by Nomi Berger
A protein called Fel d 1, found in cat saliva, skin and dander, is responsible for causing allergies in people. Whenever our feline friends groom themselves, this protein spreads onto their fur and into the air. ACHOO!
However, the following 13 hairless and low-shedding cat breeds produce less of this protein, making them a better fit for sensitive pet parents. But even with these “hypoallergenic” breeds, brushing them, vacuuming your homes and using one or more air purifiers might still be needed to manage your allergies.
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Balinese
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Temperament: Affectionate, intelligent and sociable
Producing less Fel d 1 protein than many other breeds, the playful Balinese thrive on interaction and form close bonds with their pet parents, often following them from room to room. Their fine, silky coats rarely mat and require only weekly brushing sessions.
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Bambino
Size: Small
Lifespan: 9–15 years
Temperament: Curious, outgoing and playful
The Bambino is a hairless breed with tiny legs, thanks to their Munchkin ancestors. Despite their small size, Bambinos are active and social, and enjoy climbing and exploring just like larger cats. Because they’re hairless, they need baths to keep their skin clean.
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Bengal
Size: Medium to large
Lifespan: 12–16 years
Temperament: Confident, energetic and intelligent
Created by crossing domestic cats with Asian leopard cats, beautiful Bengals resemble mini-leopards. Because of their curiosity, energy and size, they require a great deal of interactive play and climbing spaces such as extra-large cat trees and cat shelves.
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Burmese
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 10–17 years
Temperament: Friendly, loyal and people-oriented
With fine, glossy coats that don’t shed much, the Burmese are good for those who have mild allergies. Affectionate loyal, and known for forming a very strong attachment to their pet parents, they’re purr-fect lap cats for people who covet companionship.
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Cornish Rex
Size: Small to medium
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Temperament: Active, affectionate and curious
Cornish Rexes’ soft undercoats of downy fur reduce both shedding and dander spread. Extremely energetic and endlessly curious, they enjoy daily playtime with numerous cat toys, climbing onto high perches, and then lapping up as much loving as possible.
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Devon Rex
Size: Small to medium
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Temperament: Affectionate, mischievous and playful
Devon Rexes have soft fur that clings closely to their bodies and sheds very little. Highly intelligent, extremely active and endlessly impish, they love frolicking about as much as being with their pet parents, often curling up on their shoulders to prove it!
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Javanese
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Temperament: Intelligent, social and “talkative”
Javanese cats sport a single, fine coat without an underlayer, meaning less shedding and fewer airborne allergens. Impressively intelligent and charmingly chatty, they enjoy playing with puzzle toys as much as engaging in cheerful banter with their pet parents.
Black Spotted Tabby Oriental Shorthair cat
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Oriental Shorthair
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Temperament: Affectionate, social and vocal
Slender with big eyes and bat-like ears, Oriental Shorthairs boast a short, smooth coat lying close to their bodies. Supremely social with a distinctive “honking” meow, they thrive in especially energetic homes and become strongly attached to their pet parents.
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Russian Blue
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 10–20 years
Temperament: Gentle, loyal and reserved with strangers
Russian Blues are prized for their plush double coats that shed so little that they seldom need brushing. Blessed with a calm, gentle nature and best suited to quieter homes, their love and loyalty lead them to form enviable lifelong bonds with their pet parents.
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Siamese
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 12–20 years
Temperament: Affectionate, chatty and curious
The distinctive blue-eyed Siamese’s ears, faces, paws and tails are a darker color than the rest of their bodies. Always affectionate, always curious and always talkative, they shed less than the typical kitty, making them a good fit for some people with cat allergies.
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Siberian
Size: Medium to large
Lifespan: 10–18 years
Temperament: Affectionate, calm and intelligent
Despite their long fur, Siberians are surprisingly good for those with allergies, but grooming them daily and keeping them tangle-free is key! Manage this and these loving, gentle and adaptable cats enjoy the twin pleasures of playtime and quiet companionship.
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Sphynx
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 9–15 years
Temperament: Affectionate, energetic and friendly
As hairless cats, Sphynxes are one of the best options for allergy sufferers. While they’re affable, athletic and active, they require regular baths to keep their skin healthy and either cat-safe sunscreen or clothing to prevent sunburn if they venture outdoors.
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Tonkinese
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 10–16 years
Temperament: Affectionate, outgoing and playful
A cross between Burmese and Siamese cats, Tonkinese have short, fine, lightly shedding coats that are easy to keep. Combining the best of both breeds — intelligence, affection and a love of play — their sociability makes them ideal for families and multi-pet homes.
