9 Hairless Cat Breeds For An Allergy-Friendly Home - Woman's Day

Not everyone is a cat person, especially those who are allergic. But a hairless cat can make it possible for a cat-loving family to adopt a new pet without causing their allergies to massively flare up. If your only knowledge of hairless cats is when Rachel Green adopts a Sphynx in "The One With The Ball," then we recommend reading on to learn more about this and other hairless cat breeds that bring just as much affection, energy, and cuddle time as kitties with thick coats. We guarantee the whole family will love this cute cat breed — especially the family members who tend to sneeze when Whiskers strolls over for a scratch.

Are hairless cats hypoallergenic?

Hairless cats sometimes get the short end of the stick because they don't have beautiful fur like some Black cat breeds, for example, but they are just as adorable as any other cat breed out there. Plus, their shorter coats or lack of fur make it easier for cat lovers with allergies to co-exist with their new pet. People who are allergic to cats are not allergic to their hair, but rather an allergen the cat produces when they lick their fur. Since hairless cats have less hair (if any), they in turn shed and lick their fur less. That said, they are more hypoallergenic than, say a Ragamuffin or Persian cat, but no cat is 100 percent hypoallergenic.

What are other characteristics of hairless cats?

The name of this cat breed makes obvious their most notable feature, but there are characteristics of these cats that will help you decide if they are the right fit for your home, and if so, which specific breed matches up with your lifestyle. Some of these hairless breeds are smaller cats perfect for apartment-living, such as a Devon Rex who will stay small, while others can grow to be up to 14 pounds. Each breed truly has a unique appearance, but almost all have either pointy or curled ears and a muscular, lean body. It's also relevant to point out that a few of the cats on this list have small amounts of hair, so you can find a balance between a more allergen-friendly kitten and one that has some fur.

How do you groom hairless cat breeds?

You may be wondering what the necessary grooming regime is for a hairless cat. And the answer is that while you won't have to spend time brushing your cat's fur, this breed does require frequent bathing due to the amount of oil on their exposed skin, according to Catster. A hairless cat is also more likely to have dry skin or get a sunburn. They are also more susceptible to having an allergic reaction to fleas, so while you won't have to pick the fleas from their fur, you'll still want to keep some flea treatments on hand.

Now that we've got that pesky business out of the way, let's get to the cute part: Scrolling through these adorable hairless cats to find the one that's right for you.