Whether you're an allergy sufferer or simply don't want cat hair all over the place, you can still enjoy being a cat owner with these minimal shedding cats.
We all love our cats, but let's face it: unless you have a hypoallergenic cat (and there's no such thing!), you can really do without all the cat hair shedding everywhere — and when we say everywhere, we really do mean EVERYWHERE (like all over that precious cashmere sweater or your fancy new couch!). Maybe you've always wanted to be a cat owner but are one of the millions of people with cat allergies. No matter the reason, don't let that stop you from having a feline friend.
While there's no real hypoallergenic cat breed, there are cat breeds that shed less than others, which equals less hair on your stuff! These minimal shedding cats produce significantly fewer allergens. and in turn, less allergic reactions: good news for your sinuses!
FYI: getting a hairless cat breed or a low-shedding cat might not solve all your allergy nightmares, as most cat allergic reactions are caused by the Fel D1 protein, found in your feline friend's saliva, skin, and dander , which pretty much all cats have.
So, without further to do: we bring you 10 cats that don't shed (or at least, shed less). Plus side: they're also pretty low-maintenance (meaning less combing of dead hair!)
1. Sphynx
You can always opt for a hairless cat like the Sphynx. Perhaps the most well-known hairless cat, the Sphynx is a naturally hairless cat due to a genetic mutation.
2. Cornish Rex
While the Cornish Rex does indeed have hair, this cat's coat is very curly and short, plus it also lays very close to the body, so there's less chance of shedding.
3. Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is another curly-haired cat breed with a short coat that doesn't shed as much. This cutie also has really thin fur that makes grooming a breeze.
4. Siamese
Although the beautiful Siamese cat has a coat that looks fluffy, they actually don't shed as much as other cat breeds. Running a fine-tooth comb through their fine, short, and low-maintenance coat on a weekly basis will keep shedding down!
5. Russian Blue
Even though the Russian Blue looks so cute and fluffy, they are minimal shedders. These cats only shed over a two-to-three-week period just once or twice a year.
6. Exotic Shorthair
Often described as short-haired Persians, this smush-faced cutie known as the Exotic Shorthair cat has a thick and dense coat that's low-shedding.
7. Burmese
The Burmese cat breed landed on our list due to their low-shedding qualities. They have a short and fine coat that'll naturally shed less than others.
8. Oriental Shorthair
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Since the Oriental Shorthair is related to the Siamese family, the two breeds share similar traits — like their low-shedding attribute as well as their long and slender shapes. These cats have a short, smooth coat that's easy to groom.
9. Japanese Bobtail
Whereas most cats have a double coat consisting of a woolly undercoat and an outer coat of coarse guard hairs, the Japanese Bobtail has a single coat that doesn't shed much.
10. Birman
Not that you'll ever know from the Birman's super floofy appearance, but this fluffy feline is actually low-shedding. This is thanks to the Birman's non-matting coat that just doesn't shed much and need minimal grooming.
Do you live with one of these low-shedding cat breeds? Share your feline friend on our Wide Open Pets Facebook page!
