- A feline companion can be both fun and rewarding but one thing most cat owners don’t enjoy is excessive shedding.
- Luckily, there are many great cat breeds to choose from that don’t shed or at the very least, don’t shed as much as others.
- While no cat breed is completely hypoallergenic, as all cats produce an allergenic protein to some degree, some breeds tend to produce less of it than others, making them a good option for people who are allergic to cats but still want to own one.
Are you tired of finding cat hair all over your clothes and furniture? Or maybe you or someone in your family is allergic to cat dander and you thought owning a cat was out of the question. Well, the good news is that there are many cats that don’t shed, or at least not as much as other breeds. These feline companions can bring joy, comfort, and companionship to your life without the hassle of excessive shedding!
Follow along as we explore some of the best cat breeds that don’t shed (much). We’ll also go over their unique personalities and characteristics, and provide tips on how to care for each breed. Whether you’re a seasoned cat owner or considering getting your first feline companion, this article will help you discover the joys of cat ownership without the hassle of excessive shedding.
Sphynx
Sphynx cats may be the most obvious choice on this list as they have little to no hair. They also produce less of the Fel d 1 protein that causes allergic reactions in some people. But despite their lack. of fur, they still require regular grooming to maintain their skin and prevent oil buildup. This involves wiping them down with a damp cloth or bathing them every 1- to 2-weeks, as well as cleaning their ears and trimming their nails. It’s also important to protect them from the sun, as they can easily get sunburned due to their lack of fur.
Due to their lack of fur, they tend to be more sensitive to temperature changes and prefer to be kept warm and cozy. In terms of personality, Sphynx cats are known for being playful, affectionate, and social. They love attention and often follow their owners around like a dog. They are also very curious and intelligent and enjoy playing with toys and learning new tricks.
Siberian
If you’re looking for a softer, cuddlier cat with fur, then you should consider a Siberian cat. Despite being a long-haired breed, Siberians don’t shed much. That said, they do have a thick, triple-layered coat that requires regular brushing to keep it in good condition and prevent matting. Siberians are also known for their cleanliness and often groom themselves like cats with short fur. One thing to keep in mind is they do tend to shed seasonally, in preparation for summer and again for winter. During this time, you may need to brush them daily as their coat transitions.
In terms of personality, Siberian cats are friendly, outgoing, and affectionate. They tend to bond closely with their owners and enjoy being part of the family. They are also active and playful and enjoy playing with toys and exploring their surroundings. Siberians are intelligent and can learn tricks and respond to commands, making them great companions for people who enjoy training their pets.
Burmese
The Burmese cat is another great breed to consider as it has short hair that doesn’t shed excessively. They have a glossy, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, usually just a weekly brushing to remove loose fur and prevent hairballs. They also come in an array of pretty colors, including brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, brown tortie, blue tortie, chocolate tortie, and lilac tortie.
Burmese cats are also known for their muscular build and athletic ability, which can be attributed to their love of playtime. In terms of personality, Burmese cats are often described as affectionate, playful, and social. This also means if you’re looking for a quiet cat with less energy, then the Burmese may not be for you. They are also known for their loyalty to their owners and enjoy being part of the family. They thrive on attention and affection and love to curl up in their owners’ laps or next to them on the couch.
Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is a unique cat breed that is known for its curly, soft coat that doesn’t shed much. They have a very fine, short coat that requires minimal grooming — a quick weekly brush to remove any loose fur should do the trick! But since their coat is fine, they are more prone to getting cold, so they need to be kept warm and cozy, especially during the winter.
In terms of personality, the Cornish Rex is often described as being playful, active, and intelligent. They love to play and explore and are known for their agility and grace. They are also very affectionate and love to cuddle with their owners. They are also great with children and other pets, making them a wonderful addition to any household.
Donskoy
The Donskoy cat breed, also known as the Don Sphynx or Russian Hairless, is another hairless cat that doesn’t shed, making them a great option for people with allergies or those who don’t want to deal with excessive shedding. Their wrinkled skin requires minimal grooming, usually just a weekly bath to remove any dirt and oil buildup. Like the Sphynx, because they don’t have fur to protect their skin from the sun, they need to be kept indoors or in shaded areas when outside.
When it comes to their personality, the Donskoy is often described as being affectionate, intelligent, and social. They bond closely with their owners and love to be in their company. They are also very playful and active and they can even be trained to perform simple tricks and walk on a leash. They are great with children and other pets, making them a wonderful addition to any household. However, because they don’t have fur to protect their skin from scratches and bumps, they need to be handled gently.
Bengal
If you’re looking for a showstopper, consider the Bengal cat breed. This stunning breed doesn’t shed much as they have a short, dense coat. This also means they require minimal grooming, usually just a weekly brushing to remove loose fur. Bengal cats are also known for their beautiful coat patterns, which can vary from spotted to marbled, and come in a wide range of colors.
In terms of personality, Bengal cats are fantastic companions, as they are extremely adaptable and loyal. They’re also known to be sociable cats who get along well with children, cat-friendly dogs, and other cats. Bengal cats are also known for their love of water and can spend hours playing with a dripping tap or they will often play in their water bowls.
Russian Blue
The Russian Blue is a beautiful and elegant cat breed. They have a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming, making them a low-maintenance breed. Russian Blue cats are also known for their striking silver-blue coat, which is soft and plush to the touch.
In terms of personality, Russian Blue cats are often described as being intelligent, affectionate, and reserved. They can be shy with strangers but quickly warm up to their owners, becoming loyal and devoted companions. They enjoy playtime but are also happy to relax and cuddle with their owners. While they are typically independent, they don’t like to be left alone for long periods, so they are best suited for households where someone is home most of the time. Russian Blue cats are also great with children and other pets, making them a wonderful addition to any family.
Siamese
The Siamese cat breed is a striking and intelligent breed that doesn’t shed much. Better yet, their short, fine coat requires minimal grooming. Siamese cats are also known for their distinctive blue eyes and sleek, muscular bodies.
When it comes to their temperament, Siamese cats are often described as being highly intelligent, vocal, and affectionate. They bond closely with their owners and are known for their loyalty and devotion. This also means that they don’t like to be left alone all day.
Siamese cats are also very active and playful and need to be kept amused. Luckily providing them with toys and scratching posts should keep them happy. They can also be taught to retrieve toys. One thing to keep in mind is that Siamese cats can be prone to certain health issues, so it’s important to choose a reputable breeder and keep up with regular veterinary check-ups.
Korat
Originating from Thailand more than 900 years ago, the Korat cat breed is a rare and elegant breed with a low-maintenance short and fine coat. Korat cats are also known for their distinctive silver-blue coat and large, green eyes.
Regarding their personality, Korat cats are often described as being affectionate, intelligent, and playful. They enjoy spending time with the family but they can demand attention. They also don’t like being left alone for long periods. They’re happier when they have a companion, whether it’s you or another animal.
British Shorthair
The British shorthair cat breed is a popular and adored breed. They have a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. British shorthair cats are also known for their round faces, chunky bodies, and expressive eyes.
In terms of personality, British shorthair cats are often described as being calm, affectionate, and easy-going. They are known for their laid-back nature and love to spend time lounging around the house or cuddling with their humans. They are also very social and enjoy the company of other cats and even dogs. British shorthair cats are not typically very active, but they do enjoy playtime and interactive toys.
Is There Such Thing as a Hypoallergenic Cat Breed?
Some cat breeds are considered hypoallergenic or low-allergen. While no cat breed is completely hypoallergenic, as all cats produce the allergenic protein Fel d 1 to some degree, some breeds tend to produce less of it than others, making them a good option for people who are allergic to cats but still want to own one.
However, it’s important to note that individual cats within a breed can still produce more or less of the allergenic protein, and allergic reactions can also vary from person to person. It’s always recommended to spend time with a cat before bringing them home to see if you have any allergic reactions.
Other Ways to Reduce Allergens in Your Home
In addition to choosing a low-allergen breed, there are also other steps you can take to reduce allergens in your home. For starters, you should get into the habit of regularly grooming your cat to reduce shedding and pet dander from settling around the home.
Keep your home clean by dusting and vacuuming regularly and consider using a vacuum that has a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter to capture fine particles. Washing your hands after petting and playing with your cat, using a lint roller to remove cat hair from your clothes, and using an air purifier can make a big difference too. With proper care and management, owning a cat can be a wonderful experience for people with allergies.
