Let’s be honest, we’d all have at least one cuddly cat if we could but one of the biggest issues families are faced with when getting a cat is allergies. Cat allergies are twice as common as dogs but you’ll be surprised to see a couple of your favourite hairy cat breeds on this list.
It is commonly believed that cat hair causes allergies when in actual fact the most common cat allergens are a protein FEL D4 which is found in cat saliva and FEL D1 which is secreted by their skin (dander).
Allergy symptoms
Common cat allergy symptoms include:
- Red, itchy eyes
- Coughing and wheezing
- Sneezing
- Hives or a rash
- Redness of the skin
- Runny nose
- Asthma flare-up
Technically speaking it is impossible to get 100 per cent hypoallergenic cats there are breeds of cats who produce less of these common allergens. Before falling head over heels with a cat try visiting a cat of the same breed to see if your allergies flare up. Here is a list of the most common hypoallergenic cat breeds in Australia.
1. Hairless Sphynx
The most commonly known hypoallergenic cat breed is the Hairless Sphynx. As we explained above it isn’t cats fur but the saliva that they use to groom themselves that is the allergen, because Sphynx’ have no fur there is nowhere for the saliva to get trapped.
2. Siberian
If you suffer from cat allergies but don’t want to sacrifice long hair a Siberian could be the way for you. Even though they have a long luscious coat they are hypoallergenic.
3. Balinese
With a silky coat and bright blue eyes, it is easy to fall in love with Balinese cats. This breed naturally produces less FEL D1 so if you’ve got cat allergies these guys can jump around your home sneeze-free.
4. Bengal
With a coat like a wild tiger, Bengals are fiercely loyal, they are also a great hypoallergenic breed.
5. Cornish Rex
This playful breed is a great option for allergy sufferers. Cats normally have three layers of fur but Cornish Rex’s only have one which means they shed ⅔ less fur than anyone else. Yes, their coat isn’t as soft as others but because of this, they shed very little.
6. Devon Rex
Devon Rex’s have a similar coat to the Cornish Rex and even less hair! They are always up for a cuddle and make great family pets.
7. Russian Blue
One of the fluffiest on the list, Russian Blues are also surprisingly hypoallergenic as they naturally produce less FEL D1.
8. Oriental Shorthair
No matter which of the 300 colours and patterned Oriental Shorthair you choose people with cat allergies will be just fine. They have a fine, short coat that sheds infrequently so if you have a temperamental allergy it may come and go depending on the season.
9. LaPerm
With a curly coat, it is hard to believe that LaPerm is a low allergy breed. They shed less than other breeds and their curls also keep the dander in.
10. Siamese
These very chatty kitties are also a hypoallergenic breed as they shed far less than other cats.
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