What type of cat doesnt shed

There are so many great things about owning a cat. They are soft and cuddly, many of them love to snuggle, they're really adorable to look at, they can be super playful and fun, and they make you feel less lonely whenever you need them. They also love you unconditionally, which is pretty amazing! But, as with any other pet, there are some downsides as well. Cats, as cute as they are, can be a bit destructive, as they love to scratch and knead on just about anything you want to keep safe. A lot of cats also tend to shed a lot, which means you'll be finding cat hair pretty much, well, everywhere.

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3. Russian Blue
4. Siberian
6. Devon Rex
7. Cornish Rex
8. Colorpoint Shorthair

For some people, cat hair everywhere is just an annoyance, maybe something that's kind of gross. For someone with an allergy to cats, it can literally make them feel sick. But even if you don't want cat hair all over the place, for whatever reason, you can still own a cat. There are a bunch of breeds of cats out there that either don't shed at all or don't shed nearly as much as some of their feline family members. That is definitely something you can appreciate.

Just a note if you're very allergic to cats: getting a hairless one isn't going to solve all of your problems. “Pet dander may be a major source of allergies ... that comes naturally from the skin, even in breeds that are hairless or shed less,” Dr. Stephanie Austin, DVM and medical director and veterinarian of Bond Vet, tells Bustle. In other words, you can still be allergic to cats that release less hair, because most cat allergies are caused by the protein Fel D1, which is mainly found in the skin and saliva of the cat. So, the main reason for getting one that sheds less would really be convenience.

If you want to add a new cat to the fam, without sacrificing the cleanliness of your home, check out 13 of the best cat breeds that don’t shed as much, below:

1

Probably the most well-known of naked cats, a Sphynx appears to be hairless and fragile. However, they actually have hair follicles and are covered by a very fine hair — it's just that we can't really see it or even feel it. A Sphynx might look weird, but they actually feel super soft, like suede. Getting one means you don't have to deal with cat hair, but they can be a bit high-maintenance. Since they don't have hair that absorbs their body oils, they need to be bathed regularly, and their skin needs to be protected from the sun if they're allowed to go outside.

2

Siamese cats are quite exotic looking, and while they may appear a little fluffy, they don't shed as much as many other breeds. They have a very short, fine coat that’s easy to maintain and doesn't shed often. And if you use a fine-tooth comb to remove dead hair on a weekly basis, there's even less shedding.

3

Japanese Bobtail cats have a single coat that doesn't shed much either. They are also meticulous groomers, so you really don't need to do much to keep them clean aside from combing their fur with a fine-tooth comb sometimes.

4

If you're looking for a hypoallergenic cat that doesn't release much hair, then the Devon Rex is it. They have really thin fur that makes grooming simple and keeps shedding down. They are also affectionate, playful, and unique.

5

Oriental Shorthairs are related to the Siamese family, so it makes sense that they wouldn't shed too much either. They have short, smooth hair that doesn't require a lot of maintenance at all. Just keep in mind that they really love attention and require a lot of it!

6

The small Cornish Rex cats have soft, wavy hair that sheds a lot less than some other breeds. Their hair is so short that it just doesn't fall off their skin as easily. They're also affectionate and they love to play.

7

Russian Blue cats may look like snuggly little furry pillows, but they really don't shed that much. They actually shed over a two to three week period only once or twice each year, and they're very easy to groom. Their hair is plush and thick, but it's also short, so it doesn't fall as much.

8

Super cute and cuddly, Birman cats are easy to deal with when it comes to maintenance and grooming. Their fur is non-matting, so it just doesn't shed as often as other breeds.

9

Siberian cats are large and fluffy, so it might seem like they shed a ton, but they actually don't. They have a long and heavy coat, but they really don't shed that much. They do need to be combed, though, so that the fur doesn't build up too much. Bonus: These cats are known to be hypoallergenic as well.

11

The Bombay cat is a rare breed known for its shiny deep dark fur with piercing copper eyes. The cat sheds very little, making the breed a good option for owners prone to allergies. However, it’s important to note that the Bombay cat is still not considered hypoallergenic, even though they do not shed a lot.

12

One of the most interesting looking cats on this list has to be the Lykoi. This cat famously resembles werewolves due to its coarse dark grey and black hair. The Lyoki is partially hairless, and due to the fact that they do not have an undercoat, they do not shed like regular cats, making them an awesome option for people with allergies. Fun fact: The Lyoki wasn’t officially established as a real breed until 2011.

13

Clearly the hairless Peterbald cat does not shed due to its lack of hair. However, as mentioned above, it’s important to note that just because a cat does not shed, that does not mean they are hypoallergenic. Remember: The protein in the feline’s saliva, dander, and coat can all produce an allergic reaction in humans, despite the cat’s lack of hair.

This article was originally published on April 29, 2019

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If you have cat allergies, you may have given up on your hopes of being a cat owner, but abandoning your feline dreams may not be necessary. Non-shedding cat breeds might be the solution to your problem.

“There are two types of cat allergies — dander and protein,” explains Jacqui Bennett, the education and outreach chairperson for Cat Fanciers‘ Association, Inc.‘s Breed Standards. “If you are allergic to dander, you may be able to own a cat which does not have a double coat.” Most cats have double coats, which include a woolly undercoat and an outer coat of coarse guard hairs, Bennett explains, but some non-shedding cats, such as a Cornish Rex, Devon Rex or Sphynx don’t. “If you’re allergic to protein, which can be found in a cat’s saliva,” she adds, “it is difficult to find a cat which you are not allergic to.”

Resist the urge to bathe a kitty if you are allergic to cats. Bathing a cat will not relieve allergies, according to Michelle Groeper, executive director of Tails Humane Society, which handles animal rescues and adoptions. “Cat baths aren’t advisable,” she says, because after the bath, “the cat’s body will work overtime to get its natural pH balance back to normal, which may result in additional allergy issues.”

To keep allergies at bay, Groeper instead recommends a regular routine of using pet wipes and brushing the cat. She emphasizes that during that process, “not touching your face and eyes, along with washing your hands frequently, can contribute to a more harmonious coexistence with the feline friend and allergic human friend.”

If you’re planning to adopt any new furry family member, make sure to spend time with the cat to ensure your allergies won’t pose a problem.

Here’s a list of 10 top non-shedding cats:

1. Bengal

This breed closely resembles its big cat relatives, especially the leopard. They are “highly active and, for the most part, very vocal. They will let you know exactly where you stand,” says Bennett.

2. Bombay

If you’re looking for a pet panther, you’re in luck! This breed looks a lot like its smaller cousin. Bennett says, “The Bombay is an outgoing, friendly cat with a loving personality, who is comfortable with other cats, dogs and children.”

3. Russian Blue

A devoted companion animal, this cat will do whatever it can to get your attention. They’re a fairly quiet breed but very affectionate and, as Bennett notes, will “find a quiet seat next to you or fetch a toy at playtime.”

4. Siberian

Also called the Siberian Forest Cat, this longhair fluffy cat “enjoys the company of children, dogs and other animals,” Bennett says.

5. Burmese

The wide eyes and loveable nature of this breed will melt your heart. According to Bennett, “their personalities are almost dog-like.” Because of their relatively innocent and trusting nature, they should be indoor-only cats.

6. Devon Rex

Bennett refers to this breed as the “pixie of the cat fancy” because of its elf-like ears and “large, impish eyes.” She notes that these cats “are a fun-loving breed with a relaxed and social attitude rarely associated with cats.” If you consider yourself more of a dog person, this may be the cat for you!

7. Cornish Rex

With its curly coat and very large ears set atop a small head, this is an energetic and vocal cat who will constantly remind you they’re the boss. Be prepared to give them lots of attention, Bennett warns, because they’ll demand it.

8. Colorpoint Shorthair

This lithe cutie is “a chatterbox,” notes Bennett, “and at the same time is a loving and an affectionate breed, devoted and loyal to people.” Colorpoint Shorthairs demonstrate sensitivity and compassion toward their owners.

9. Siamese

This popular breed is very friendly, outgoing and playful. They require lots of love and attention from their humans, and they will let you know if you aren’t giving them enough attention! As one of the most vocal cat breeds, they’ll provide constant companionship.

10. Sphynx

Although a non-shedding cat, this breed does produce dander. Their “playful” and “mischievous” personality makes them the center of attention, says Bennett, adding that they “seem to prefer human attention but enjoy the company of dogs and all other breeds of cats.”