We all love cats, some of us even to the point where we suffer through severe allergies just to keep them around! All cats shed to some degree, and the dander that gets spread around along with their fur is what causes an allergic reaction in humans. You may be preparing to sneeze just thinking about it. But there’s good news for cat lovers who have allergies — cats that shed the least will cause less of an allergic reaction!
That’s right: the less a cat sheds, the less likely they are to cause allergies. For all of you cat lovers out there who think it’s necessary to endure sneezing and itchy eyes just to have a cat, you might find yourself wondering what cats shed the least? We’re reviewing the top 10 cat breeds that shed the least and are least likely to trigger your allergies.
The 10 Cat Breeds That Shed the Least
1. Sphynx Cat
It’s probably unsurprising that the first cat on our list is simply a hairless cat — no hair means no shedding! These cats are naturally mostly hairless but do actually have some peach fuzz on their bodies, especially around their noses and ears. These cats are often mischievous but are loving and very affectionate. Keep in mind that there’s still quite a bit of maintenance that needs to be done on these little guys to keep their bare skin healthy but no shed cat breeds, means little to no allergies!
2. Oriental Shorthair Cat
These beautiful, slender cats have — you guessed it — short hair, so while they do shed, they blow less fur and therefore less dander than most breeds with longer fur. These cats are loving and affectionate, and above all else, they adore being the center of attention. They’ll happily goof off and be playful if it means more people will focus on them.
3. Siamese Cat
Siamese cats are beautiful and sleek, and their short hair lends itself to less shedding and less dander being spread around your house. These cats are very vocal and tend to be extremely intelligent. Many of them are social to the point where they will greet you at the door when you enter and lounge with you wherever you are in your home.
- You may also like: 9 Different Types of Siamese Cats (With Pictures)
4. Russian Blue Cat
Russian Blue cats are stunningly beautiful and often appear deep grey or blue in coloration. They shed heavily leading into summer and winter for about a two week period, but for the rest of the year, they shed minimally and aren’t likely to trigger major allergic reactions. Regular brushing during those heavy shedding periods will help cut down even on their seasonal shedding.
5. Abyssinian Cat
Another heavy seasonal shedding breed, Abyssinian cats have a short, sleek coat that won’t shed much except for two times a year as the weather changes during summer and winter. They have a beautiful, deep red coat, and they are known to be very inquisitive and explorative cats. Their curiosity often leads them to a bit of mischief. They’re even referred to as “Aby-grabbys” because they’ll try to get their paws on just about anything they can see to investigate.
6. Cornish Rex Cat
The Cornish Rex is a rather unique looking cat, as they have sparse coats and no guard hairs, which make up a top coat of fur that often protects cats against water. No guard hairs, as you may have guessed, means less fur to shed! These cats are very social and love human interaction. They also are slow to mature and will exhibit kitten-like behavior well into their adult years.
- Related Read: 4 Curly-Haired Cat Breeds (With Pictures)
7. Devon Rex Cat
The Devon Rex is loosely related to the Cornish Rex and is another breed that lacks guard hairs. They have sparse, curly coats that shed far less than most other cat breeds. These cats are also highly sociable and are known to get along not only with humans but also other cats and even dogs. A cat that sheds very little and gets along with dogs? It’s no wonder these cats are sometimes referred to as “poodles that purr.”
8. Burmese Cat
Burmese cats have a short coat that is bound to spread less dander around your home than most other breeds. Their fur is also very fine, and this leads to lighter shedding as well. These kitties are as affectionate and playful as some dogs, and it’s said that they can even be trained to play fetch.
9. Siberian Cat
One look at these cats may have you thinking we’ve included them on this list in error, as they have long and luxurious-looking fur. However, these cats naturally shed very little and are even considered to be hypoallergenic despite their long coats. If you’re a fan of longer fur on a cat and don’t mind the more time-intensive maintenance required, this may be the perfect cat breed for you.
10. Bombay Cat
Bombay cats are strikingly beautiful, and they resemble panthers with their deep black, slick coats. These cats are very affectionate and have temperaments that are often compared to that of a dog. They enjoy human interaction, they like going out for walks on a leash (yes, really!), and they even play fetch.
Conclusion: Cats That Don’t Shed
If you suffer from cat allergies but also can’t bring yourself to live without a feline friend, don’t worry! Choose one of these 10 breeds that shed less than most others, and you may find yourself a kitty to love that doesn’t trigger the sneezing and itchy eyes you attribute to cat ownership.
Featured Image Credit: Rony michaud, Pixabay
