11 best hypoallergenic cat breeds suitable for people with allergies

Being a cat lover and suffering from allergies can be extremely difficult. Cats require a lot of affection and will often just climb on top of you whenever they feel like it, which can make your life a living hell if you’re allergic to them.

However, there is a solution, although only partial. There are certain cat breeds that are considered hypoallergenic. This means that people with allergies should be able to adopt them and live with them without any issues. We’ve picked the 11 best hypoallergenic cat breeds and collected all the info you need to know before adopting!

Are There Any Cats That Don’t Cause Allergies?

Short answer - no. No cat breed is truly hypoallergenic. Well, what is the point of this article then? The first goal is to get rid of the myth that breeds like this actually exist. The second goal is to help people with allergies still manage to find a suitable pet for themselves.

This doesn’t mean that the cats we picked are the only ones that are suitable for people with allergies. But it is an excellent place to start your search for the perfect pet. Some of these breeds might cause allergic reactions despite being advertised as hypoallergenic. This is because each individual can have a different and unique allergic reaction to specific cats.

Your first step when getting one of these cats should be to consult with your doctor. Then you should contact a breeder and try to spend some time with the cat you’re interested in.

What follows are our picks for the best hypoallergenic cats, but don’t limit yourself to just these.

Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds

The following list contains 11 cat breeds considered hypoallergenic by most that make good companions for people suffering from mild and moderate allergies. Consult with your doctor on your level of sensitivity to Fel d1 protein!

1. Siamese

The Siamese is an incredibly popular Asian cat breed with extra short hair, which means shedding is practically non-existent. Their gorgeous coat comes in four colors and requires minimal grooming. These cats have beautiful blue eyes, love people, and communicate by meowing a lot!

If you're looking for a Siamese kitten, Pets4You can help you find one near you. Browse adoptable Siamese kittens for sale!

2. Siberian

The Siberian is a cat known for its fuzzy coat and fluffy tail. Surprisingly, a cat like this is considered hypoallergenic! They are still quite rare in the United States, but the lack of allergy-inducing dander in their coat is making them more popular by the day.

Are looking for a Siberian cat? Pets4You can help you find a breeder near you. Browse Siberian kittens for sale!

3. Bengal

The Bengal is known for its appearance that makes it seem wild and feral. While they are amazing hunters, these cats also make great pets for families. Their coats are known for having a gorgeous shiny finish called “glistening” and shed minimally, making these cats hypoallergenic.

If you're looking for a Bengal kitten, Pets4You can help you find one near you. Browse purebred Bengal kittens for sale!

4. Javanese

The Javanese is another cat breed that closely resembles the Siamese. They have a medium-length coat which would make it seem as if they can’t be hypoallergenic. However, it is a single coat with no undercoat. They have less fur, which means they produce fewer allergens.

If you're looking for a Bengal kitten, Pets4You is your connection to reputable breeders. Find your perfect Javanese kitten for sale.

5. Sphynx

The Sphynx is a hairless cat, so naturally, it is considered hypoallergenic. Many believe that they are completely hairless, but their fur is fine and short. Keep in mind that being hairless doesn’t mean they won’t cause allergies at all.

Pets4You has a large list of Sphynx breeders from most states. Find your naked kitten for sale.

6. Russian Blue 

Russian Blues are gorgeous and popular cats with short, dense coats that stand out from the body. While their double coats don’t have anything special about them that makes them hypoallergenic, they produce much less Fel d1, which is the protein that causes allergic reactions.

If you're looking for a Russian Blue kitten, Pets4You can help you find one near you. Browse adorable Russian Blue kittens for sale!

7. Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex is a cat breed known for its unique coat. It is not arranged in multiple layers and it is only comprised of the bottom undercoat made up of “down” hair. This makes it very soft and means that these cats have a lot less hair than other breeds and shed minimally.

Not sure where to start your search for a reputable Breeder? Browse our list of Cornish Rex kittens for sale!

8. Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is known to resemble hairless breeds but actually has short and curly hair. They are generally small cats but very sociable and affectionate. They behave similarly to a Poodle and are considered hypoallergenic just like them! Their coat is minimal and barely sheds at all.

Pets4You has a list of reputable breeders. Find your Devon Rex kitten for sale.

9. LaPerm

LaPerm kitties are known for their gorgeous curly coats and loving personalities. They also purr loudly and quite often. Their coat can be either very short or long, but they will always shed minimally. They don’t require much grooming and make for wonderful lap cats. 

If you're looking for a LaPerm kitten, Pets4You can help you find one near you. Browse adorable LaPerm kittens for sale!

10. Oriental Shorthair

The Oriental Shorthair is known for its fine, short coat that barely sheds at all. These cats do require regular brushing to keep the coat shiny and remove loose hairs. These cats are smart and will absolutely love being around people. Their unique look will definitely turn heads!

Are looking for a Oriental Shorthair cat? Pets4You can help you find a breeder near you. Browse Oriental Shorthair kittens for sale!

11. Balinese

The Balinese is a breed that is similar to the Siamese. Their silky coat combined with a plumed tail gives them an elegant look. More importantly, all that fluffiness usually won’t cause any allergic reactions since these cats shed extremely rarely. They also love talking!

Pets4You has a list of reputable Balinese Breeders. Browse purebred Balinese kittens for sale!

How do you know if you are allergic to cats?

Cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies. They are caused by a protein (Fel d1) found in the cat’s dander, saliva, and urine. This can get transferred all over your house with the cat’s hair.

You will know that you have cat allergies if you have specific symptoms. These symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Itchy eyes
• Redness of the skin that came in contact with a cat
• Rash on the chest and face
• Sneezing
• Runny, itchy nose

However, even with these obvious symptoms, a cat might not be the cause of your reaction. This is why you should always consult with your doctor. They can test your skin and blood to see if you’re actually allergic. Some doctors might ask you to try to live with a cat for a few months to make sure since these tests aren’t 100% reliable.