Hey everyone, I’m going to talk about the different kinds of cat breeds that are hypoallergenic and perfect for allergy sufferer families.
From Scottish Fold to Sphynx, maybe you need to know about these amazing breeds.
So, let’s take a look at the top 15 kinds of hypoallergenic cats for people with allergies!
Understanding cat allergies, what causes them?
Before we start, it’s important to understand what actually causes cat allergies.
Contrary to common belief, allergies aren’t caused by cat fur; instead, a protein known as Fel d 1 and Fel d4 is the cause.
The skin, saliva, and dander (dry skin flakes) of cats all produce this protein. When a cat takes care of itself.
The saliva containing Fel d 1 and Fel d4 dries and disperses into the air, triggering allergic reactions in those with sensitive immune systems.
It’s worth noting that no cat is completely hypoallergenic, as all cats produce the Fel d 1 and Fel d4 proteins.
Some breeds, meanwhile, have characteristics that make them perfect for allergy people as well as generate a reduction of this protein overall.
Benefits of having any kind of hypoallergenic cats
Keeping your home a hypoallergenic cat breed has many benefits for allergy sufferers’ families, such as:
- Reduction in allergic reactions
- Better well-being and mental health
- Enhanced relationships and camaraderie
The top 15 kinds of hypoallergenic cats for people with allergies
So many different kinds of cat breeds that are considered hypoallergenic.
Here are the top 15 most popular hypoallergenic cat breeds some information with picture:
15. Scottish Fold
- Scientific name: Felis catus
- Origin: Scotland
- Size: Medium
- Personality: Affectionate, curious, and intelligent
- Color: Various colors and patterns
- Coat: Short, dense, and plush
- Lifespan: 13-15 years
14. Turkish Van
- Scientific name: Felis catus
- Origin: Turkey
- Size: Large
- Personality: Active, playful, and intelligent
- Color: White with some colored spots
- Coat: Medium, silky, and water-resistant
- Lifespan: 12-16 years
13. Tonkinese
- Scientific name: Felis catus
- Origin: Thailand
- Size: Medium
- Personality: Active, playful, and affectionate
- Color: Brown, blue, chocolate, and platinum
- Coat: Short, fine-textured, and soft
- Lifespan: 10-16 years
12. Burmese
- Scientific name: Felis catus
- Origin: Burma
- Size: Medium
- Personality: Social, affectionate, and playful
- Colour: Sable, champagne, blue, and platinum
- Coat: Short, sleek, and shiny
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
13. Tonkinese
- Scientific name: Felis catus
- Origin: Thailand
- Size: Medium
- Personality: Active, playful, and affectionate
- Colour: Brown, blue, chocolate, and platinum
- Coat: Short, fine-textured, and soft
- Lifespan: 10-16 years
14. Turkish Van
- Scientific name: Felis catus
- Origin: Turkey
- Size: Large
- Personality: Active, playful, and intelligent
- Colour: White with some coloured spots
- Coat: Medium, silky, and water-resistant
- Lifespan: 12-16 years
15. Scottish Fold
- Scientific name: Felis catus
- Origin: Scotland
- Size: Medium
- Personality: Affectionate, curious, and intelligent
- Colour: Various colours and patterns
- Coat: Short, dense, and plush
- Lifespan: 13-15 years
10. Oriental Shorthair
- Scientific name: Felis catus
- Origin: Thailand
- Size: Medium
- Personality: Vocal, affectionate, and intelligent
- Colour: Various colours and patterns
- Coat: Short, fine-textured, and smooth
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
9. Colorpoint Shorthair
- Scientific name: Felis catus
- Origin: England + America
- Size: Medium
- Personality: Active, playful, and affectionate
- Colour: Various colours and patterns
- Coat: Short, dense, and silky
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
8. Russian Blue
- Scientific name: Felis catus
- Origin: Russia
- Size: Medium
- Personality: Intelligent, independent, and loyal
- Colour: Blue-grey, silver-tipped fur
- Coat: Short, dense, and soft
- Lifespan: 10-16 years
7. Javanese
- Scientific name: Felis catus
- Origin: Canada + United States
- Size: Medium
- Personality: Affectionate, intelligent, and energetic
- Colour: Various colours and patterns
- Coat: Long, silky, and single-layered
- Lifespan: 9-14 years
6. Bengal
- Scientific name: Feline hybrid (Felis catus + Prionailurus bengalensis)
- Origin: United States
- Size: Medium to large
- Personality: Active, curious, and intelligent
- Colour: Spotted or marbled, various colours
- Coat: Short, dense, and soft
- Lifespan: 10-16 years
5. Siberian
- Scientific name: Felis catus
- Origin: Russia
- Size: Medium to large
- Personality: Intelligent, playful, and affectionate
- Colour: Various colours and patterns
- Coat: Long, dense, and triple-layered
- Lifespan: 12-16 years
4. Balinese
- Scientific name: Felis catus
- Origin: United States
- Size: Medium
- Personality: Active, curious, and social
- Colour: Various colours and patterns
- Coat: Long, silky, and single-layered
- Lifespan: 16-20 years
3. Cornish Rex
- Scientific name: Felis catus
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Size: Small to medium
- Personality: Affectionate, playful, and intelligent
- Colour: Solid colours or a combination of colours
- Coat: short, curly, and fine-textured
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
2. Devon Rex
- Scientific name: Felis catus
- Origin: England
- Size: Small to medium
- Personality: Active, playful, and affectionate
- Colour: Various colours and patterns
- Coat: Short, wavy, and curly
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
1. Sphynx
- Scientific name: Felis catus
- Origin: Canada
- Size: Medium
- Personality: Lively, friendly, and affectionate
- Colour: White, Black, Grey, or a combined
- Coat: Hairless
- Lifespan: 8-14 years
Ways to reduce cat allergens in your home
There are ways to reduce cat allergies in your home, such as:
1. Routine grooming for your cat
2. Vacuuming and dusting your house regularly
3. Using high-quality air filters and purifiers
Tips to choosing a hypoallergenic cat for your family
The following are some tips to consider before choosing the right hypoallergenic cat for your family:
- Research the breed
- Spend time with the cats to see how they react with your allergies
- Choose a breed that suits your lifestyle.
Remember that choosing the correct cat breed for you and your lifestyle is important, even if hypoallergenic cat breeds can help prevent allergy reactions.
Spending time with different breeds and consulting with allergy specialists can help you make the best decision for your needs.
With the right hypoallergenic cat breed and proper precautions, you can enjoy the companionship of a feline friend without the constant sneezing and itching.
Are hypoallergenic cats 100% allergy-free?
No cat breed is 100% allergy-free. Hypoallergenic cats produce lower allergies, but they can still cause allergies and asthma for some people.
Can someone with severe cat allergies still live with a hypoallergenic cat?
It’s best to talk to your vet first, but some allergy sufferers can live with hypoallergenic cats. However, it’s essential to spend some time with the breed to determine if you can tolerate their allergens.
Can hypoallergenic cats still trigger asthma attacks?
Yes, hypoallergenic cats can still trigger an asthma attack, but the risk may be lower than in other cat breeds.
Do hypoallergenic cats require special diets or supplements?
Hypoallergenic cats do not require as much special food and supplements, but some breeds may have specific dietary requirements.
How do I know if a hypoallergenic cat is right for me or not?
Before getting a hypoallergenic cat, spend some time with the breed to determine if you can tolerate their allergens. Consider your lifestyle and the cat’s needs to ensure a good match.
Final Thoughts
If your family has a cat allergy, there are still many kinds of cat breeds that you can choose from. And the hypoallergenic cats are a great choice for the allergy family.
Because they produce lower Fel d 1 and Fel d4 protein, which is the main allergen responsible for cat allergies.
By taking some simple precautions, you can reduce the amount of Fel d 1 and Fel d4 protein in your home and keep your cat allergy under control!
