Do Hairless Cats Cause Allergies?

Hairless cats are unique creatures. Some people love them more than any other cats while others find them peculiar. I had the pleasure of meeting a hairless cat for the first time recently, and I was surprised how much I loved her. Despite having no fur, she was super soft and cuddly. The experience gave me a new appreciation for hairless cats. But it also made me wonder, do hairless cats cause allergies? Could someone with cat allergies own one of these felines?

Here's the hairless cat I met!

Which Cat Breeds Are Hairless?

The Sphynx cat is the most well-known hairless cat breed, but there are a few breeds that can be hairless:

• Sphynx

• Donskoy

• Peterbald

• Ukrainian Levkoy

Other hairless cats include newer mixed breeds, such as Bambino and Elf cats. However, since these breeds have only been around since the early 2000s, vets are still learning about their health and breed standards. I’d recommend avoiding these breeds since they’re currently bred for appearance more than health (especially Bambino cats, which have short legs that cause genetic problems).

Why Are Some Cats Hairless?

A genetic mutation causes certain cat breeds to lack fur. People find this trait desirable, so breeders focus on selective breeding to create hairless cats. Sphynx cats, which were originally called Canadian hairless cats, first came into existence in 1966 when a cat gave birth to a completely hairless kitten.

Do Hairless Cats Cause Allergies?

30 to 40% of the global population has pet allergies, with cat allergies being twice as common as dog allergies. Yet, having allergies doesn’t stop people from loving pets, so people often seek out allergy-friendly breeds. While many people assume hairless cats are perfect for people with cat allergies, no dog or cat is 100% hypoallergenic. Sphynx cats are no exception to that rule.

The reason even hairless cats can cause allergies is because fur isn’t the primary allergen. Most cat allergens come from oil glands and saliva glands instead, which hairless cats still have. Hairless cats often cause less allergies than fluffy cats because they don’t have fur floating around to spread those allergens, but they can still make people have allergic reactions.

Tips for Getting a Cat if You Have Allergies

It might be sad to hear that even hairless cats cause allergies. But just because you have cat allergies doesn’t mean you can never own a cat. Below are some ways to make owning a cat more realistic for someone with allergies.

Talk to a Healthcare Professional

If you have cat allergies but love being around cats, talking to a doctor is the best first step. They can help you determine if medicine or medical treatments can help manage your allergy symptoms. The right option for you will depend on the severity of your allergies, and your doctor can give you personalized advice.

Choose Cat Breeds That Produce Fewer Allergens

While no cats are hypoallergenic, there are plenty of low-shedding breeds. If cats produce less fur and dander to float around, they’ll be less likely to cause allergy symptoms. These are a few allergy-friendly cat breeds:

• Cornish Rex

• Devon Rex

• Sphynx

• Siberian

• Siamese

• Russian Blue

Even though these breeds are known for causing less allergies, every person and cat is different. So, it’s still important to manage your allergies if possible and choose a cat carefully.

Meet Adoptable Cats

Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if a pet will trigger your allergies without meeting them. When I’ve fostered dogs, I’ve had people with dog allergies come to meet them. They spent a lot of time with the dog close to their face to ensure they didn’t cause any allergies before adopting them. While this could be risky if your allergic reactions are extreme, it’s a good way to confirm if a pet is safe to have in your home. See if there are any allergy-friendly cat breeds at local shelters and rescues. If so, schedule times to meet them to determine if they’re a good fit for you and your allergies.

Foster a Cat

If you've only recently started taking medicine for cat allergies and aren't sure if you can own a cat long-term, consider fostering a cat. You can offer a temporary home to a cat in need while seeing how a cat might fit into your life. It's a win-win for everyone. If you don't have any allergic reactions, adopting a cat might be the right move for you. But if having a cat around is uncomfortable, then you'll know without having to commit to a cat long-term.

Clean the House Regularly

The more fur that floats around, the more allergens will spread around your home. So, you’ll need to vacuum and wipe down surfaces more than you normally would (at least a few times a week). That way, you can reduce the number of allergens that could potentially irritate you.

When getting a pet, it’s always a good idea to ensure that’s what’s best for both you and the pet. If you cannot find a way to reduce your allergy symptoms, then a cat, even a hairless one, might not be the right fit for you. It’s a difficult decision if you’re a cat lover, but your health is a priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can People with Cat Allergies Have Hairless Cats?

Yes, but it depends on the severity of the allergies. Hairless cats can still cause allergies through skin oil and saliva, so people with extreme allergies might not be able to have them. If you’re thinking about adopting a cat when you have allergies, talk to a healthcare provider for the best personalized advice.

Can Hairless Cats Get Fleas?

Yes, hairless cats can still get fleas, but of course, they’re easier to spot. Fleas can still jump on and bite animals without fur, so it’s a good idea to keep up with your hairless cat's flea and tick preventatives.

Can Hairless Cats Grow Fur?

Yes, hairless cats can grow fur. But they’re selectively bred to be hairless. Depending on the cat’s genetics, they may grow a thicker layer of fuzz than normal while some may even have patches of fur.

How Much Do Hairless Cats Cost?

Hairless cats typically cost $1,000 to $3,000 since they’re a rare breed. I have seen some at shelters and rescues before, but they’re not commonly surrendered, so you may have to travel far if you want a rescued hairless cat.

No Cat is 100% Hypoallergenic

Hairless cats can cause allergies just like any other feline. While adopting certain breeds and taking other precautions like medicine and extra cleaning can help, every person and cat is unique. Some cats spread allergens more than others and some people have more extreme allergic reactions that others. It’s up to you to decide if adopting a cat is logical for your allergies, and if so, take your time when looking for a cat that fits your needs.