If you're an allergy sufferer — and an animal lover (especially a lover of cats!), we've got some good news for you. There are breeds of cats that are considered to be better options for those who suffer from cat allergies.

According to the National Institute of Health, quite a lot of people in the world have cat allergies! The NIH notes, "It is estimated that globally around 10-20% of human adults are allergic to cats."

Of course, we know that there are no cats (just like no dogs) that are genuinely 100% free from causing any allergic reaction, but these breeds are thought to be the least likely to cause an allergic reaction.

This does not mean that these breeds don't shed! That's still a trait that's true to cats, whether they're classified as "hypoallergenic" breeds or not. If you want the most minimal-shed cat, hairless is always an option!

So, what specific cat breeds are most suitable for people who struggle with allergies? Let's get into it!

Siamese

With striking eyes and a beautiful coat, Siamese cats are a beloved breed — especially those looking for a cat that won't drastically impact their allergies. Siamese cats are considered a domestic shorthair breed, which, in addition to making them more allergy-friendly, also limits the amount of shedding that will occur.

Siberian

It may be surprising to learn that Siberian cats — notoriously fluffy — are considered a good breed for people with allergies.

While these cats may be prone to more shedding thanks to their luscious coat, according to TreeHugger, "Siberians can rightfully be called low-allergen because of mutations that bring down their Fel d 1 levels. Fel d 1 is the most major of 10 cat allergens." The downside? They're not a hugely common breed, so they tend to be quite expensive, but if you're looking for a unique, large, fluffy cat that's easy on allergies, they might be your perfect match.

Bengal

Are you looking for a cat with a stunning coat? A Bengal fits the bill! And there's the bonus of a lower shed, thanks to this breed's short hair.

This breed sits on the fence in terms of how it will impact allergy sufferers — their Fel d 1 levels are average, which means if you're sensitive to this protein, there's a chance you'll still be impacted with allergies around Bengals.

Russian Blue

The gorgeous blue-grey coat of Russian Blues makes this a hugely desirable breed for cat lovers — coupled with the fact that this breed, despite its dense and plush fur texture, is low-shed!

Thankfully, this isn't a particularly rare breed, so whether you choose to go the breeder or adoption route, you should be able to find a Russian Blue furry companion with greater ease.

If you've got other pets in the house, here's an additional fun fact about Russian Blue cats from Pet Care Rx, "Russian Blue cats get along great with other pets like dogs, hamsters, and birds thanks to their calm, friendly nature."

Sphynx

Looking for a cat that won't shed? The Sphynx is a great option! Their peach-fuzz-like fur means this breed won't leave hair all around the house, but just because their shedding habits are low-maintenance doesn't mean their grooming habits are.

In fact, according to AvoDerm, "These cats don't shed, but they do need baths because they don't have fur to absorb their body oils. They also need extra cuddles (sometimes even kitty sweaters) when it's cold."

While this cat is relatively hairless, it can still produce the protein that triggers allergic reactions — the allergy-causing protein won't shed off around the house on their hair as with most shedding cats, but it can still be on their skin.

Balinese

If you're not afraid of a little bit of shedding and want a fluffy, long-coated cat, consider a Balinese. Surprisingly, despite its incredible coat, this cat breed is considered low-shed and low-maintenance from a grooming perspective because they don't have an undercoat. They're also believed to be a better option for people with allergies because of their lower Fel d 1 production levels.

MetLife Pet Insurance states, "The Balinese is considered one of the least shedding cats among long-haired breeds. Like the Siamese, they're talkative, have an easy-going personality, and are considered hypoallergenic."

The bottom line…

Whether you're looking for a cat who sheds a manageable amount or a cat who will be easy on your allergies, this list of breeds will provide you with some great options to find the right companion for you. From fluffy and long-haired to short-haired and relatively hairless, there are a variety of breeds out there to choose from if you're a cat lover with allergies!