Image credits -
Pixabay
Cats are interesting creatures. They are mysterious and
inquisitive. They might seem off-standish and skittish at first,
but once they get used to you, theyโre really some of the best
pets you can have. They are beautiful animals that have a royal
air about them. Thatโs why itโs especially sad that people with
allergies to cats canโt have them. Donโt let your allergies get
in the way of getting a pet. There are hypoallergenic pets out
there.
Do hypoallergenic cats exist?
In a word, yes. These mystical creatures do exist. There are
certain cats that are considered to be hypoallergenic or minimal
allergy. These cats have fewer allergens when compared to other
cat breeds.
What are the best cat breeds for people who have
allergies?
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BalineseThese cats are also known as the
long-haired Siamese cats. Although these cats may not
necessarily seem like the best candidates for hypoallergenic
breeds, they produce less allergens that causes reactions are
also some of the most regal looking cats out there.
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Oriental ShorthairAlthough the oriental
shorthair is also hypoallergenic, itโs still a good idea to
groom them quite frequently. The dander that causes allergies
can be kept to a minimum if you brush and wipe her down on a
regular basis.
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JavaneseThese cats are similar in character to
the Balinese cats. They have a medium length coat that refrains
from matting. Because they have no undercoat, they also have
less fur, which in turn, causes fewer allergic reactions.
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Cornish RexAlthough they might be
hypoallergenic, theyโre also a handful to take care of. These
cats require frequent baths to combat the constant oil buildup
on their skin.
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Devon RexThe Devon Rex has lesser and shorter
fur than the Cornish Rex. Youโll need to clean your Devon Rexโs
paw and ear pads frequently to fight the oil build up
experienced in those areas. But this breed doesnโt require as
frequent baths as the Cornish Rex or the Sphynx.
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SiberianThese royal looking beauties are one
of the more famous breeds for being hypoallergenic. The
Siberian also has a long coat like the Balinese. But theyโre
still hypoallergenic due to lesser enzymes in their saliva. 75%
of people who are naturally allergic to cats donโt seem to
suffer from any reactions with a Siberian.
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SphynxThe Sphynx is the most hypoallergenic
cat you can find. Theyโre hairless so they also come with less
upkeep. However, that doesnโt necessarily mean that theyโre
low-maintenance. Like all cats, they also need to be carefully
looked after. In order to fight the oil build-up on her skin,
your Sphynx will need more frequent bathes and cleanings.
A few more details about the hypoallergic cat breeds are listed
below. hover over to know more.
Hypoallergenic Feline Breeds
Do you want to adopt your own furry feline friend but are
allergic to pets? Some of the breeds are considered
hypoallergenic, which means that they do not produce allergens.
In all fairness, all pets produce dander, but the real culprit is
Fel d 1, which is a protein that is present in the saliva of
cats. Technically speaking, there is no such thing as a
completely hypoallergenic breed. However, if your allergy is not
really severe, these breeds come quite close. Letโs take a look:
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Devon Rex โ This
independent cat breed is ideal for working families. It showers
attention and love on people when they are around and stays out
of harmโs way when they are not. Since the breed sheds very
little, you can rest assured that allergies are a long shot
with this breed.
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Cornish Rex โ
This strikingly unusual cat breed, recognizable by its oval
head, large ears and long legs, is known for being attention
seeking and affectionate. This highly active cat breed bonds
very well with its owners.
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Javanese โ This
breed has a high level of intelligence and is one of the few
breeds that seem to understand when they are spoken to. It is
known for looking people straight in the eye when responding.
They are also extremely loyal and can be trained easily.
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Sphynx โ
Although they appear hairless, they are covered with gossamery
down that can be barely felt. In texture, their skin resembles
warm suede and they are wrinkled between the ears, around the
shoulders and muzzle. A highly well behaved and high energy
cat, the breed is a true extrovert that loves the attention of
humans.
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Balinese โ The
Balinese is known for its silky coat and minimal shedding. They
are really fond of interacting with humans and are known for
being the most intelligent of all breeds. They are good
humored, good natured and high spirited.
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Oriental
Shorthair โ This long and slender breed is known
for its large ears and almond shaped eyes. It belongs to the
Siamese family, but is not as talkative as the Siamese.
However, they love being the center of attention. Give them
some love and they will return it manifold.
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Russian Blue โ
This breed, named after its coat, is known for its curious and
slightly upturned smile, which is often compared to the Mona
Lisa. It can spend hours amusing itself and doesnโt mind being
left alone the whole day. Reserved, elegant and playful, they
love chasing sunbeams and toys.
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Bengal โ
Although they are not lap cats, they enjoy the company of
humans and stay close to their family members. They especially
love the company of children and their energetic nature makes
them the perfect play buddies.