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We hate to break it to you, but all animals with fur shed to some degree. Even humans shed an average of 150 hairs from our heads each day. Shedding is how animals replenish their fur and keep it in good condition. And we've found that a little bit of shedding is a fair trade for the cuddliness of a fluffy cat. But if your parents absolutely forbid fur, your best option is a purebred hairless cat, such as the Sphynx. This unusual cat isn't totally hairless. It has a fine down on its body, rather like the fuzz on a peach. Some people say the skin of a Sphynx feels like suede or chamois. Due to its virtually hairless condition, this cat requires
special care. Sphynxs must be bathed frequently because they have no hair to absorb their body oils, so they get dirty quickly. This breed is rare, and there are usually waiting lists for the kittens. Two cat breeds are often touted as shedding a minimal amount. The Cornish Rex cat has short, curly fur that lies close to its body. The Devon Rex is similar and has curly fur that can be in a very thin coat across the cat's body. Both of these cats may shed less noticeably due to their short, fine fur. It's important to note that unlike purebred dogs, purebred cats are very uncommon. Only an estimated 1% to 3% of
all house cats are purebreds. To find a Sphynx, Cornish Rex, or Devon Rex, you and your parents should visit local cat shows to talk with breeders. You can also look through sites like the Fanciers Breeder Referral List. Interview several breeders, and ask them about the health and welfare of their cats. Expect to pay $300 or more for a purebred kitten, and popular or rare breeds may cost you more. However, if your parents want a non-shedding cat because they are allergic to cats, a hairless or low-shedding cat might not be the answer. People who are allergic to cats are actually allergic to a glycoprotein called Fel d1 found in the cat's saliva, dander (dried skin flakes), fur, and other places. Getting a cat that doesn't shed or have fur will cut down on the amount of this allergen but won't eliminate it completely.
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