Which Cat Breeds Are Most Hypoallergenic?
Which Cat Breeds Are Most Hypoallergenic?
Dr. Abdul Basit Javed (DVM, RVMP)
Most people are allergic to cats but still, love them and want to own one, if that's the case with you, hypoallergenic cat breeds are your best option.
In general, no cat breed can be said to be completely hypoallergenic, however, some cat breeds are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in people. A cat's fur is not necessarily what causes an allergy; skin and saliva proteins are also key contributors.
In this article, I'll discuss cat breeds that are thought to be safe for allergic individuals to own, so if you're an allergy sufferer seeking a cat, you've come to the right spot.
Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds: Vet Explains
The following is a list of cat breeds that are less likely to cause an allergic response in people:
Due to the lack of hair on its body, this cat breed immediately comes to mind when someone thinks of a hypoallergenic cat breed and It's also true. Sphynx cats are regarded as the safest cat breed for allergy sufferers since the saliva and body proteins won't adhere to their body which reduces the likelihood of an allergic response. They are widely kept as pets by allergy sufferers from around the world. They are also very intelligent and make great pets.
Due to the absence of a top layer (guard hair) and middle layer (awn hair) in their coat these cat breeds make an ideal choice for people allergic to cats. They only have a Bottom layer in their coat also known as down hair. Due to this reason, they shed a lot less than other cats and have an incredibly soft feel.
This cat breed resembles the Cornish Rex in appearance but also differs from it because it has even less body hair. These are extremely soft and have just a bottom layer or down hair on their body, which reduces hair shedding making them a perfect choice for people suffering from allergies.
Russian Blue cats have a basic coat like other cats, but because of a specific capability, they produce fewer proteins from their skin than other cats, which is what causes allergies in the majority of humans.
These cats don't have a special coat, but what makes them hypoallergenic to most people is their skin's capacity to produce less protein (Fel D1).
Siberian cats have long-haired coats and may appear to be the biggest enemies of allergy sufferers, yet they are considered hypoallergenic since their skin generates far less (Fel D1) protein than most other cats.
These cats have an extremely short-haired coat, which leaves little room for skin and saliva proteins to bind. They shed significantly less than other cats due to the presence of short hair. They have a slender and sophisticated look. Regular grooming sessions and frequent brushing will help to keep the loose hairs off their body and will help to further lower the number of hair that they shed.
Reference:
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Omlet. (n.d.). 7 Best Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds | Choosing The Right Cat For You | Cats. Retrieved September 2, 2022, from https://www.omlet.co.uk/guide/cats/choosing_the_right_cat_for_you/7_best_hypoallergenic_cat_breeds/