10 Cat Breeds That Are Less Allergenic than Others

1Balinese Cat

The Balinese cat is worth considering if you're an allergy sufferer, as it might have far less of the Fel d 1 protein that causes allergies than other cat breeds.

The Balinese can be an affectionate and lively kitty for most households, especially if you have children. They are fun and playful cats who enjoy chasing and playing with almost any toy. In addition, Balinese cats are often intelligent and enjoy being challenged to more difficult games. The breed also tends to bond closely with their families if they are properly socialized when they are kittens.

2Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex makes a wonderful pet for almost any home. They have incredible personalities and can be quite vocal, so they're a joy to be around. These cats are also extremely playful, although they can be laid back and mellow sometimes. They're very intelligent but may require more attention than some other breeds based on their high energy levels and desire to interact with their owners.

These are cats that don't produce much of the Fel-D1 protein, which is an allergen. So far, the Cornish Rex is the only breed of cat proven to be hypoallergenic. Of course, you can still run into issues with dust and other things that may cause allergies, but if you're looking for an idea of what to look for in a hypoallergenic cat, this is a good place to start.

3Devon Rex

Overall, we feel that the Devon Rex is one of the best cat breeds for people with allergies. With their friendly nature, playful personalities, and hair that minimizes allergens, these felines have a lot to love. So if you have been searching for a cat that won’t aggravate your allergies and will fit into your home just fine, the Devon Rex may be perfect.

4Javanese Cat

The Javanese is a fairly active cat, but she isn't particularly noisy. This breed is extremely affectionate and prefers the company of its family rather than being left alone for long periods. In addition, due to its lack of an undercoat, the Javanese cat produces fewer allergens than other cats. This means that it might be a good choice for people with allergies to reduce their symptoms.

5Oriental Shorthair

The Oriental is a friendly, intelligent, and playful addition to the family that can be easily trained to use a litter box. Its moderate shedding makes it a good choice for cat lovers with cat allergies, and it requires brushing a couple of times a week to minimize allergens.

6Russian Blue

If you're allergic to cats but still want to share your life with one, the Russian Blue cat may be just what you're looking for! These blue-colored felines are relatively low-shedding, so these cats only need to be brushed once a week. In addition, they are respectful of companions, friendly to children, and even affectionate with other animals, making them ideal family companions suitable for pets or even living in an apartment.

7Selkirk Rex

Unlike more energetic breeds, the Selkirk Rex is a laid-back cat, but it still needs to be brushed at least a couple of times a week. Its wavy coat sheds minimally and helps to limit allergens from spreading. Their appeal and popularity are growing with cat lovers of all ages, so give them a shot!

8Siamese Cat

The Siamese cat is believed to be a low-allergen breed, but no definitive scientific evidence supports that claim. These curious cats have coats that don’t shed much and only need weekly brushing. But they generally love to be around their favorite humans as much as possible, which might trigger some people’s allergies.

9Siberian Cat

The Siberian cat is often considered to be a hypoallergenic cat because it produces less of the Fel d 1 allergen than other cats. However, there isn’t much evidence for this belief. These cats have thick coats that do not tend to mat or tangle. Therefore, weekly brushing should be enough to keep them looking good.

10Sphynx

If you're willing to devote a significant part of your day to keeping your Sphynx bathed and oiled, though, the breed provides a lot back in return. On top of it all, they make an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. They're affectionate, curious, and—thanks to genetic engineering—ridiculously cute. Plus, thanks to modern medicine, Sphynx cat breeding is finally keeping pace with demand so that you can find them nearly everywhere.

As with all types of cats, if you keep your litter box cleaned on a regular basis and provide plenty of toys and playtime, your Sphynx will be a perfectly happy indoor companion.