Are Hairless Cats Hypoallergenic?

​Hairless cats grow more popular every day. They are beautiful and unique - and they don’t leave unwanted cat fur everywhere! These incredible cats are taking the world by storm, and it isn’t hard to see why.

Allergies in pets are very common, especially in cats. You may be thinking that a solution to this is with a hairless cat - but are they actually hypoallergenic?

​As far as it goes, they are as hypoallergenic as cats are going to get. That being said, a cat can't be entirely hypoallergenic.

In this article, we are going to talk about why hairless cats are considered the most hypoallergenic, and the different breeds of hairless cats that exist today.

What Triggers Pet Allergies In Sufferers?

It is very common for humans to be allergic to cats, but why does it happen? What causes the allergy? Allergies are usually caused by the dead skin cells shed by a mammal.

All mammals shed skin and usually, they don’t bother us, like with our skin cells - however, sometimes they can cause quite a bit of suffering.

​It is a common misconception that fur causes allergies, which is why it is widely assumed that a hairless cat would solve the problem, however, this is not the case.

Hairless cats can also trigger allergic reactions in humans. If what you are allergic to is the dander than less hair can reduce the reactions, however, it won’t work the same way if your allergy comes from a different trigger. 

So, why is it more likely that you’d be allergic to a cat than any other domesticated house pet?

Allergies And Hairless Cats

It is important to note that no breed of a hairless cat is not labeled as hypoallergenic, but they are as close as you’re going to get.

​With a hairless cat, you will probably experience fewer symptoms but it is impossible to entirely eliminate the trigger of the allergy.

This is because cats produce a protein called Fel d1. This protein is in the cat’s skin which is what humans react to. This isn’t the only place that cats can carry this protein - it is also found in both their saliva and urine.

​Can You Get A Hypoallergenic Cat?

To put it shortly, no - you cannot get an entirely hypoallergenic cat. This is the same for cats and dogs, cats only cause a higher rate of allergies due to that unique protein that they produce.

​So, even though hairless cats are less likely to cause symptoms than breeds with hair, they may still cause a reaction - especially for those who are extremely sensitive to the allergy.

Different Breeds Of Hairless Cats

Hairless cats are most likely to be Sphynx cats. This is a breed of cat that is usually entirely hairless, with the most hair they have been a light peach fuzz over its body.

​These cats originate from Toronto where they were discovered back in 1966 when a hairless kitten was produced in a litter of domestic shorthair cats, caused by a genetic mutation.

Aside from Sphynx cats, there are other breeds of hairless cats which include the following:

• ​Elf Cats - these are an ultra-rare hybrid breed of cat, that is made between a Sphynx cat and the American Curl cat.
• Minskins - This particular breed of hairless cat has many influences including the Sphynx, Devon Rex, Munchkin, and Burmese cats.
• Peterbalds - The Peterbald breed is a mixture of the Donskoy and Oriental Shorthair cats and they are often hairless due to a hair-loss gene.
• Donsky - This breed is the Russian version of the Sphynx cat.
• Bambino - This breed is a mix of the Munchkin and Sphynx cats and has extremely short legs!

Additionally, hairless cats may occur randomly in furred litters of cats, again due to mutated genes

​Skin Care For Hairless Cats

When owning a hairless cat, you must consider the skin care you will need to provide it. They are certainly not low-maintenance cats so if you are considering getting one you need to make sure you will be able to look after it properly.

The great thing is that their skin isn’t too dissimilar to human skin! Like us, they produce sweat and oils because their skin and flesh are porous. So, what do you need to do to correctly look after the skin of a hairless cat?

Your skinless cat will need a very specific skincare routine, starting with a bath. You will need to bathe your kitty once a week to keep it clean.

​Once a day, you will need to wipe down their skin lightly as well. To do this you should use a wipe that is chemical and dye-free to prevent any irritation on your cat's skin.

​Common Skin Issues In Hairless Cats

Without proper care, and even sometimes with it, hairless cats can become prone to some skin conditions. These include the following:

• Feline Acne - This is caused when the oil produced by the cat clogs the pores of the skin and causes an eruption of acne. Although it isn’t overly common, it is an issue that hairless cats can suffer from. Sometimes, environmental factors can worsen the issue such as the environment or even the diet of the cat.
• Bacterial Infections - Skin infections can be quite common amongst hairless cats because they have extra layers of skin.
• Excessively Oily Skin - Another problem with hairless cats is an excessive build-up of oil. This can happen if you bathe your cat too often, so you should only wash them once a week at most and also remember to wipe them down every day.

Final Thoughts

​So, in conclusion, hairless cats are not hypoallergenic. In fact, no breed of cat is. They are however the closest you will get, so if you do suffer from pet allergies but want a cat - then a hairless cat is probably the best option for you!