Are American Shorthair Cats Hypoallergenic?

I’ll be real with you—I once tried to convince my allergic friend that American Shorthair cats were a “safe” breed to bring home. Five minutes in, her eyes were puffier than a microwaved marshmallow. Lesson learned.

So, are American Shorthair cats actually hypoallergenic?

Not quite. But let’s break it down.

What Does “Hypoallergenic” Even Mean?

Hypoallergenic doesn’t mean allergy-free. It just means less likely to trigger allergies.

Most cat allergies come from a protein called Fel d 1. It’s found in a cat’s saliva, skin, and dander. And guess what? All cats have it—just in different amounts.

By the way, if you're into American Shorthair stuff, you’ll wanna check this one out: Are Tabby Cats American Shorthair?

Do American Shorthairs Produce Less Fel d 1?

Nope. They’re average. Not super high, not super low.

They aren’t like Siberians or Russian Blues, which are sometimes said to produce less of this pesky protein. American Shorthairs don’t make the allergy list in either direction.

They’re not the worst—but they’re definitely not a magical sniffle-free solution either.

Oh, and speaking of American Shorthair, here’s another one you might like: How Much Should an American Shorthair Cat Weigh?

**Why People Think They’re Hypoallergenic**

There are a few reasons this myth floats around:

Short hair = fewer allergens? Sounds logical, but nope. Allergen levels aren’t about hair length. Long or short, dander’s still flying.
They shed less? Not really. American Shorthairs have thick, dense coats. They shed seasonally like champs.
They’re clean? Yes, they’re tidy. But they still lick themselves like it’s a hobby. That saliva? Full of Fel d 1.

Also, just throwing this in—this American Shorthair post is a fun read too: How Much Are American Shorthair Cats?

Can You Live With an American Shorthair if You Have Allergies?

Now this is the real question.

And the answer is… maybe.

I know folks who manage fine with allergies and an American Shorthair. It takes a little effort and a lot of air filters.

Here’s how they make it work:

HEPA filters everywhere—like, even in the bathroom.
Brush the cat outside if possible. Wear a mask. Channel your inner ninja.
Bathe the cat every now and then (if your hands are feeling brave).
Wipe the fur with a damp cloth daily.
No cats on the bed. Sorry, Snugglepuff.
Wash hands after every petting session. Yes, every time.

My Personal Take

If you’re super allergic, I wouldn’t gamble on an American Shorthair. They’re sweet, calm, and great with families—but they won’t save you from allergy doom.

If your allergies are mild and manageable, they might be a good match—with prep.

Just don’t fall for the “short hair = hypoallergenic” myth. It’s as true as saying eating cookies burns calories because it takes effort to chew.

Allergy-Friendly Alternatives to Consider

Cat Breed	Allergy-Friendly Level	Notes
Siberian	Lower Fel d 1 levels	Still fluffy, surprisingly tolerable
Russian Blue	May produce less Fel d 1	Sleek, elegant, allergy-friendlier
Balinese	Nicknamed “the hypoallergenic Siamese”	Long-haired but low-allergen
Devon Rex	Less fur, less dander	Quirky look, playful vibe