Are Sphynx cats hypoallergenic?
That is one of the first questions I am asked when someone is looking for a Sphynx kitten and has known cat allergies. To answer that question, you must first understand the no breed of cat is completely non-allergenic or “cat allergy free”. Hypoallergenic means low allergen, and refers to cats that typically produce fewer allergens than “regular” cats. The protein (Fel D1) is the allergen in a cat’s saliva that causes problems for allergy sufferers. Once the cat licks its fur, the allergen is transferred to the fur of the cat, which is then shed all over your furniture, carpet, clothing etc and causes problems for people with cat allergies. Sphynx cats still have the protein present in their saliva, and do still lick themselves to groom, but without their hair shedding all over the house, they offer a hypoallergenic alternative that some cat lovers can live with.