11 Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds for Allergy-Sensitive Cat Lovers

If you’ve ever dreamed of having a cat but hesitated because of sneezing or itchy eyes, you’re not alone. Millions of cat lovers deal with mild allergies. The good news is that some cat breeds are often easier on allergy sufferers — though no cat is truly 100% hypoallergenic.

This guide explains what really triggers cat allergies, highlights 11 breeds that many allergy-prone people tolerate better, and shares practical steps to reduce allergens at home.

Is There Such a Thing As A Hypoallergenic Cat?

Most people think cat hair causes allergies, but the real culprit is a protein called Fel d 1, found in a cat’s saliva, skin, and dander. When cats groom themselves, the protein transfers onto their fur and eventually spreads around the home.

3 Key facts you need to know:

• No cat is completely hypoallergenic: Some simply produce less Fel d 1 or shed less, which may help reduce reactions.
• Sensitivity varies: What triggers sneezing for one person might be tolerable for another.
• Home environment matters: Regular cleaning, ventilation, and grooming all play a role in keeping allergens low.

Before getting a cat, it’s wise to spend time with the breed you’re considering and, if possible, consult your allergist.

1. Siberian

Because of their triple coat, you might be surprised the Siberian tops most lists. The thing is, research suggests some Siberians have genes that produce way less Fel d 1 than other cats. Still, there's not a ton of hard scientific proof yet—it's mostly based on owner reports.

These cats have seriously thick coats, but they don't really mat or tangle much. Weekly brushing usually does the trick.

Breed Overview

• Height: 9-11 inches
• Weight: 10-20 pounds
• Coat: Long hair, triple coat, any color or pattern
• Life Span: 10-18 years

2. Siamese

The popular Siamese shows up on most hypoallergenic lists, though Reddit users are really split on this one. These curious cats have a low-maintenance coat that doesn't shed much and only needs weekly brushing. The catch? They love to be around you constantly, which might actually trigger allergies more since you're getting more exposure.

Breed Overview

• Height: 8-10 inches
• Weight: 8-10 pounds
• Coat: Short hair in seal, chocolate, lilac, and blue colorpoint
• Life Span: Up to 12 years

3. Russian Blue

The Russian Blue is generally super even-tempered and perfect for people with mild cat allergies. Their plush, shimmering coat is low-shedding and typically only needs weekly brushing. These quiet, gentle cats often love just chilling with you while being brushed.

Breed Overview

• Height: 8-10 inches
• Weight: 8-12 pounds
• Coat: Short hair, steel blue
• Life Span: Up to 20 years

4. Balinese

The Balinese is basically identical to the Siamese except for that long coat and fluffy tail. Despite the long hair, they're actually known for being low-shedders and just need weekly brushing.

The cool thing? These cats might also have less of the Fel d 1 protein than many other cats, making them worth considering.

Breed Overview

• Height: 6-7 inches
• Weight: 8-12 pounds
• Coat: Long hair, creamy white with color points
• Life Span: 12-20 years

5. Bengal

If you have allergies, a Bengal's worth considering. Even though they produce the same amount of Fel d 1 as other cats, their short, low-maintenance coat means they don't groom themselves as much. Less grooming = less saliva spread = potentially fewer allergens floating around.

These wild-looking cats are super affectionate, smart, and playful—expect high energy levels.

Breed Overview

• Height: 13-16 inches
• Weight: 12-20 pounds
• Coat: Short or long hair in various tabby patterns
• Life Span: Up to 15 years

6. Sphynx

Sphynx cats are commonly called "hairless," but they actually have a fine, downy fuzz that feels almost like suede. Here's the thing: they still produce dander like all cats. But if you bathe them frequently—which you need to do anyway to remove excess skin oil—you can minimize the dander situation.

Breed Overview

• Height: 8-10 inches
• Weight: 10-12 pounds
• Coat: Peach fuzz in any color/pattern
• Life Span: 8-14 years

7. Devon Rex

The Devon Rex has this cool wavy coat that doesn't shed much, which cuts down on allergens spreading around your place. These cats are super outgoing and playful—they want to be involved in whatever you're doing. Definitely not the right choice if you're gone all day.

Breed Overview

• Height: 10-12 inches
• Weight: 8-10 pounds
• Coat: Short wavy hair, any color
• Life Span: 9-15 years

8. Cornish Rex

Some people swear by the Cornish Rex's short, wavy coat for not shedding as much dander as long-haired or dense-coated cats. Rex cats only have a fine undercoat—no topcoat at all.

These cats are generally really intelligent and active, with tons of energy and a thing for being the center of attention. Not ideal if you want a low-maintenance cat.

Breed Overview

• Height: 12-14 inches
• Weight: 6-10 pounds
• Coat: Short curly hair in various colors and patterns
• Life Span: Up to 20 years

9. Oriental Shorthair

The Oriental Shorthair is a mix of several breeds including American Shorthair, Abyssinian, and Siamese. These athletic, playful, intelligent cats are low shedders with short coats.

Brushing them and rubbing with a damp cloth helps remove dead hair and dander.

Breed Overview

• Height: 8-10 inches
• Weight: 6-12 pounds
• Coat: Short hair in tons of colors and patterns
• Life Span: Up to 15 years

10. Burmese

Burmese cats don't shed much, so they're less likely to trigger allergies. They also don't need tons of brushing. Win-win.

These friendly, affectionate cats have high exercise needs—they're super playful. They love people and cuddling. Some folks compare them to dogs because they're so devoted to their humans.

Breed Overview

• Height: 9-13 inches
• Weight: Up to 14 pounds
• Coat: Short hair in champagne, blue, platinum, and sable
• Life Span: Up to 18 years

11. Javanese

The Javanese came from crossing a Balinese with a colorpoint shorthair—basically a Siamese-type cat with long hair and more color options. These cats don't have an undercoat, so they don't shed much and only need weekly brushing. Could work for people with mild allergies.

Personality-wise they're awesome—talkative, smart, outgoing, playful. But they want a LOT of attention. Make sure you've got the time and energy.

Breed Overview

• Height: 18-20 inches
• Weight: 5-10 pounds
• Coat: Fine, silky with no undercoat in various point colors
• Life Span: 10+ years

3 Steps to Finding Your "Low-Allergy Cat"

Visit in person for real time

• Remember, you’re not just visiting—you’re testing. You absolutely need to spend quality time alone with your "target cat."
• Hang out in a closed room for 2 to 3 hours—don't stop after just 5 minutes of petting and assume you're fine.
• Let the cat sit on your lap and rub all over you; close contact is essential to get a real reading.
• Pet the cat a bunch, then touch your face, and hold off on washing your hands right away. See what happens.
• Over the next 48 hours, be a symptom detective: log every sneeze, itchy eye, or sign of congestion you notice.

The Double Check

A single good visit is not enough to get the green light. Some people were fine the first time but started reacting on the second.

• Go back and visit that specific cat at least 2 to 3 times.
• Try to schedule the visits for different times of the day, as the cat’s Fel d 1 production can fluctuate.

The At-Home Trial (Foster Period)

If you can find a small rescue that offers a foster-to-adopt or trial period, take it! This is your ultimate insurance policy.

• Immediately start feeding the cat Purina LiveClear (or a similar product), as this food needs a few weeks to really kick in and neutralize the allergen.
• Keep HEPA air purifiers running constantly in your main living areas and, crucially, in your bedroom.
• Maintain a daily symptom log—sneezes, itchy eyes, congestion—it’s the most honest way to tell if the plan is working.

3 Tips For Minimizing Cat Allergies

Living comfortably with a cat—even one of those "low-allergen" ones—really comes down to smart, consistent routines. Here are the 3 simple habits that make all the difference.

1. Grooming & Cat Care

• Brush your cat often, and if you can, do it outdoors to keep the loose fur and dander out of your house.
• Use pet-safe grooming wipes regularly to gently clear dander right off their coat.
• Hairless or Rex breeds still need care! Stick to the bath schedule your vet recommends.
• Keep their sleeping area clean—throw their bedding in the wash weekly.

2. Home Environment Strategy

• Your vacuum is your best friend. Use a model with a HEPA filter and clean your floors, rugs, and any upholstered furniture at least twice a week.
• Run a high-quality air purifier in your main living spaces to constantly snatch those tiny allergen particles out of the air.
• Don't forget the fabrics! Wash curtains, cushion covers, and throws on a regular cycle.
• Create an “allergy-safe” zone: make your bedroom a no-cat-allowed sanctuary. This is the one place you absolutely need to recharge without allergens.

3. Personal Habits

• It sounds simple, but always wash your hands right after you play with or pet your cat.
• Just try to avoid touching your face until you’ve washed up.
• If you’re doing all this and your symptoms still bug you, it’s time to call a professional. Consult an allergist for a personalized plan—no shame in needing extra help!

Final Thoughts

Getting a cat when you have mild allergies is totally achievable—it just requires a little extra planning and commitment.

Spend time with the specific cat you're interested in before adopting to see how your body reacts, and make sure your home is set up for good allergen defense.

With the right feline match and these few simple routines, you can finally enjoy all the warmth and purrs without the constant sneezes!