Finding the right cat that don’t shed can be a challenging task. Especially if you’re a cat lover but also allergic to their fur, or you simply don’t want to deal with all that shedding around your house. Well, don’t worry! Some calm cat breeds don’t shed much (or at all!), so you can enjoy having a furry friend without the mess or the sneezing.
The best part? These non-shedding cats are often just as loving, playful, and affectionate as the more traditional breeds. In this blog, we’ll dive into some of the top calm cat breeds that don’t shed and are perfect for anyone looking to reduce pet hair around the home!
Let’s explore the wonderful world of calm, cats that don’t shed that will make your heart—and your house—happy.
Calm Cat Breeds That Don’t Shed
1. Bombay
The Bombay is an elegant, sleek cat breed that rarely sheds. With its short, dense coat and smooth black fur, this breed’s minimal shedding is one of its most loved features. A Bombay’s fur, often described as a “velvety” texture, does not require much grooming, making it a perfect companion for allergy sufferers. According to Hillspet, they usually weigh between 8 to 12 pounds, making them a medium-sized breed.
Bombays are known for their calm and affectionate personalities. These cats are often described as “dog-like,” following their owners around and sitting by them for hours. They’re very social and love to be around family members, making them an ideal choice for people who want an interactive, low-shedding companion. Despite their playful nature, Bombay cats are often more relaxed, making them great for a peaceful home.
With their striking golden eyes and sleek appearance, Bombays are naturally drawn to attention, and they adore being in the company of their human family. The minimal shedding means less vacuuming and less hair left on furniture. Their short silky coat makes them a low-maintenance breed, requiring only occasional brushing.
This breed tends to be highly affectionate and loves snuggling with their owners. They also have a unique way of showing their love by kneading, similar to a kitten. Bombays thrive on human interaction and are content to spend time on your lap or follow you around the house.
In terms of health, Bombays are generally a robust breed. Their short coat and minimal grooming needs mean fewer chances of matting or skin issues. However, it’s still important to ensure they’re regularly checked by a vet to keep them in tip-top shape.
2. Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is a highly distinctive cat breed with a short, curly coat that sheds very little. Its unique fur, which feels almost velvety to the touch, is a key characteristic of the breed. This breed is ideal for people who suffer from allergies or simply prefer a low-shedding cat. The Cornish Rex’s coat is soft and fine, so there’s no need to worry about loose fur all over the house. These cats usually weigh between 5 and 10 pounds, making them a smaller breed.
What sets the Cornish Rex apart is its playful, high-energy personality. These cats are very social and love to engage with their human family members. They’re often described as “dog-like” because of their need for attention and their affectionate behavior. Cornish Rex cats love being around people and will likely follow you from room to room, always seeking companionship. Their energetic nature means they enjoy interactive play, which will keep both you and your cat entertained.
Despite their playful nature, Cornish Rex cats are surprisingly calm and easy to care for. Their curly coats are hypoallergenic, so they’re a perfect choice for allergy sufferers. The short coat requires minimal grooming, and you won’t have to deal with the excess shedding that comes with other breeds.
In terms of special features, the Cornish Rex is one of the few breeds with an almost completely curly coat. Their fur is not only hypoallergenic but also requires minimal care—just a quick rub-down to keep it soft and shiny.
While their short coat might seem low-maintenance, they do require some regular attention. Because of their playful energy, the Cornish Rex will benefit from daily play sessions to keep them stimulated and happy. But even with their high activity level, these cats are calm and friendly, making them perfect for people seeking a non-shedding, affectionate cat.
3. Bengal
Bengal cats are often admired for their wild, leopard-like appearance. Their coat, which is short but dense, doesn’t shed much, making them a great choice for those who enjoy the beauty of a cat with minimal shedding. As per WebMD, Bengal cats can weigh anywhere between 6 to 15 pounds, depending on their size and gender. Despite their muscular appearance, they are surprisingly light on their feet.
Though they do shed less than certain breeds, the Bengal is known for its playful nature. These cats are lively, intelligent, and have a lot of stamina. They enjoy interactive play and love to explore. Despite their energy, Bengals are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their family.
Bengals are often described as “dog-like” in their behavior, following their owners around and even fetching toys. They are also quite vocal, so you’ll know when they’re in the mood for attention. The Bengal cat’s low-shedding coat still requires some grooming, but it is much easier to maintain than that of longer-haired breeds.
They have unique coats, often featuring spots or marbling, which adds to their exotic look. Their fur is soft and requires little grooming—just a quick brush now and then. Their hypoallergenic coat makes them suitable for people with allergies, and their energetic yet calm demeanor ensures they make great pets for both individuals and families.
While Bengals may need more interaction and mental stimulation due to their high energy, their low-shedding coat and affectionate nature make them perfect for people who can provide an engaging environment. If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic cat with a wild appearance, the Bengal cat is a great choice!
4. British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is a classic breed known for its round face, thick fur, and calm nature. Despite its plush coat, this breed is a low-shedding cat, making it an excellent choice for those who don’t want to deal with excessive fur around the house. Their coat is dense but short, and while it does shed slightly, it’s much less than other long-haired breeds. British Shorthairs typically weigh between 9 to 18 pounds, making them one of the larger cat breeds.
British Shorthairs are laid-back cats with a quiet disposition. They are known for their calm temperament and their independent nature. Unlike some other breeds that constantly demand attention, British Shorthairs are content to be left alone for periods of time, making them perfect for busy households. They do enjoy affection but aren’t overly clingy, which is ideal for people who appreciate a more low-maintenance cat.
One of the most notable features of the British Shorthair is its beautiful, round face and large, expressive eyes. Their coats are typically a soft blue-gray, though they come in a variety of colors. British Shorthairs require minimal grooming, and their low-shedding fur ensures that there’s not much to clean up. These cats are also generally healthy and easy to care for, making them great pets for families and individuals alike.
British Shorthairs are shy, gentle and affectionate, though they tend to be more reserved with strangers. They form strong bonds with their owners and are loyal companions. Their calm nature also makes them ideal for children or other pets.
Although British Shorthairs are typically calm, they do enjoy a good play session now and then. Their low-shedding coat requires only regular brushing, which helps keep them looking their best.
5. Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is one of the calmer cat breeds that don’t shed. It is a truly unique breed, known for its distinctive curly coat and large, wide eyes. With their curly coats, the Devon Rex does not leave behind much fur, making it ideal for individuals with cat allergies.
Weighing between 5 to 9 pounds, these medium-sized cats are extremely affectionate and enjoy being the center of attention. They’re playful, energetic, and even dog-like in their interactions, often following their owners around and seeking constant companionship. Devon Rex cats are known to be extremely social, which makes them an excellent choice for families, singles, or even households with other pets.
The Devon Rex’s unique, soft, silk coat is another reason this breed is favored by many. Their coat requires very little grooming, and because they don’t shed much, you can enjoy a clean, comfortable home without dealing with furry felines shedding everywhere. Their low-shedding nature means that they are almost a completely hypoallergenic cat in terms of shedding, although it’s important to note that some people with allergies may still react to the cat’s saliva or dander.
Despite their minimal shedding, the Devon Rex is still an energetic, playful breed. They love to climb, play, and engage with their environment. Even with their high energy, they are very low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. This breed’s curly fur keeps allergens to a minimum, making it a good fit for people who suffer from cat allergies but still want a loving, hypoallergenic cat breed.
Lastly, the Devon Rex is also known for being an easygoing cat. These cats do not require a lot of effort to maintain, and they adapt well to almost any living situation, from apartments to larger homes.
6. Siamese
Siamese cats are one of the most recognizable breeds due to their striking blue eyes, sleek coats, and unique color points. Known for being affectionate and vocal, they often develop strong bonds with their owners and can be quite dog-like in their behavior. Siamese cats love to follow their pet parents around and engage in conversation, making them incredibly interactive companions.
According to Purina, they weigh between 8 to 15 pounds, Siamese cats are sleek and slender with an elegant build. Their short coat doesn’t shed excessively, which makes them easier to maintain compared to long-haired breeds. While they don’t shed as much, regular brushing can help keep their coat smooth and shiny. Despite their low shedding, they can still require a bit of attention to ensure their coat stays healthy.
In terms of personality, Siamese cats are known to be very social and playful. They are highly intelligent, and their curiosity means they love to explore their surroundings. They’re not the type of cat to lounge around all day; instead, they’ll seek out opportunities for interaction, play, and attention. Siamese cats enjoy being the center of attention and can even learn tricks or commands, making them an excellent fit for active households.
Siamese cats are also one of the more adaptable breeds. Whether you’re living in an apartment or a large house, they will adjust as long as they have plenty of social interaction. They are ideal for families, singles, or anyone looking for a playful and affectionate companion who doesn’t shed excessively.
If you’re looking for a beautiful cat with an outgoing personality, the Siamese is an excellent choice. Their gentle, affectionate nature and sleek appearance will surely win your heart.
7. Burmese
The Burmese is one of the cats that don’t shed, with its beautiful, shiny coat and charming, affectionate personality. These cats are medium-sized, typically weighing between 8 to 12 pounds, and they have a compact, muscular build. Burmese cats have a unique appearance, with large eyes and a sleek, rounded head. Their short, smooth coats are typically a solid color, with shades ranging from sable brown to champagne or blue.
Burmese cats are incredibly friendly and love being around people. They tend to form strong bonds with their owners and often follow them from room to room. These cats are highly social and enjoy being the center of attention, making them great companions for families, singles, and even older individuals. They are affectionate, enjoy lap time, and can sometimes be described as “velcro” cats because they want to be near their humans as much as possible.
In addition to their affectionate nature, Burmese cats are quite playful and active as compared to other cats. They love interactive play and will often fetch toys or chase after them. However, they are not overly demanding and are generally calm, making them great for people who want an engaging yet laid-back cat. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, and they shed less than many other cats, making them a low-shedding breed.
Burmese cats are also known for their adaptability. Whether you live in a busy household or a quiet apartment, they are content as long as they have their human companions nearby. These cats love attention, but they’re also happy to entertain themselves with toys when necessary.
With their minimal grooming needs and gentle nature, they’ll fit right into any home looking for a loving feline friend.
Conclusion
In conclusion, certain calm cat breeds that don’t shed are a blessing for those who love cats but want to avoid loose hairs around the house. Breeds like the sleek Bombay and playful Cornish Rex are perfect examples, offering the same affection without the shedding problem. These cats require just 1–2 regular grooming sessions, making them low-maintenance for busy households.
Short-haired breeds such as the British Shorthair and Devon Rex also make fantastic companions. Their calm personalities and low-shedding coats mean minimal cleaning is needed. While they might occasionally lose a few hairs, it’s far less than more traditional breeds.
By choosing these hypoallergenic, calm cat breeds, you can enjoy a loving pet without worrying about excessive shedding. There’s no such thing as cats that don’t shed, but these breeds certainly come close.
