Maybe you want a non-shedding cat because of allergies, or perhaps you just don’t want to deal with hair all over the place. Either way, the wrong breed can turn your home into a cat hair nightmare.
But the good news is that there are plenty of cat breeds out there that are low-shedding or completely non-shedding! Here, we highlighted 10 of the best choices you have.
The 10 Non-Shedding/Least Shedding Cat Breeds are:
1. Sphynx Cat
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If you’re looking to stop the shedding, why not just get rid of the hair? That’s exactly what you can do with the Sphynx. They don’t shed at all simply because they don’t have any hair!
Sphynx cats are extremely outgoing and loving, so they’ll worm their way into your heart in no time. You’re not going to find a cat that sheds less than the Sphynx.
2. Siberian Cat
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If you want a cat with plenty of fur but doesn’t shed much, the Siberian cat is one you should consider. They have incredibly long coats, but they’re also known to be hypoallergenic.
The tradeoff with the long coat and no shedding is that it’s a great deal of maintenance to keep up with. Keep the brush handy if you own a Siberian cat because you’re going to need it.
3. Lykoi Cat
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There are completely hairless Lykoi options out there, and of course, these cats are not going to shed. However, even a Lykoi with a coat won’t shed continuously. Instead, they molt a few times a year.
The hair will be a bit out of control during these times, but you can keep it under control if you go at it with a brush. Since they don’t do it year-round, you only have to deal with one molt at a time.
4. Cornish Rex
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All it takes is one look at the Cornish Rex to notice that there’s something different about their coat. In short, they only have an undercoat, while most cats have this coat and an external outer coat. Therefore, they shed far less than other cats.
But it’s important to note that shedding less doesn’t mean no shedding at all. You’ll still have to deal with some hair, just not nearly as much. Cornish Rexes are extremely playful and energetic cats, so plan to spend tons of time with them if you do get one!
5. Devon Rex
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The Devon Rex is similar to the Cornish Rex in many ways, but they are a different breed. They only have an undercoat, just like the Cornish Rex, but this is a much more attention-demanding cat.
Expect them to spend most of their time nuzzling you and climbing on your lap for attention. Since they do shed a bit, that means you’ll have at least some hair, dander, and allergens on your clothing. If you’re looking for a low-shedding cat for allergy reasons, the Devon Rex might not be the right choice.
6. Siamese Cat
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The Siamese cat is a cat that doesn’t shed as much as some other cat breeds. They’re a low-maintenance breed all-around. You’ll need to remove dead hair with a fine-tooth comb, but besides that, you don’t need to worry about pet hair getting all over the place.
Siamese cats love to be around people, but don’t expect them to make a typical meowing sound when they communicate with you. Their voice is far raspier, and this can catch many new cat owners by surprise.
7. Burmese Cat
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The Burmese are small short-hair cats that shed a minimal amount. They’re not hypoallergenic, but they won’t stir up as much dander and allergens as other cat breeds. Still, since they love to spend time near their owners, if you’re allergic to cats and need a little extra space, they might not be a good fit.
Of course, if you’re looking for a cuddly companion, that attention-seeking behavior quickly turns into a big perk!
8. Exotic Shorthair Cat
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When you look at the Exotic Shorthair, the last thing that you’d expect is a low-shedding cat. But despite their extremely thick coat, that’s exactly what you get. You need to comb them out to remove dead hair, but you shouldn’t find a ton of hair all over your place and clothes if you own an Exotic Shorthair.
Even better for many pet owners is the fact that they’re calm and low energy, making them the perfect choice for those living in apartments or other smaller areas.
9. Russian Blue Cat
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For most of the year, you don’t need to worry about a Russian Blue shedding at all. However, once or twice a year, your non-shedding cat will turn themselves into a shedding nightmare. This lasts for about 2–3 weeks, and you’ll notice that there is cat hair all over the place.
But after that, you get 6–12 months of a fur-free home! It’s a tradeoff for sure, but if you don’t want to deal with cat hair year-round, a Russian Blue is a great choice.
10. Bombay Cat
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The Bombay is a cat type that sheds a bit, but not near as much as some other cat breeds. Bombay cats have a deep black coat that gives them a panther-esque appearance. They’re also extremely friendly and have a dog-like nature in many ways.
Final Thoughts
We all love cats, but that doesn’t mean we all love cat hair. With any of the breeds on our list, you get the best of both worlds: a cat in your home and not a ton of cat hair!
Whether you’re allergic to cat dander or don’t want cat hair all over your stuff, it’s a win-win either way.
Nicole is a lover of animals of all sizes but is especially fascinated with the feline variety. She’s the proud mom of Baby, a Burmese, and works every day so he can relax in the sunshine or by the fire. She’s always had a cat in her home and has spent countless days with others, observing behaviors and softening up even the grouchiest of the lot. Nicole wants to share her kitty expertise with you so you and your cat can live happy, healthy, and care-free.
