While “hypoallergenic” technically means less allergenic, many people use it to imply “allergen-free.”
Numerous sources, including breed club websites, suggest that these “hypoallergenic” cats will eliminate allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. However, there are no truly allergen-free cats.1-4 While some cats may shed less hair, it is not actually the hair that causes an allergic reaction. Instead, people with cat allergies are responding to allergens produced primarily in the salivary and sebaceous (skin) glands.1,2
There are no truly “hypoallergenic” or allergen-free cats.