Is It True That All Cats Shed? Vet-Reviewed Facts
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If you’ve noticed a ton of hair around the house and your cat is shedding non-stop, you might be wondering if all cats shed. The answer is yes, all cats shed to some extent unless they are hairless. Cats shed various amounts, depending on the breed.
So, if you’re an allergy sufferer, you might want to know which cats shed the least. In this article, we’ll answer that question and more.
Some Cats Shed More Than Others
Some cats shed more than others. However, it’s not true that some cats don’t shed. Some felines have such short hair that the shedding is minimal and barely noticeable. Still, that doesn’t mean that the cats are truly hypoallergenic since the allergen proteins are found in their dander, saliva, sebaceous, and anal glands.
The amount of shedding depends on a variety of factors. These factors include the breed, the season, the cat’s diet, and overall health. It’s essential to understand that healthy cats should shed. If your cat is shedding excessively, then you need to make an appointment with your vet for diagnosis and treatment in case there’s an underlying problem.
Breeds That Shed the Least
As an allergy sufferer and a cat lover, you don’t want your allergies to stop you from getting the pet you love. Below, we’ll list some of the cat breeds that shed the least.
1. Siberian
Although this breed is majestic and has a flowing coat, looks can be deceiving. It sheds less than most breeds and is said to be one of the only hypoallergenic breeds of cats out there, though no cat is entirely hypoallergenic. However, you need to know that maintaining the cat’s regal coat can be quite an extensive job, so be prepared.
2. Sphynx
While some people think this breed looks weird, they certainly have their appeal. It looks like it doesn’t have any fur, but it has a fine coat all over its body. While it might not shed much, the Sphynx does require extensive grooming.
3. Korat
If you’re an allergy sufferer, then the Korat might be the perfect choice of cat for you. They're low-maintenance cats with short fur and shed infrequently. They are considered "hypoallergenic" cats, though not pet is truly hypoallergenic.
4. Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is an infrequent shedder with short fur. It's a crossbreed with a genetic mutation, which is what gives it its wavy, curly, light coat. The Cornish Rex only has one undercoat, making it unique, and they require very little grooming.
Final Thoughts
Yes, all felines shed their fur. However, it depends on the breed regarding the quantity of fur shed. If you are an allergy sufferer, you’ll love some of the cats on our list that shed very little. This might help to reduce the amount of allergen accumulated in the environment. However, you should check with your doctor or allergist before adopting a cat or other animal.
Featured Image Credit: DreamBig, Shutterstock
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Patricia is a pet writer and lifelong animal lover. She has two cats (Binx and Link) and one dog (Mystery). Binx was found as a kitten under her house and has been part of the family ever since! Patricia is also a published author under the pen name Skylar McKinzie. When she isn’t writing, Patricia enjoys volunteering at her local animal rescue.
