Cat Breeds that Don't Shed

I'm a cat lover, but even the most dedicated pet-parents can get frustrated by constant shedding. Especially as the seasons change, you can expect cats (and dogs) to lose massive amounts of fur, which will inevitably gather on your clothes, your sheets, and your sofa. In most cases, the solution is to simply clean your house and clothes regularly of cat hair-- but, if you don't yet own a pet, you have another option. Consider choosing a cat that simply doesn't shed!

Only a few breeds of cat exist that don't shed. Shedding occurs because cats naturally regenerate their fur on a regular basis (like all other mammals). The guard hairs, which are the coarsest and longest, tend to be the most problematic when a cat sheds them. If you're looking for a cat breed that won't leave fur all over your home, here are some of the few options available to you.

Sphynx

This cat breed doesn't shed-- because it doesn't have any fur worth shedding! The sphynx originated in the 1960s in Toronto, where an ordinary domestic cat gave birth to a completely hairless kitten. Since then, it has been bred carefully and extensively to preserve this unusual, natural mutation. While most sphynx cat are entirely hairless, others have a thin, suede-like coat that could be compared to the fuzz of a peach. While many find the sphynx cat's hairless appearance beautiful, others find it off-putting. If a sphynx isn't for you, two other non-shedding cat breeds exist.

Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex is an adorable, alien-like cat originated in Cornwall, England in the 1950s. The name "rex" derives from the rabbit breed of the same name, which shares a similar coat. Cornish rexes lack guard hairs and only have a layer of downy, velvety fur covering their bodies. The breed doesn't shed significantly because of the texture of its fine, felt-like coat and its total lack of guard hairs, but some owners will find a little of this peachy fuzz here and there. In personality, the Cornish rex is very affectionate, playful, and dog-like-- perfect for people wanting shed-free, affectionate companionship.

Devon Rex

Though it shares the name "rex" with the Cornish rex, the Devon rex is actually an unrelated breed similar only in its coat. While the Cornish rex has a velvetty, felt-like coat, the Devon rex's coat is distinctly curly. It has large eyes and an appearance that has been described as "elfin." When combined with a charming coat of curls, these features make the Devon rex seem magical and wonderful-- and, to the owners who love them, they certainly are! Like its Cornish counterpart, the Devon rex might shed tiny amounts of fur, but they will be minimal compared to cats with guard hairs and normal coats.

Cats that don't shed can be hard to come by, because the genes associated with hairlessness (or a lack of guard hairs) are caused by rare mutations. For this reason, you can expect to pay significantly for a non-shedding cat purchased through a breeder. Consider checking with local animal shelters and rescue organizations to see if they happen to have any cats of these breeds-- you might be able to save yourself money while also helping to save the life of an animal in need. Your local shelter or cat fancier's group will have more information about your breed of interest.