Cat Breeds for People with Allergies

Do you love cats but are allergic to them? You are not the only one. 

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), three out of every ten Americans with allergies are allergic to cats or dogs — and cat allergies are almost twice as common as dog allergies. 

Related Read: Allergic to your pet?

You will be happy to know that many breeds of cats are considered hypoallergenic. 

Some felines are considered hypoallergenic because they have less hair, shed less hair, and have less dandruff, which helps lower the number of allergens in the environment. Some cat owners in Fayetteville believe that frequent cleaning and vacuuming can reduce — if not eliminate — allergy symptoms (such as hives, sneezing, swollen or itchy eyes) in sufferers.

Here are some of the most popular hypoallergenic cat breeds for allergy sufferers:

Oriental Shorthair 

This breed (closely related to the Siamese cat) has short fur and sheds very little. Oriental Shorthairs resemble Siamese cats, although they come in a range of coat colors — from solid blue and chestnut to ebony golden and fawn silver. They require minimal grooming and can keep themselves clean. These cats are smart and sociable, yet they also like to maintain their independence. They are also very athletic and enjoy spending time outdoors, climbing trees and fences.

Ocicat 

Though their spotted pattern is similar to that of wild cats, Ocicats have a friendly domestic temperament that makes them popular with families. They are gregarious and will welcome guests at the door. They love sleeping on laps rather than lying alone on the couch, and they are not afraid to tell their owners when they are not getting enough attention. Their short, glossy hair with minimal shedding makes them an excellent choice for people with allergies. To keep your cat’s coat looking great, use a chamois cleaning cloth to remove a few dead hairs once a week.

Cornish Rex 

This unique cat breed has only a super fine, silky, and distinctively curled undercoat known as down. With only one of the three layers of hair in a cat’s coat, there is less shedding, making Cornish Rex an excellent choice for allergy-prone cat owners. However, these cats are infamous for losing their undercoat, resulting in bald patches as they age, which can make them look funny. Nevertheless, they are affectionate and sociable cats that do not mind spending most of their time indoors.

Colorpoint Shorthair 

These chatty cats seem to read their owners’ minds and know when they are having a bad day. They are not afraid to show their adoration to anybody who would accept it. They enjoy socializing with other cats and do not mind sharing their space with well-behaved dogs. They also enjoy playing with toys, and if none are available, they will make their own out of items such as toilet paper rolls. Their short, silky fur must be brushed once a week, and they shed less than long(er)-haired cats.

Sphynx 

This hairless cat’s skin can be leathery and neither soft nor rough to the touch. They are the ideal companion for people with allergies since they have no fur. They would rather be indoors than outside — and in the cold weather, they may require the use of blankets and sweaters. They like chatting, although not quite as much as the notorious talking Siamese.

Burmese

Originally from Burma, Burmese cats have a short and lustrous coat that feels velvety to the touch. They also shed very little, making them another strong option on our list. These cats never truly grow in spirit, as they retain their kitten-like demeanor and playfulness as adults. They develop strong attachments to their owners and dislike being left alone at home for long durations. They are also quite vocal when there is an action going on, which may be problematic for busy households and families with young children.

Russian Blue 

The Russian Blue cat has beautiful green eyes and demands minimal grooming. They have dense, furry coats, yet they do not produce as much of an allergen known as glycoprotein Fel d 1 as most other cats, which contributes to their hypoallergenic nature. They have a stern look yet a cheerful temperament and a great sense of humor. They adore humans of all ages, from newborns to the old.

Siamese

This Asian cat breed has a long, athletic, and graceful body. Siamese cats are well-known for meowing at all hours of the day and night. Their short fur makes life easier for people with allergies, and their big blue eyes draw the attention of anybody who happens to be in the same space as them. Their sociable nature sometimes leads them to problems while their human family members are trying to sleep, but they are generally respectful of boundaries.

Bengal Cat

This amazing-looking cat breed is named after the wild Bengal tiger because its markings are similar to the Bengal tiger’s wild appearance. However, you can rest assured that this cat is completely domesticated. Unlike other cats, Bengal cats like playing in the water. They have a lot of energy and need a lot of toys to keep them entertained while they are indoors.

LaPerm 

These adorable cats have curly hair due to a genetic abnormality, with less shedding and a young, energetic personality. This cat breed can weigh 5 to 10 pounds and loves heights; thus, they are often seen in a tree outside or on a cat post inside. Because of their friendly temperament, they will not run and hide when guests show up at the front door.

Pet Grooming Services in Fayetteville, NC

At Cliffdale Animal Hospital in Fayetteville, N.C., we offer pet grooming services, including a full brush-out, ear cleaning, teeth cleaning, nail clipping, shampooing and conditioning, hand blow drying, de-shedding treatment, flea removal, fur trimming, and more. Our pet grooming services will keep your feline friend looking nice and keep you safe from allergens. Call (910) 487-5013 or fill out this form to schedule your pet grooming appointment.