Hypoallergenic cats: what you need to know

Is there such a thing as a hypoallergenic cat?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. There is no such thing as a non-allergenic breed of cat. Although some cats shed less, in reality it's not their fur that causes the allergic reaction.

The cat's main allergen is the Fel d 1 protein, naturally produced by its salivary, lacrimal and sebaceous glands. When a cat licks itself, it spreads the protein over its body, causing reactions in some people.

A cat with little or no hair, such as the cornish rex or sphynx, can still cause allergies in sensitive individuals. While some breeds, such as the siberian, are recognized as less allergenic because they produce less Fel d1, the risk of allergy is still present.

Unfortunately, as an organization, there's too much risk of a return adoption when someone is looking for a cat that won't cause them too much allergy. Our aim is to find the perfect match for our animals, and to avoid them being returned to us as much as possible. Every change of environment is a significant stress for them.

So if you're very allergic to cats, it's best not to have one. Instead, opt for another pet—a dog, a rabbit or a guinea pig, all of which are great fun too!