Cat Breeds for People with Allergies
Allergies can be very hard to manage, especially with the constant sneezing and itching. Did you know that people are twice as likely to have cat allergies than dog allergies? Either way, furry friends are hard to resist because they are just so adorable!
If you are looking to adopt a cat, but know that your allergies might get in the way, you’re in luck. There are some hypoallergenic breeds known to produce fewer allergens than other cat breeds. Although no cat breed is completely non-allergenic, different breeds can reduce allergic reactions.
Many people believe they’re allergic to cats due to their fur, but it’s actually a protein called Fel D1 which is found in their cat’s saliva. This protein is what causes you to sneeze and feel itchy. When cats lick their fur, the saliva dries and becomes airborne. This increases the likelihood of an allergic reaction.
Here are cats breeds to consider for people with allergies:
Balinese
Produces less of the Fel D1 protein than other cat breeds. This reduces the number of allergic reactions.
Oriental Shorthair
Although considered a non-allergenic cat, it’s still recommended to groom their coats on a regular basis.
Devon Rex
This breed has a short coat of fur and less of it, making it easy to snuggle with your furry friend with fewer allergic reactions.
Cornish Rex
Considered a non-allergenic cat, but requires baths often to help with the oil buildup on its skin. The perfect breed to snuggle on the couch with.
Javanese
They have a medium to long coat of fur but have no undercoat. This means they have less fur overall and will reduce the number of allergic reactions.
Sphynx/ Hairless Cat
Although Sphynx’s are hairless, they require baths often to help with the oil buildup on their skin.
Siberian
Although they have a long coat of fur, they are still considered hypoallergenic because they produce lower enzyme levels in their saliva.
Do you have a pet cat? Here is a simple guide to know how often you should bring your cat to the vet.
