Are British Shorthair Cats Hypoallergenic? Not Quite—But There’s More to It
Let’s get this out of the way first: British Shorthair cats are not hypoallergenic. Yep, that plush teddy bear look comes with the same allergy risk as most other cats.
But hang on—don’t give up yet. There’s still a lot to know if you love this breed but sneeze just thinking about fur.
Why Aren’t They Hypoallergenic?
All cats produce proteins that can trigger allergies. The main troublemakers are:
- Fel d 1: Found in cat saliva, skin, and dander
- Fel d 4: Found in saliva and skin oils
British Shorthairs produce these proteins just like any other cat. When they groom themselves, these proteins end up on their fur. Then that fur sheds and floats through the house. Cue the itchy eyes and runny nose.
By the way, if you're into British Shorthair stuff, you’ll wanna check this one out: How Big Do British Shorthair Cats Get?
How Bad Is It Compared to Other Cats?
Let’s be honest—there’s no allergy-friendly cat that’s totally safe. But if you’re comparing options, here’s a quick breakdown:
| Breed | Allergy Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| British Shorthair | Medium | Dense coat, moderate dander |
| Siberian | Low-Medium | Some have lower Fel d 1 levels |
| Sphynx | Low (sort of) | No fur, but still produces dander |
| Bengal | Medium | Short coat, active groomers |
| Balinese | Lower | Called “hypoallergenic” sometimes |
British Shorthairs don’t have the highest levels of Fel d 1, but they also don’t have the lowest. They’re sort of in the middle.
Oh, and speaking of British Shorthair, here’s another one you might like: Are British Shorthair Cats Friendly? Let’s Clear the Air
What Makes Allergies Worse?
A few things about British Shorthairs can ramp up the sneeze factor:
- Thick double coat traps allergens
- Heavy shedders in spring and fall
- Independent personalities (which means less cuddling… might actually be a win if you’re allergic)
Also, just throwing this in—this British Shorthair post is a fun read too: How Long Do British Shorthair Cats Live?
Tips If You’re Still Tempted
If you’re set on getting a British Shorthair even with mild allergies, here’s what can help:
- Brush often – outside, if possible
- Use a HEPA filter in your home
- Wipe down your cat with pet-safe wipes
- Limit bedroom access
- Bathe your cat (if it doesn’t hate your guts afterward)
- Talk to your doctor about allergy meds or shots
So Should You Get One?
If your allergies are mild, and you’re ready to clean and filter like your life depends on it, you might still enjoy life with a British Shorthair.
But if your allergies are severe, this isn’t the breed for you. No matter how cute those chubby cheeks are.
TL;DR
- British Shorthairs are not hypoallergenic
- They produce allergen proteins like most cats
- Their thick coat can trap allergens
- Allergy-sensitive people should consider lower-allergen breeds or take extra care
It all depends on your body’s tolerance and your commitment to cleaning.
Want a cat that’s allergy-friendly and doesn’t act like it owns the house?
That’s a unicorn. Or maybe a stuffed animal.
Do you have mild allergies and still live with a cat? How do you manage it?
