What Kind of Cat is Best When the Owner Has Allergies?

Some people with cat allergies may think they're resigned to never being able to own a feline. However, hypoallergenic cat breeds make it possible for an allergic person to experience the joys of keeping a cat as a pet.

  1. Cat Allergies

    • People who have cat allergies are allergic to the animal's dander---which is the dead skin that is shed---saliva or urine. Those with cat allergies may also be more allergic to some breeds of felines than others.

    About Hypoallergenic Cats

    • Hypoallergenic cats are less likely to cause allergies than regular breeds; however, this doesn't mean that they can't. Those who suffer from cat allergies may find hypoallergenic cats do not trigger most or any of their symptoms, but others may be just as sensitive to hypoallergenic felines.

    Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds

    • Cat breeds that are considered hypoallergenic include sphynx, cornish rex, devon rex, Siberian and Russian blue. Some of these breeds have very short coats that rarely shed, or no hair at all. Some of these breeds also tend not to produce as much dander as others.