The term hypoallergenic cat is somewhat misleading since it implies that the cat is less allergic than other breeds. While there are some cats that are known to be less problematic for those with certain allergies, there really is no such thing as a totally hypoallergenic cat either. What you may refer to as hypoallergenic are those breeds that have lessened the incidence of allergy-inducing behaviors or symptoms. Hypoallergenic breeds are usually those which lack several obvious signs of in-breeding like shortened coats and dilated nostrils.
So how can we determine which breed of cat is hypoallergenic? There are actually a number of breeds that are less allergic than others to things like Formaldehyde, Dander, dust mites, and cat dander. If a particular breed is less prone to produce allergic reactions to these things, then that is an indication that the particular cat is hypoallergenic. If your feline is less prone to produce allergic reactions after being exposed to these substances, then you probably don't want to get a kitty with that type of coat.
The Hypoallergenic breed of cat is a breed which lacks several of the typical symptoms that occur when a cat is allergic. Typically, hypoallergenic cats have less allergens in their saliva, hair and urine. Cats which are hypoallergenic show reduced symptoms of allergic reactions to foods like chocolate, coffee, eggs, wheat and soy. A hypoallergenic cat usually has lesser body odor and typically produces more saliva after cleaning its ears.
The ears of a hypoallergenic cat will be clear and free of any signs of allergies. The earflaps will be wide open in a typical hypoallergenic cat and the hair around the ears will be short in amount. The hair on the head will be silky and not easily brushed or dander can be detected. It is not uncommon for a hypoallergenic cat to possess fewer hairs on its face and body.
An even shorter coated cat, the Siamese, possesses fewer hair cells and has much less hair. Cats which possess fewer hairs are less likely to have any allergic reaction to objects such as dander, dust mites, catnip, pollen, mold and dust. If your kitty has little or no allergenic reaction to many common objects, then you probably do not need to worry about her allergies. However, if you have a long coated kitty, then she may have a more difficult time living with her regular lifestyle. This could lead to chronic health problems and even result in death.
The Cornish rex is another hypoallergenic cat breed, but it also has its own share of health issues. The Cornish rex is much larger than its smaller counterparts and has much heavier fur. While the overall appearance of a typical Cornish rex is very nice, it is not one that would be a good choice for a pet.
Another hypoallergenic breed is the Chinese pug. Unlike the Chinese hamster, the Chinese pug does not produce a lot of pups which could make them less adoptable. This makes the Chinese pug one of the most popular and popularly sold cats worldwide. The Chinese pug is a very loyal pet to its owner's and even those who do not know how to properly care for the animal should not have any problems adopting this type of cat. They are also known for their beauty and agility, which makes them some of the most popular in the world. The only issue with these cats is that they can produce a lot of little pink hairs in places where hair coat lengths are short.
Hypoallergenic or Standard cat breeds include the following: the American Staffordshire, Abyssinian, Basset Hound, Birman breed, British Blue, Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Chinese Crested Chinese Tug, cocker spaniel, collie, Dobermann, English Cocker Spaniel, French Bouvier des Flandres, German Shepherd, Hawaiian Pinscher, Japanese Chinseng, Maltese, Manchester Terrier, Norwegian Woodland Terrier, Papillons, Pekingese, Peruvian Camels, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier, toy dog, Toy Fox Terrier, and Yorkshire Terrier. All of these breeds are hypoallergenic, but not in the same way as the aforementioned animals. For example, the American Staffordshire has long hair that is cut almost to the skin, but it is still classified as an excellent choice for those who do not want to shave. The Abyssinian is virtually spotless aside from a small marking under the tail, and Basset has very fine hair that is never shaved. Birman breed cats are famous for their wrinkles, but they make an excellent choice for animal lovers who don't mind the markings. The British Blue and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are hypoallergenic but not considered true allergies.