Cats are fantastic companions, but dealing with shedding can be a persistent challenge, especially when it comes to keeping your home clean and fur-free. While no cat is entirely hypoallergenic, certain breeds tend to shed less, making them a great choice for tidy pet owners or those with allergies. Here’s a list of cat breeds known for minimal shedding, ideal for maintaining a neat living space.
Donskoy
The Spruce Pets explains, “The Donskoy is a medium-sized, muscular cat that has little (or no) hair due originally to a genetic mutation.” Being hairless means no fur to shed, but you must keep your pet warm, particularly in cooler climates. Unusual for felines, they are known to be loyal and form strong bonds with their owners, often enjoying affection.
LaPerm
Don’t let their name fool you; these cats don’t have permanent tight curls, but they do have a unique, wavy coat that is surprisingly easy to maintain and sheds minimally. Coming in a variety of color patterns, there are plenty of choices for prospective owners, and the breed is known to be gentle, social, and affectionate—perfect for families with children.
Peterbald
Another near-hairless cat breed, the Peterbald comes in a variety of coat variations, including entirely bald, suede-like, or with a short, fine, fuzzy coat. Like other hairless breeds, the only grooming required is an occasional skin wipe to remove excess oil. Individuals are often curious and thrive on attention, enjoying interaction with humans and other cats.
Devon Rex
Similar to the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex boasts a short, wavy coat that requires almost no maintenance and does not shed much. Catster says these “pixie cats” are known for their large ears, expressive eyes, and mischievous personalities. They are intelligent, playful, and highly social, so they aren’t suited to homes with too much solitude.
Oriental Shorthair
Bred from the famous Siamese, this breed has huge ears and a sleek, oriental silhouette with long legs and tails. They also have very short, single coats that shed minimally and only require brushing occasionally to help distribute the natural oils that give their coats a glossy sheen. Be aware that this breed can be very vocal, nosy, and demanding of attention!
Singapura
As its name suggests, this feline breed hails from Singapore and is a miniature breed with large eyes, big ears, and a short, silky coat. The Singapura barely sheds and makes a wonderful family pet due to its very social and intelligent personality. They are particularly well suited to busy families who don’t want to deal with excessive cat fur!
Sphynx
The quintessential hairless cat, the Sphynx is known for its wrinkled, suede-like skin and unique appearance, which can be divisive among cat lovers. Although bald, they do produce an oily coat that requires wiping now and then to remove dirt and oil buildup. Sphynx cats are known for being very affectionate and for bonding closely with the humans they live with.
Siamese
These famously elegant and vocal felines boast a short, single coat that doesn’t shed noticeably. They are not as aloof as many other cat breeds and are often keen to be involved in what their owners are doing. They are endlessly curious, loyal, and intelligent, but they can be somewhat demanding.
Khao Manee
This rare breed from Thailand is known for its short, white coat and unusual eyes, which can be blue, green, or even odd-colored (one eye of each color). Like many oriental breeds, the Khao Manee sheds minimally and doesn’t need regular brushing. They are gentle, social, and devoted pets, although their rarity can make them expensive.
Balinese
The first longhaired breed on the list, PetMD asserts that the Balinese has a silky, single coat that doesn’t shed as much as other long-furred breeds because it lacks an undercoat. However, their long coat does require regular brushing to prevent matting. Because they don’t molt a lot, they’re the perfect choice for cat owners who want a fluffy breed without the mess.
Burmese
These highly social cats have Siamese-like coat patterns but are stockier, with rounder faces and smaller ears. They have a low-maintenance single-layered coat that’s beautifully silky but rarely sheds. Originally from Myanmar (previously Burma), this breed is very affectionate and loves to cuddle. They are less energetic than other breeds, so they can be kept as indoor cats.
Seychellois
This rare breed is closely related to the Siamese and Oriental Shorthair and has a similar appearance with very large ears, a pointed face, and a sleek, lithe body. Its coat is single and short and comes in various patterns to suit any prospective cat owner. Like other breeds on the list, it is curious, playful, affectionate, and vocal.
Abyssinian
Originating from Ethiopia, this breed is made for hot climates and has a short, single-layered coat that requires minimal grooming and doesn’t molt much at all. They have beautiful, iridescent coats that come in a variety of ‘ticked’ tabby colors. Known to be acrobatic, energetic, and curious, they aren’t suited to small, enclosed environments like city studio apartments.
American Wirehair
According to WebMD, this unique breed has a wiry coat (like a terrier dog) that is better left ungroomed! The American Wirehair sheds very minimally but may require occasional brushing to maintain its coat’s texture and prevent mats from forming. They make great pets due to their affectionate and playful nature—and they are even known to play fetch!
Bengal
Opting for a non-shedding cat breed doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty—just look at the Bengal! This striking breed has a distinctive, leopard-like spotted coat and bright, greenish-blue eyes. Their short, glossy coats barely shed, and they require minimal grooming. However, due to their intelligent and energetic natures, they do need plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
Cornish Rex
Nicknamed the “greyhound” by feline fanatics, this breed has a slender build, long legs, and a sleek appearance. The Cornish Rex also has an extremely short, soft coat, like warm suede. This almost hairless coat sheds minimally and rarely needs brushing besides to remove dead skin cells. The breed is well known for being playful, athletic, and demanding of attention!
Javanese
Another longhaired cat with minimal shedding, the Javanese has a luxuriously silky coat with only one layer. However, it requires regular grooming to prevent the formation of mats in the fur. Its coat comes in a variety of colorpoint patterns, similar to those of the Siamese and Balinese. Javanese cats are known to be intelligent and devoted and make excellent pets.