If you love kitties but hate the way your eyes water and itch when you are around them, you may be wondering if hypoallergenic cats exist. While no feline is 100% allergen-free, several breeds are less likely to cause symptoms for allergy sufferers.

Before welcoming any cat into your home, discuss your health concerns with your doctor to ensure it is safe for you to share your life with a kitty.

Why are some people allergic to cats?

People who are allergic to cats do not react to the animal’s fur but to specific proteins found in blood, sweat, urine, saliva, and dander. When a cat grooms itself, proteins such as Fel D1, which causes about 95% of allergies to cats, and Fel D4, are deposited on the hair coat. These proteins bind to tiny bits of dry, dead skin, which are shed as dander.

It is this dander that wafts through the air, sticking to everything it comes in contact with, and finding its way into the sinuses of allergy sufferers. But sneezy cat lovers need not despair. While there is no such thing as a non-allergenic cat, certain breeds produce less dander and fewer allergy-causing proteins.

The word “hypoallergenic,” means “relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction,” and that’s just what the following 10 cat breeds are!

The Best Hypoallergenic Cats for People with Allergies

1. Sphynx

Sphynx kitties produce just as much Fel D1 and Fel D4 as their furrier cat cousins, but their lack of hair means they do not shed these allergens everywhere they go. While they may still secrete allergy-causing proteins from their skin, a set bathing routine or daily wiping with a damp cloth can help minimize their effect. If you don’t mind lots of wrinkly skin, the Sphynx could be the perfect hypoallergenic cat breed for you!

2. Devon Rex

Devon Rex cats look similar to Sphinxes, except of course, for their hair! While fur is a risk factor for allergy-causing dander, Devons have very short coats and shed far less than longer-haired cats. Their unique hair is also good for absorbing skin oils, keeping Fel D1 and Fel D4 from rubbing off on you or your furniture. As an added precaution, you should still routinely groom your Devon Rex to ensure their hypoallergenic status.

3. Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex possesses a soft, silky undercoat with no top coat, meaning they shed very little. Their coats are even thinner and shorter than their close cousin, the Devon Rex. However, it is best to keep these kitties on a routine grooming schedule to prevent allergen-laden oils from building up on the skin.

4. Snowshoe Cat

Known for their sweet, gentle personalities and overall health, beautiful Snowshoe kitties are wonderful hypoallergenic cats. Their short, dense coats mean they shed only moderately and may produce less dander.

5. Siamese

Siamese cats are easily recognizable, with their unique light-colored bodies and dark faces, paws, ears, and tails. Their short, sleek, dense coats are also thought to shed less. Like many of the breeds on this list, Siamese are considered hypoallergenic cats because they produce lower levels of Fel D1.

6. Bengal

Those not familiar with the breed may do a double take the first time they set eyes on a Bengal cat. Their fur is very soft and short, with extraordinary patterns that come in several colors and appear to sparkle in the sunlight. Bengals are perfect for people with allergies thanks to their single-layered pelt-like coats. Not only do they shed less than other breeds, but Bengals also tend to groom their low-maintenance coats less often, resulting in less dander.

7. Russian Blue

These hypoallergenic cats aren’t really blue, they are more like charcoal gray, with gorgeous eyes that range from pale green to sky blue. They may seem like a strange choice for allergy sufferers with their dense double coats, but this actually works in their favor. Oil and allergens tend to get trapped close to the skin, instead of spreading into the air and onto your hands and furniture.

8. Oriental Shorthair

With big, pointy ears and elongated faces, Oriental Shorthair cats are striking cousins of the Siamese. Like their Thai cousins, these cats have short, sleek coats, shed less, and produce less Fel D1. While regular bathing is always best for cats of allergy sufferers, you can also minimize dander and remove loose hair by rubbing their coats with a damp cloth.

9. Balinese

How can a fluffy, long-haired cat possibly be hypoallergenic? When it comes to the beautiful Balinese, the low production of the Fel D1 protein means fewer allergens floating around your home. And with regular brushing and grooming, their shedding is also minimal.

10. Siberian

With their thick coats and long manes, these long-haired kitties resemble little wildcats! But this rare breed makes our list of hypoallergenic cats due to genetic mutations that bring down their Fel D1 levels. Studies have shown that up to 75% of people with cat allergies do not react to Siberian cats!

While pondering which hypoallergenic cat breed to choose, you may also want to consider gender. Female cats tend to produce lower levels of the 10 major allergy-causing proteins than males. However, if you have your heart set on a male, a neutered fella will have less sneeze-inducing potential than an intact tom.

How to Reduce Allergy Symptoms While Living With A Hypoallergenic Cat

It is important to remember that everyone’s allergies are unique. Some people may only suffer a runny nose or watery eyes when cuddling a cat. While others might have serious reactions like itchy hives, a rash, or difficulty breathing.

If you and your doctor have decided it is safe to welcome a hypoallergenic cat into your home, you can help reduce the chance of reactions by doing the following.

When cleaning your home:

Vacuum and dust frequently. Use a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency (HEPA) filter or allergen-proof vacuum cleaner bags.
Minimize upholstered furniture, carpeting, and throw rugs. They trap up to 100 times more allergens and dander than hard surfaces.
Steam clean carpets as often as possible. (If getting rid of them is not an option)
Purchase an air purifier. And change your home’s air filters frequently.
Clean the cat box after each use. Fel D1 and Fel D4 are present in cat urine, although in much lower quantities than saliva. Still, it is safest to scoop away urine clumps right after your cat uses the box.
Invest in a low-dust hard-clumping cat litter brand. Have someone who is not allergic to cats clean the box if possible.
Use allergen-repelling pillow and mattress covers. And wash all bedding frequently.
Wash your cat’s bedding regularly.

When caring for your cat:

Establish a grooming schedule. Have your cat professionally groomed if necessary.
Brush your cat outside. This will prevent dander and hair from dispersing through your home. It may also help to wear gloves and a mask while brushing or bathing your cat.
Wipe away excess dander with a damp cloth. There are also special products that claim to reduce allergens by removing dander, saliva, and urine from your cat’s coat.

When caring for yourself:

Wash your hands after petting your cat. And never rub your eyes!
Get lots of fresh air. Whenever possible, open the windows and doors to allow some ventilation into your home.
No cats in the bedroom. It may seem cruel to lock your kitty out of your inner sanctum, but it’s better than having to rehome them due to severe allergy symptoms.
Take your meds. Whether it’s over-the-counter antihistamines and eye drops or prescription allergy meds and a rescue inhaler, be sure to follow your doctor’s orders and listen to your body.
Immunotherapy. Targeted allergy shots may help build up your tolerance to cat dander. Typically, a series of shots are administered once or twice weekly for six months, then monthly for several years. This can reduce your allergy symptoms or even resolve them completely.

Hypoallergenic Cats: The 10 Best Breeds For People With Allergies