful and affectionate. Many enjoy following their owners from room to room and getting involved in whatever is happening.
Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex has an unusual coat made primarily of a soft, curly underlayer. Their short fur gives them a velvety texture that feels very different from the coat of a typical cat.
They are light shedders, which may appeal to people who don’t want loose fur covering their furniture and clothing.
Cornish Rex cats are also energetic and curious. They like climbing, playing, and exploring, so they tend to do best in homes where they have plenty of opportunities to stay active.
Oriental Shorthair
Oriental Shorthairs are close relatives of Siamese cats and share many of their personality traits. They have sleek bodies, large ears, and short coats that are easy to care for.
Their short fur means less loose hair around the home, though it doesn’t mean the cat produces no allergens.
These cats are often social, talkative, and very attached to their people. There are also a huge number of coat colors and patterns, so prospective owners have plenty of looks to choose from.
Russian Blue
Russian Blues are known for their blue-gray coats and vivid green eyes. Their short, dense fur gives them a plush appearance without the long hair associated with many other breeds.
Some people with cat allergies report doing better around Russian Blues, though individual reactions still vary.
They tend to be gentle and somewhat reserved, especially around strangers. Once they get comfortable with their people, they can be affectionate and loyal companions.
Javanese
Javanese cats have medium-length, silky coats without the thick undercoat found in many other long-haired breeds. Their fur is relatively easy to maintain and doesn’t tend to form heavy mats.
The breed is also known for being active and people-focused. Javanese cats often like to follow their owners around the house and stay involved in daily activities.
Their lower-shedding coat may make them a reasonable option for some allergy sufferers, but they can still produce Fel d 1.
Sphynx
The Sphynx is probably the first breed most people think of when someone mentions a cat that may be easier for allergy sufferers. These cats have little to no visible fur, which means there isn’t much hair around the home to carry allergens.
But hairless doesn’t mean allergen-free. Sphynx cats still produce Fel d 1 in their saliva and skin oils. They also need regular bathing because there is no coat to absorb those oils.
What they lack in fur, they make up for in personality. Sphynx cats are usually affectionate, social, and happiest when they’re close to their people.
LaPerm
LaPerm cats are known for their curly coats, which can range from short waves to longer curls. Their unusual fur gives them a distinctive appearance, and many LaPerms are relatively light shedders.
They are friendly, curious, and often enjoy physical affection. Their coats can make them an interesting option for people looking for something a little different.
As with every breed on this list, the amount of allergen produced varies from cat to cat.
Siamese
Siamese cats have short coats, striking color patterns, and plenty of personality. They’re also famous for being vocal. A Siamese often has no problem letting its owner know exactly what it wants.
Their short coats shed less visibly than many long-haired breeds, which can make cleanup easier.
Siamese cats are highly social and tend to form strong bonds with their families. They usually prefer having plenty of interaction rather than being ignored for long periods.
Burmese
Burmese cats are known for their sleek, silky coats and affectionate personalities. Their short fur requires relatively little grooming, and they tend to shed less than many cats with longer coats.
Some allergy sufferers may find them easier to tolerate, though there is no guarantee.
Burmese cats are often playful, people-oriented, and happy to spend time with their owners. Many enjoy sitting on laps and staying close to the family.
Ocicat
Ocicats look like miniature wild cats, thanks to their spotted coats, but they’re fully domesticated and known for being friendly companions.
Their short coats don’t require much grooming and tend to produce less loose fur around the home. This may make them easier for some people with allergies to manage.
Ocicats are also surprisingly allergy-friendly, although the term “hypoallergenic” can be misleading. No cat breed is completely free of the proteins that cause cat allergies.
They’re active, outgoing cats that often get along well with people and other pets.
Chartreux
The Chartreux is a less common breed known for its dense blue-gray coat and warm golden or copper-colored eyes.
The Chartreux has a thick coat, so it may seem like an odd choice for someone concerned about allergies. Yet these cats aren’t known for excessive shedding, and their calm personalities can make them appealing to people looking for a quieter companion.
Chartreux cats are often affectionate without demanding constant attention. They’re the type of cat that may happily sit nearby while you read, work, or relax.
Before Bringing Home a Cat
Choosing a breed that’s considered more allergy-friendly doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be able to live comfortably with it. Fel d 1 levels can vary between individual cats, including cats of the same breed.
If allergies are a concern, spend time with the specific cat you’re considering before making a decision. Pay attention to how you feel afterward, since symptoms can sometimes take time to appear.
Regular cleaning can also help reduce allergens. Washing bedding, vacuuming upholstery, keeping the cat out of the bedroom, and using a good air purifier may make living with a cat more manageable.
For people with serious or persistent allergy symptoms, talking with an allergy specialist before bringing a cat home is a good idea. A breed may produce fewer allergens, but there is no such thing as a completely allergy-free cat.
