If you love cats but can’t stop sneezing when you’re near them, don’t despair! These breeds of cats are the solution to your problem.
Did you know that more people are allergic to cats than to any other animal?
In fact, it is estimated that every 5th person worldwide has allergy symptoms ranging from sneezing and itchy eyes to coughing when near a cat. Many people mistakenly believe that the severity of their allergy depends on how much fur the cat has.
But studies have found that the amount of fur is irrelevant and that some of the most hypoallergenic cats actually have lush, long hair. This is sometimes true for hypoallergenic dog breeds as well.
If It’s Not Fur, What Actually Causes The Allergy?
When people develop allergy symptoms to cats, they react to a protein called Fel d 1, which is present in the skin, saliva and urine of cats. When a cat licks its fur, saliva containing Fel d 1 dries into light airborne particles.
They eventually land on human hair, clothing and furniture and can linger for weeks or months, says vet Kelly St. Denis. The amount of Fel d 1 varies among cats and even depending on the time of year. “There aren’t really cats that are 100 percent hypoallergenic,” explains Dr. St. Denis.
There are some breeds that are thought to produce fewer allergens. Some species only lose less hair.
Here are some more common “facts” about cats that you may have heard, and they are totally wrong: female cats produce less protein than males, and neutered males produce less than those that are not spayed.
So sex has no effect on the level of allergy your pussy can cause an allergy. However, it’s time to meet the following cute cats that are considered to be the most hypoallergenic breed of cat.
1. Balinese
This elegant breed of cat was named after graceful dancers from Bali, but it actually originated in the United States after the genetic variant of Siamese cats gave birth to long-haired kittens.
Unlike most long-haired cats with two or three layers of fur, Balinese cats have only one layer of their lush, silky mane, so they don’t usually tangle. Moreover, they are believed to produce less Fel d 1 than most other breeds. They tend to be loud and affectionate as well as extremely intelligent.
2. Bengal
With its leopard-like patterns, the Bengal is an exotic-looking domestic cat that charms people with its intelligence and playfulness. It originated in the United States when a researcher crossed domestic cats with hybrids – the hybrids themselves are the result of breeding African leopard cats with domestic cats.
The soft, thick fur of the Bengal cat is highlighted for its extraordinary softness – like rabbit hair. In addition, Dr. St. Denis says that while most cats spend up to 25 percent of their time grooming, Bengalis are less likely to engage in this activity, so they spread fewer allergens around them. Although they seem tiny, they range between eight and 15 kilograms.
3. Colorpoint Shorthair
This breed is considered “artificial art” because it was created by crossing Siamese with a red skinny American shorthair cat in the mid-1900s. Like Siamese, her body is light in color, but the “tips” on her ears, face, tail, and paws can be in any of 16 different colors.
This breed sheds very little hair, so it is often recommended as a good pet for people with cat allergies. It is also considered one of the most affectionate breeds of cats. Like the Siamese, she is very intelligent and playful.
4. Cornish Rex
Like the Balinese, the Cornish Rex is the result of a genetic mutation and is still considered a rare breed of cat. In this case, a kitten with short, curly hair was born among a litter of British shorthair cats that then mated to form a new breed.
Now this combination is hailed as a great choice for cat lovers struggling with allergies, as its one layer of soft fur doesn’t leave hair everywhere.
However, Cornish Rex develops oil deposits on the skin and therefore requires frequent bathing. The head of this cat is egg-shaped, and giant ears and long legs give it a recognizable and special look.
His cousin, Devon Rex, is another good choice for people with cat allergies.
5. Russian Blue
It is thought to have originated in the northern hinterland of Russia. This cat exudes the grace and beauty of a muscular body, bright green eyes and a triangular head. A short hairy coat and a double coat traps allergens closer to the cat’s skin, preventing them from being airborne to the environment.
Russian blue is thought to produce less Fel d 1 than other breeds, says Dr. St. Denis, although no definitive studies have been conducted.
For all these reasons, the Russian Blue is considered one of the best hypoallergenic breeds of cats. At the same time, she is intelligent and loves to play, and she is affectionate and attached to her owners.
6. Siberian
Despite its triple layer of thick fur ranging from medium to long, the Siberian cat appears to produce less Fel d1 than most other breeds, making it one of the ideal representatives of hypoallergenic cat breeds.
This fluffy cat, originally from the forests of Russia, has existed since about 1000, although it only arrived in the United States in 1990. Siberian cats are intelligent, athletically built, and generally quiet, and they adore water too!
7. Siamese
With an elegant, short fur coat, deep blue eyes, a long tapered tail and a royal stature, the Siamese cat recalls its origins from the temples of Thailand. Her hair is usually a creamy shade, while her face, ears, paws and tail are usually darker in color, ranging from lilac to dark brown.
The Siamese cat is known for being extremely vocal, mischievous and intelligent, and usually sheds less than other cats. If you adopt it, watch it well – Siamese cats are among the breeds that are most often stolen.
8. Sphynx
She is often thought to be hairless, but can also have short hair on her nose, ears and tail. Since he has little or even no hair – there is nothing to fall off and cause sneezing! This cat is just as cuddly as other breeds, and their skin is compared to an antelope or chamois.
The Sphinx is a loyal cat companion and will delight its people with acrobatic stunts … when not relaxing in a warm, sunny spot by the window.
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