10 Breeds of Cats That Shed a Lot (Reliable Knowledge!)


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Shedding is a natural process that occurs in almost all hairy animals…including humans! Hair goes through different phases of its growth cycle and usually sheds when it reaches the end of the growth cycle’s last stage.  What are 10 breeds of cats that shed a lot?

10 breeds of cats that shed a lot are:

  • American Shorthair Cats
  • Norwegian Forest Cats
  • Himalayan Cats
  • Maine Coon Cats
  • British Longhair Cats
  • Persian Cats
  • Ragdoll Cats
  • American Bobtail Cats
  • Oriental Longhair Cats
  • Chartreux Cats

Sometimes, a layer of fur gets coated on anything cats rub themselves on or sit on. But the same does not apply to all cat breeds because fur shedding varies from breed to breed and depends on their genetics, diet, stress, amongst other factors.

This comprehensive article is for all the cat lovers out there interested in understanding various cat breeds and their level of shedding, especially the cat breeds that shed the most. So, go and dig in!

Pro-Tip:  If you are thinking of buying a cat or are a cat owner already, then you should be aware that taking care of the litter box can be a real chore.  In this age of smart products, an automatic litter box has been created that actually makes life easier with taking care of the litter box.  If you want to make your life much easier with a litter box that means you’ll never have to scoop litter again, check out the best automatic litter box on the market (in my opinion) on Amazon. 

Why Do Cats Shed Hair?

Hair shedding in cats is a natural phenomenon that they use to renew their coat. It is a continuous process and you cannot do anything to stop it.  Some cats shed quite a bit more and some cats do not shed too much. Outdoor cats are prone to shedding seasonally while indoor cats may shed more evenly year-round.

As human beings, we shed hair as it is a normal biological process and part of our hair growth cycle. You can see your fallen hair on the pillow, in the comb, on the shower floor, on the sink, and in many similar places.

However, several things may have a positive or negative effect on containing hair shedding. For instance, we have more control over some things, such as giving your cat a diet that is either nutritionally valuable or ends up lacking protein and essential vitamins, and more or less exposure to sunlight.

Some things that can matter to shedding we do not have much control over as cat owners, such as changes in hormones and genetics. If your cat seems to be shedding more than normal you should probably ask your veterinarian about it.

Now that you mention it, veterinary visits are excellent opportunities for cat owners to ask their local veterinarian about how cat shedding works. Other good topics are what it looks like if your cat is shedding a lot or too little.

Outdoor cats usually shed during the Spring season to rid themselves of that thick Winter coat and to get ready for the warmer weather that lies ahead for the year. But indoor cats shed at about the same rate year-round as they are continuously exposed to the same level of light.

Cat Excessive Shedding Causes

As mentioned above, hair shedding can happen naturally throughout the year so there is usually no need to be worried about it. But, if you notice more cat fur lying around or in the brush when you groom your cat, you may want to consult your local veterinarian just to be safe and confirm your cat does not have a health issue.

The following are common conditions which can cause excessive shedding in cats:

  • Cat is pregnant or feeding its kittens.
  • A fungal infection or a severe disease.
  • It is stressful.
  • Taking strong medicine.
  • The hormonal release is out of balance.
  • Diet is insufficient or has low quality.

If you take the cat to a veterinarian, they may give the cat a simple checkup or may run tests to check if there is any health-related issue or not.

What To Do About Cat Shedding?

If you avoid getting your cat seen by a veterinarian when you believe you observe excessive shedding, your cat may have serious health consequences.  Do your cat a favor and take her to the veterinarian if you suspect the shedding may be excessive.

Most cats should be groomed and washed every one to two weeks to help cut down on shedding. When cats are shedding excessively, meaning more than normal, a cat owner should consult their veterinarian immediately. Excessive shedding could be the result of an underlying problem and the cat may need treatment.

It is important to have a grooming plan for a cat because shedding is inevitable. If you have a hairless cat or a cat that does not shed that much you need less of a plan, but even a hairless cat needs a plan for its skin. With regard to cats that shed regularly, plan on brushing your cat at least every two weeks to keep the loose hairs down. I recommend using a glove brush like this one on Amazon:

Click Here To See This Awesome Glove Brush On Amazon!

Do American Shorthair Cats Shed A Lot?

Yes, American Shorthair cats shed a lot.  American shorthair cats have short and dense hair that sheds almost throughout the year. These cats shed hair at a moderate level. However, this shedding may increase due to a change in season or other similar environmental conditions. 

Their fur has numerous patterns like patches and streaks of one color or sometimes more than one color. To cut down on hair ending up around the house, you should brush this cat’s fur once a week. This way, the brush will catch most of the weak hair before it falls out and you will distribute any oils more evenly as well.

Since the American Shorthair is a cat that sheds fur moderately you are going to see loose hairs around the house. Cats may end up getting hairballs no matter what, but if you don’t manage the loose hairs on an American Shorthair’s coat those hairs will get everywhere and your cat will end up with more hairballs, which means coughing them up.

American Shorthair Cats

American Shorthair cats are one of the most popular cat breeds in the United States. This cat breed was named American Shorthair in 1966 to show that it is native to North America and is different from the other shorthair domestic cats. American Shorthair cats are excellent hunters.

One of the reasons for its popularity is the American Shorthair is an easy-going breed of cat, friendly with kids and adults both. These cats are usually not the most vocal and are well-known to live for 15 to 20 years. It is found in a variety of colors and patterns, but greyish-silver is quite common.

The American Shorthair is independent and usually does not like being carried by humans. It has excellent skill at catching small critters and often likes to hunt and chase things.

Do American Shorthairs Need To Be Groomed?

Yes, American Shorthairs need to be groomed because they shed a moderate amount of fur. The best way to groom an American Shorthair cat is by using short strokes with a glove brush that will collect any loose hairs. Once the American Shorthair gets used to the glove brush it will enjoy the petting.

Grooming an American Shorthair cat is important because the shedding hairs need to go somewhere. If you don’t collect them in a brush, then you will be collecting them with a broom and dustpan. Unfortunately, more loose hairs on the cat and on the floor will likely mean more hairballs getting ingested by the cat. So, its a great idea to regularly groom an American Shorthair.

American Shorthair Grooming

American Shorthair Grooming consists of a combination of brushing the cat and giving the cat baths. American Shorthair cats should be brushed once a week with a glove brush to collect loose hairs. American Shorthair owners should also bathe their cats monthly which will help separate shedding hair from the cat.

Having a grooming plan for an American Shorthair is quite wise because this cat sheds a moderate amount. That means there will be shedding fur. You will notice it.

The best plan to combat American Shorthair shedding is to have a solid grooming plan and to stick the plan consistently. This will help manage the cat’s fur and will help your house look nicer too since you will have less cat hair around the house. If you don’t stick to the grooming plan, you will be finding American Shorthair fur all over the place.

Are American Shorthair Cats High Maintenance?

No, American Shorthair cats are not high maintenance. American Shorthair cats are medium maintenance because they are usually quite healthy but still need regular grooming and baths to manage their fur coat. These cats will shed moderately so it is important to brush them weekly and bathe them at least once a month.

American Shorthairs are not cats that I would consider high maintenance. Not at all. They don’t demand all the attention in the world like Siamese but they will still need some attention. As a cat that sheds a decent amount, the American Shorthair will need attention paid to its fur cat to cut down on the shedding hairs. These cats have a hunting pedigree so they will need a lot of playtime to help them fill their innate hunting needs.

How Often Should You Brush An American Shorthair Cat?

You should brush an American Shorthair cat once a week due to the moderate amount of shedding. Use a glove brush to pet this cat and it will collect stray hairs at the same time. While the American Shorthair is enjoying being petted the amount of loose hair on its body will be significantly dissipated.

You should brush the American Shorthair weekly because if you don’t you will have cat hair all over your house. The result of not grooming this cat is that hair will be on the floor in every room. That means more time vacuuming, dusting, and sweeping. It is a great idea to have a grooming plan for an American Shorthair and to stick to that plan so that the cat’s fur coat is managed.

Do Norwegian Forest Cats Shed A Lot?

Yes, Norwegian Forest Cats shed a lot.  Norwegian Forest Cats have a very thick coat and exceptionally long hair, which means they shed a lot. Their hair length and coat thickness may vary from cat to cat. As they have heavy fur it means their hair needs extra care and grooming from the cat owner. 

You should be conscious of the heavy grooming needed if you are looking at owning a Norwegian Forest Cat.  You should brush your Norwegian Forest Cat 2 to 3 times a week to keep their hair tangle-free and to reduce the amount of shedding hairs. You can also get these cats professionally groomed from time to time.

Norwegian Forest Cats

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large cat that is well adapted to the cold environment as it has a double coat of fur and is also larger in size comparatively speaking to most other cats. Also, its back legs are longer than the front ones, making it a good tree climber and helping it prove its love for climbing.

The Norwegian Forest Cat’s name suggests this breed of cats is originally from Norway but now it is more commonly found in the United States and the United Kingdom.

The Norwegian Forest Cat can take up to 5 years to get fully matured and the weight of a fully developed cat can be up to 20 pounds. It is recognized through its heavy coat that can be different shades of color with various patterns. The Norwegian Forest Cat’s fur forms a collar around its neck and is thick throughout its body. Its ears are large and hairy as well.

It is used to staying outdoors alone, so loves hunting and climbing a lot. The Norwegian Forest Cat is friendly with both humans and animals, so it is considered a great family pet. It can live for 14 to 16 years.  

Are Norwegian Forest Cats Hypoallergenic?

Norwegian Forest Cats are not hypoallergenic but they are a better cat breed for allergy sufferers. These cats produce less Fel d 1 protein, which causes cat allergies in humans, than most other cats. This means Norwegian Forest Cats should trigger cat allergies in humans less than other cats.

Norwegian Forest Cats do have a big fluffy fur coat and they will shed. Despite having less Fel d 1 in their saliva, these large cats will still trigger some allergies in the humans around them. The way this works is when a Norwegian Forest cat cleans itself, and cats clean themselves all the time, the saliva gets on the fur and then the fur sheds and ends up all around the house or apartment. Then a person’s allergies are triggered.

Norwegian Forest Cat Shedding

Norwegian Forest Cats shed a moderate level which means a significant amount of cat hair will shed and be dispersed around the home. To minimize Norwegian Forest Cat shedding cat owners should brush them weekly and bathe them at least twice a week.

Norwegian forest cats will shed a lot, even though they don’t shed the most amongst cats. If these cats are kept indoors, they will shed pretty consistently year-round. If you allow them to explore outside with the seasons, they will likely grow a larger winter coat that will need to shed in Spring.

Make sure you get yourself a good brush for your Norwegian Forest Cat (I like the glove brush) and make grooming an important part of your cat’s week. If you pet them gently with the glove brush they will likely purr a lot since it feels good.

Why Do Norwegian Forest Cats Shed So Much?

Norwegian Forest Cats shed so much because they are large furry cats with full robust fur coats. It is completely normal for Norwegian Forest Cats to shed a lot because shedding is a natural phenomenon for cats. The best way to deal with Norwegian Forest cats shedding so much is to regularly groom and wash them.

Norwegian Forest Cats are extremely large cats when they are adults and that means they will shed a lot. These cats are a ton of fun to pet because they have fluffy fur coats but they will get shedding hair on you if you are not grooming them often. It will be a good idea to keep a pet hair lint roller nearby to take the cat hair off your clothes after you get done petting your cat.

Norwegian Forest Cat Fur

Norwegian Forest Cats have interesting fur coat comprised of a double coat of thick fur that helps keep this cat warm in wet and cold climates. Since these cats are large and have a big fur coat they shed a moderate amount. This means the fur from Norwegian Forest Cats can trigger cat allergies.

The NFC is a great cat to pet because their fur is thick and the cat is large. This cat will get cat hair on you, so you will want to try and control the fur by regularly brushing and bathing this cat. Norwegian Forest Cats have thick fur if they are indoors but you may notice them grow thicker fur if you allow them outdoors. This is because cats will tend to grow more of an undercoat and shed more seasonally if they are living outdoors.

Do Himalayan Cats Shed?

Yes, Himalayan cats shed.  Himalayan cats have a hefty and thick fur coat while their hair is long and straight. Himalayan cats tend to shed more than shorthaired cats. If you want to adopt a Himalayan cat, then be ready to groom its hair frequently (brushing 2 to 3 times per week).  When this cat sheds, it sheds long hairs.

Himalayan cats have long hairs and they shed a decent amount. This means you should expect to find a lot of hair around the house and those hairs will usually be long. Himalayan cats love people, so expect to get cat hair on your clothing. The best way to minimize the Himalayan cat’s hair is to be proactive about grooming.

Himalayan Cats

Himalayan cats have point coloration (meaning the points on their body are generally colored – i.e. ears, feet, etc.) and mostly blue eyes. They are well-known to be named after Himalayan rabbits that have similar point coloration as them. Himalayan cats resemble Persian cats quite a bit.

Himalayan cats are medium to large in size with heavy and sturdy bones. Their tail and ears are small and their faces are broad as compared to the other cat breeds. Himalayan cats do not need as much attention as many other cat breeds. However, these cats love to play with humans they are bonded with.

Himalayan cats like using their voice more than many other cat breeds. This peace-loving and calm cat is both human and animal-friendly, making it a great companion for large families. Most of the time the Himalayan is known to like staying indoors more than outdoors. The Himalayan’s lifespan is 15 to 18 years.  

Himalayan Cat Fur

Himalayan cat fur is robust and long. Himalayan’s have large fur coats that are designed to keep them warm. To help control Himalayan shedding, owners must use a proactive grooming schedule including grooming this cat multiple times a week and bathing them regularly. Himalayan cat fur will trigger cat allergies.

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that Himalayan cats will need a lot of grooming for their fur. These cats have big fur coats and shed a lot. Himalayan cat fur needs to be brushed – and I am a fan of the glove brush to brush cats. I would expect a glove brush to pick up quite a bit of loose hair from a Himalayan since they shed quite a bit. One nice thing about Himalayan cat fur is that it is soft and fluffy and will be a lot of fun to pet.

Are Himalayan Cats Hypoallergenic?

No, Himalayan cats are not hypoallergenic and they do trigger cat allergies. Himalayan cats have long hairs which shed often. These hairs, combined with the Fel d 1 protein, will affect the cat allergies of humans. Himalayan owners with cat allergies can likely use over the counter allergy medication to help them manage.

The Himalayan cat will cause cat allergies. They have a lot of fur and as they are grooming themselves they will pass the Fel d 1 protein through their saliva onto their fur. This means as their fur sheds around the house the allergens will be dispersed along with it. If a potential cat owner has cat allergies there are other cat breeds, such as the Sphynx, which are far better for people with cat allergies.

Himalayan Cat Shedding

Himalayan cats shed a lot because they have long hairs and are a shedding cat breed. This cat breed requires a lot of grooming to keep their full fur coat in a manageable condition. Himalayan cat owners should expect to pick up cat hairs everywhere if they are not grooming their cat at least twice a week. Himalayan cat fur will cause allergies.

Shedding is a serious subject for Himalayan cat owners because they have to deal with the shedding hair day in and day out. We are talking about a cat with a thick fur coat that also sheds quite a bit. On top of all this, the Himalayan cat will cause allergies in humans. This means it is best to groom this cat often to help control the amount of shedding hair that will get around the house and then make people sneeze or itch.

Here are some of my favorite cat products

In addition to checking out some other More Meows articles, I hope you’ll check out some of my favorite cat products as well.  These are affiliate links, so if you end up using them, I’ll get a commission at no extra cost to you.  These are the products I really do find most helpful.

Litter Box:  I started out with normal, traditional litter boxes for my cat.  Then, I tried this automatic litter box on Amazon (affiliate link), which helped reduce the litter upkeep.  Finally, I am now a believer in the Litter-Robot 3 Connect on Amazon (affiliate link).  This robotic litter box is not for everyone based on the price tag, but for me the benefits (very little upkeep, works efficiently, clean, mobile app) far outweighed the cost. 

My Cat’s Litter-Robot 3 Connect (with night light on) – See the link above the photo!

Cat Tree:  I have purchased a couple of this Amazon Basics Cat Tree on Amazon (affiliate link).  My cat spends a lot of time on and around this cat tree, which I position near my sofa.  She uses the scratching posts on this cat tree multiple times a day, which means she is not scratching the sofa instead.

Cat Water Fountain:  I love this cat water fountain on Amazon (affiliate link).  There are three main benefits to having a water fountain like this for your cat.  The first benefit is that it keeps water running so that your cat doesn’t need to drink still water.  The second benefit is that it filters the water.  The third benefit is that it will keep your cat hydrated!

Do Maine Coons Shed A Lot?

Yes, Maine Coon cats shed a lot.  Maine Coons have a very thick and heavy fur coat that will get hair everywhere if it is not groomed at least twice a week. These cats are quite affectionate so you should expect them to cuddle with you and get shedding cat hair on your clothing.

The Maine Coon’s cat hairs are largest on the tail. Like other heavy-furred cats, Maine Coons shed a lot and need regular brushing.  You will probably want to brush them at least 2 times a week.  If these cats are shedding and you do not want to see their hair everywhere, then it is better to be disciplined about brushing them regularly.

Maine Coons

Maine Coons are known for being the largest domestic cat species. Their size can reach up to 40 inches in length and weight can reach up to 12 to 20 pounds. As the Maine Coon’s name suggests, they have an American origin. These cats enjoy playing fetch and climbing walls and trees.

The Maine Coon’s body is huge, muscular, and strong.  Seriously, take a look at a photo of this cat. Their face is large and square. The most beautiful feature of Maine coons is their hairy tail. They are found in different colors but Tabby is the most common fur color.

Maine Coons can adapt to different lifestyles. However, their long, thick, and waterproof double fur coats are highly suitable for cold places. Maine Coon cats are well-known to be smart and are considered easy to train compared to most other breeds of cats.

Are Maine Coons Friendly?

Maine Coons are gentle giants may look a bit harsh and aggressive by their looks, but they are super friendly with humans. Their humble, sweet, and playful nature makes them a great pet for the family. Maine Coons tend to want to hang out with their humans and do not like being alone.

Maine Coons are so friendly that they will cuddle with humans causing them to wear cat hair that has shed on them. Maine Coon owners need to watch out for the shedding hair and instead be proactive about grooming this cat. Maine Coons should be groomed at least a couple times a week in anticipation of shedding. Their friendliness towards humans means that grooming them will probably be a fun task that these cats will enjoy.

Maine Coon Shedding

Maine Coons shed a moderate amount of hair which means cat owners will find hair around the house. To reduce Maine Coon shedding a cat owner should groom their cat at least twice a week and regularly bathe their cat. Maine Coons enjoy water which makes bath time a good way to help reduce the amount of shedding hairs.

These cats will shed quite a bit and since they have a full fur coat on them their owners should beware. Luckily, Maine Coons are awesome cats with excellent personalities. Since Maine Coons are excellent cats to own maybe their owners will be OK with needing to groom these cats quite a bit. For sure, cat owners should not own these cats without expecting that they will need to groom them often to help control their shedding hair.

Do Maine Coons Shed Less?

No, Maine Coons do not shed less and do shed a moderate amount of cat hair. Since Maine Coons shed a lot their owners should proactively groom them at least twice a week. Grooming a Maine Coon will help it shed less hair around the house since the excess hairs would be picked up by a brush before they can be shed.

There are cats that shed less (like the Sphynx or the Siamese). The Maine Coon is not a cat that sheds less. They are a cat that sheds more hair than the average run of the mill cat. This is because Maine Coons shed a moderate amount while at the same time having a robust fur coat. The hair on the tail of a Maine Coon is especially long. Potential Maine Coon owners should expect that these cats will shed.

Maine Coon Fur

Maine Coons have a large robust fur coat designed to keep them warm in the wild. Maine Coons groom themselves, so they will transmit the Fel d 1 protein from their saliva to their cat fur, causing allergies. Cat owners should expect to groom their Maine Coon at least twice a week and bathe their cat weekly.

Maine Coons have tons of hair in their fur coat. It almost seems like Maine Coons have hair on top of other hair. It should come as no surprise that the robust fur coats on Maine Coon cats will shed quite a bit. These cat hairs will get everywhere, including on your bed, sofa, or even your clothing.

Its best to groom this cat regularly – I like to recommend glove brushes for this sort of thing. I think cat owners will have a lot of success pulling off stray hairs from a Maine Coons fur coat by using a glove brush.

Do British Longhair Cats Shed A Lot?

Yes, British Longhair cats shed a lot.  British Longhair cats have semi-long cat hairs, a characteristic that they received from their Persian cat ancestors. Their dense coat of the British Longhair sheds loose hair often. Shedding hairs from the British Longhair will get everywhere if this cat is not brushed regularly.

Your clothes, blankets, and couches will be covered with cat hairs from a British Longhair cat unless you manage their shedding. Your best bet is bathing and brushing this cat regularly.

I recommend you brush this cat twice a week and bathe this cat at least monthly. Brushing this cat with a glove brush will help quite a bit and you should see the results with the loose fur that gets collected on the brush. Sometimes a stronger brush might be necessary.

British Longhair Cats

The British Longhair is a medium-sized domestic cat that is originally from the United Kingdom. They have a muscular body, a round face, and a small nose. Their small ears and pretty round eyes make them look like teddy bears. British Longhairs can be found in just one single color or with multi-colored fur.

Their fur’s color is well-known to range from gray, black, cinnamon, and a lot more. They usually live a healthy and long life of 12-20 years.

British Longhair cats enjoy staying at home and are not very fond of the outdoors. Because of this, they have more potential to become obese and subsequently develop obesity-related health disorders. If you are looking to own a British Longhair, you will want to manage this cat’s activity level and nutrition to ensure she does not get overweight. 

British Longhair cats and British Shorthair cats resemble each other significantly. The main thing that separates the two breeds is the difference in fur coat length and density.

Are British Longhair Cats Hypoallergenic?

British Longhair cats are not hypoallergenic. The British Longhair is a longhaired cat that transmits allergens from its saliva to its fur when they groom themselves. Their long hairs then cause cat allergies as they are shed around the house. A better cat breed to own for allergy sufferers is the Sphynx.

British Longhairs aren’t hypoallergenic because they will trigger people’s allergies. If you think about how often cats groom themselves (which involves their saliva and putting the Fel d 1 protein on is fur) then you can clearly see how handling this cat or letting its fur shed everywhere will be a bit problem.

Does a Persian Cat Shed?

Yes, Persian cats shed.  Persian cats have long and dense fur that comes in around 80 shades. These cats shed a lot so you may need to wipe down your furniture and clean your carpet more. Like other furry cats, the hair of Persian cats should be brushed regularly to help capture the loose hair prior to being shed around the house.

You should seriously consider having a professional groomer trim this cat’s coat down lower if you live in a hot environment. Persian cats are super fluffy and because of their fluffy fur they shed quite a bit. People looking to own a Persian cat should think about the amount of hair that will shed prior to owning this cat. Persian cats will need a lot of grooming to keep the shedding hair manageable.

Persian Cats

Persian cats are originally from Iran (formerly Persia) and are known to have been brought to Europe around the 17th century. The Persian cat is one of the most common cat breeds in North America. These cats are generally considered quiet cats as they are usually lazy and are found sleeping around in cozy poses.

Persian cats are recognized for having a small, round face that has a snub nose. Their ears are small, and their eyes are round and large. Their legs are short yet strong and muscular. Persian cats have two types. One type is called a Show Persian and the other is called a Traditional Persian. Both types of Persian cat have minor differences in their appearance.

Persian cats are mostly heat-sensitive so if you live in a hot environment, you might have to groom this cat so that their hair is shorter, such as giving the cat a lion haircut.  They can live a 15 to 20 year-long life.

Persian Cat Fur Care

Persian cat fur care consists of a combination of brushing and washing a Persian cat. Persian cats should be brushed twice a week using a glove brush and a flexible wire pin brush to capture all the loose hairs. These cats should also be bathed at least monthly to help control shedding.

It is really important for prospective Persian cat owners to realize that Persian cats will need some care pertaining to their fur coats. You don’t want cat hair everywhere and you also don’t want a cat with matted hair. This means you will need to brush your Persian cat regularly to keep their fur managed and nice looking. Your Persian cat will take care of keeping their fur clean for the most part because cats are clean animals.

Persian Cat Fur Shedding

Persian cat fur will shed often due to their fluffy fur coats having stray hairs. Persian cat fur will shed and will fall off the cat wherever the cat spends time, such as on the couch where Persian cats love to nap. Persian cat owners should groom their cat twice weekly to help manage their cat’s shedding fur coat.

The fur coats on Persian cats are soft and fluffy but they also shed a lot. This is a challenge for Persian cat owners since these cats are considered lap cats and love napping on furniture like sofas and chairs. This means furniture can get a lot of shedding fur deposited on them.

The best way to approach managing a Persian cat’s fur coat is by being disciplined about fur coat management and grooming. If you can build a schedule to be disciplined about when you groom your Persian cat you will be much more successful in managing this cat’s fur shedding.

Are Persian Cats Hypoallergenic?

No, Persian cats are not hypoallergenic because they have a long, soft fur coat that sheds. Persian cats clean themselves which transfers the allergen Fel d 1 from their saliva to their fur coat, which then comes in close proximity to humans. Persian cats are social lap cats that will trigger the cat allergies in humans.

Persian cats have a lot of positive things going for them, like being super soft and cuddly. I love cuddling with my cat and I don’t even have a Persian cat, which likes to cuddle even more. What does all this mean? It means that a cat that is not hypoallergenic, like the Persian, is going to be around the people in its home a lot and will likely affect their allergies.

This cat will also be walking around the house and sleeping on couches and chairs, which means its shedding fur will be around the house. This also highlights the need to groom a Persian cat frequently to keep the shedding hair under control.

Do Persian Cats Need Haircuts?

Persian cats do not need haircuts under normal circumstances but there are some reasons cat owners may want to give their Persian cat a haircut. These reasons are:

  1. Hairballs
  2. Surgical Procedures
  3. Skin Conditions
  4. Hygiene
  5. Matted Fur

Persian cats don’t normally need haircuts but you may want to discuss haircuts with your veterinarian if your Persian cat suffers greatly from hairballs since a shave might mean shorter hairs and less of a problem for the cat. Its possible that your cat may need a surgical procedure and need a haircut also.

Sometimes cats can have skin conditions that need lotion or other care and potentially shaving the area makes sense. Occasionally, senior Persian cats may have trouble keeping themselves clean and hygiene can start to become an issue so a haircut might make sense.

Finally, if Persian cats are not groomed regularly its possible they could get matted fur and also need a haircut. In all of these cases its important to discuss haircuts for a Persian cat with a veterinarian since cats have thin skin that could be injured in the haircutting process.

Do Ragdoll Cats Shed A Lot?

Yes, Ragdoll cats shed a lot.  Ragdoll fur is heavy, dense, and long due to which they shed their hair a lot. Like other hair shedding cats, brush Ragdoll cats often to grab the loose hair before they fall out around your home.

It is better to start brushing a Ragdoll cat when the cat is young; this way it will become used to the experience of getting brushed and hopefully even enjoy it. Ragdoll cats have big bodies and big fur which means they shed a lot and they will need grooming. These social cats will shed on people and around the house so grooming these cats is quite important.

Ragdoll Cats

Ragdoll cats are known to be called ragdolls because they usually have the habit of becoming relaxed and limp when picked up from the ground by humans. Ragdolls were first born in California due to mating between the Persian cat breed and Birman cat breed, which are two of the most popular cat breeds in the United States. 

Lo and behold!  This created another popular cat breed, the Ragdoll.

Ragdoll cats are well-liked because of their attractive blue eyes, plush furs, and large size. Their fur is often point-colored, and their color may range from brown and cream to red. When they are young, Ragdoll cats usually have a light color fur coat which darkens with time and age.

Ragdolls have a laid-back personality and do not get into fights easily. Ragdoll cats stay calm, gentle, content, and tolerate life well during unpleasant situations. So, this makes Ragdolls suitable even for kids. These cats are not that vocal and tend to spend a lot of time around their bonded humans.

Ragdoll Cat Fur

Ragdoll cat fur is moderately long while also being quite soft. Ragdoll cat fur will shed less than some of the larger cats; however, this cat still sheds a lot of its fur. Cat owners should brush their Ragdoll cats once a week and consider bathing them monthly to help capture and cut down on shedding hairs.

Ragdolls are social cats that are famous for becoming docile in the arms of a human. This means humans pick these big cats up and pet their soft fur coats. It also means shedding cat hair can get on the people that pick them up. So, while much contentment will come from petting a Ragdoll cat due to their soft fur coats there will also be an aspect of shedding and even potentially aggravating a person’s cat allergies.

Do American Bobtail Cats Shed?

Yes, American Bobtail cats shed.  American Bobtail cats come in two kinds of fur coats. One is called the Shorthair Bobtail and the other is the Longhair Bobtail. Shorthair bobtails have a medium-length coat that is dense and heavy, while Longhair Bobtails have longer length hairs that are as dense as the Shorthair Bobtail coat. 

Both longhair and shorthair American Bobtail types shed hair a lot as both have a double coat that needs to be replaced or renewed with time. Regular brushing and bathing of this cat breed is recommended to remove loose hair.

American Bobtail Cats

American Bobtail cats have a distinct, naturally bobbed tail.

American Bobtails are medium to large in size and have a wild appearance due to their sharp hunting eyes. American bobtail cats have broad ears that have a slight outward tilt. They are muscular and have broad shoulders and a strong chest. The American Bobtail’s most unique feature is their short tail that is often broad at the end.

The American Bobtail’s fur is long and is found in a variety of colors. Their coat patterns also vary from cat to cat. The American Bobtail is quite intelligent which makes it easy to train. American Bobtail cats are loyal and friendly to their owners. It is not unusual for this cat to be underfoot as it follows you around your home.

American Bobtail cats are active and love playing games that bring out their innate hunting skills. If these cats are introduced properly with dogs and other pets at home, they will generally co-exist with them just fine.

Do Oriental Longhair Cats Shed a Lot?

Yes, Oriental Longhair cats shed a lot.  Oriental Longhair cats have a heavy fur coat, but they do not have the double-coat of fur that some other breeds, like the Maine Coon have. The Oriental Longhair does shed a moderate to high amount.

Their tails and necks have longer fur as compared to the rest of their hair throughout their body. This cat’s fur is found in multiple colors and different patterns.

Oriental Longhair Cats

The Oriental Longhair cat’s country of origin is the United Kingdom. These cats significantly resemble the Siamese cat breed because the Siamese was the base breed for them. The Oriental Longhair is well-known to have a unique gene that makes its tail longer and furrier than other breeds of cats.

These cats are medium to large and have an exquisite body and fur shape. 

If you haven’t seen an Oriental Longhair or Oriental Shorthair, you should take a close look because they are beautiful cats.  Oriental Longhair cats are clever and trainable creatures who can learn different tricks as they are known to be highly intelligent.

Oriental Longhair cats create an extraordinarily strong bond with their owner, enjoy being around humans, and love a lot of attention. You will find the Oriental Longhair chasing you from room to room or sitting in your lap with their long tail curled up. These cats are known to be talkative when they want something.

Do Chartreux Cats Shed?

Yes, Chartreux cats shed.  Chartreux cats have medium length fur that is heavy and thick. Chartreux cats shed a lot because of having such dense fur. Bathing and combing them occasionally (minimum once a week) can help you manage their shedding.

Their fur is usually greyish-blue but will often have different shades. There are usually no patterns on the fur of adult cats of this breed. However, Chartreux kittens will sometimes have light patterns that fade away with time. Their fur feels incredibly soft, silky, and woolly when touched. 

Chartreux Cats

The Chartreux breed of cats is originally from France. This cat is well-known to have been around for centuries.

Chartreux cats are famous for having blue fur and being very fluffy. Their body is medium in size with broad shoulders and chest. Their body is muscular and strong. Chartreux cats have a small round face that has full cheeks, a little nose, contoured forehead, round eyes, and wide medium-sized ears.

Their tail has a medium length. The average size of an adult Chartreux cat varies from 12 to 16 pounds. They have pumpkin-colored eyes and greyish blue fur with no patterns found on them. Like other cats, they are friendly with kids, humans, and other pets.

Chartreux cats like chasing and fetching toys. You will rarely find them speaking as they mostly use their beautiful eyes to convey their messages. These cats like some attention but do not desire all your attention like some other breeds, such as the Oriental.

Their nature is very calm, kind, and gentle. You can easily train them by giving them their favorite treats. They have excellent hunting power and like climbing trees.

What Kind of Cat Sheds the Least?

Sphynx cats are generally regarded to have the least hair shedding of any breed. The reason is simple; they do not have a fur coat, so they do not shed those hairs. If being hairless gives them the advantage of having the least hair shedding, it also has a disadvantage; their skin is sensitive and needs extra care against the harsh environmental conditions. 

You will want to keep a good eye on your Sphynx cat’s skin, and you will still want to gently groom this cat to ensure any oils get distributed adequately around her body.  

Any living creature that has hair will probably shed as it is a part of the hair growth cycle. The same is the case with different breeds of cats. The other cat breeds in this blog post are those that shed a lot of hair, usually due to their long and dense fur coats, but some shed the least such as the Sphynx cat breed.

Sphynx Cats

Sphynx cats are a blessing for those who do not like seeing cat hairs around the house. These cats are originally from Canada and that is why they are also known as Canadian Hairless cats. The Sphynx’s unique feature is they do not have a fur coat.

These cats are not hairless completely. Very tiny hairs are scattered throughout their body. Sphynx cats usually do not have eyelashes and whiskers.

Sphynx cats are somewhat muscular and have a slender body. Their legs are long and thin. They have a small, mischievous face that actually represents their true nature. They have a long and thin tail just like their whole body. Their ears are broad and large in size.

Do Tabby Cats Shed?

Yes, Tabby cats shed.  Hair shedding in Tabby cats varies from one cat breed to the other. If you have a Tabby cat, you will need to look up the breed of cat that you own to determine that cat’s shedding potential. 

For example, Tabby American Shorthair cats shed the same as other American Shorthair cats.  Similarly, some tabby cats shed little hair because of their breed.  An example of this is that some Sphynx cats have Tabby markings on their skin.  No matter which cat breed you have, make sure to groom the hair of your tabby cat regularly. You will see less hair in the home and more in the brush.

Tabby Cats

Tabby cats are not a breed of cat but instead, it is a coat pattern that consists of lines, dots, swirls, and flecks. The tabby pattern has different types such as classic, patched, ticked Tabby, etc. All kinds of Tabby cats have a particular letter ‘M’ on their forehead and lines on their face. 

If you have never seen this ‘M’ on a Tabby’s forehead, it is worth taking a peek at a photo.  My cat Charlotte is a Domestic Shorthair Tabby, and she has this ‘M.’

A tabby cat is any cat that has a tabby pattern. Many cat breeds have a Tabby coat pattern.  It is rumored that more than half of domestic cats have this coat pattern. The size, body weight, and height of tabby cats depend on the breed they belong to.

Do Pixiebob Cats Shed?

Yes, Pixiebob cats shed.  Pixiebob cats can come in a longhair or shorthair variety, but they always have a double fur coat. These cats commonly have black fur and often have a spotted tabby fur coat pattern similar to the bobcat. 

This breed of cats shed hair throughout the year at a moderate level.  Shorthaired Pixiebob cats shed less hair compared to longhaired Pixiebob cats. It is often recommended to brush their hair often (at least once a week) to help control shedding. 

Pixiebob Cats

The Pixiebob breed is believed to be a recent breed that originated in the United States and looks like a miniature bobcat. This is the reason they resemble bobcats a lot. They are uncommon in European countries and first came there around 2001.

Unlike other cats, these cats take nearly 4 years to grow into their full form. They can be medium or large with a wide average weight range of 8 to 17 pounds. Their head is pear-shaped, and the Pixiebob has large hairy ears.

The Pixiebob’s eyes are usually green or golden in color, which gives them a wild appearance. But we should never judge a book by its color. No matter how wild the Pixiebob cat looks, it is amicable and loyal. The Pixiebob cat is well-known to develop a strong bond with kids, adults, and other pets.

Summary

Many cat breeds shed a lot of hair.  We talked about many of these breeds and how it is especially important to be diligent as a cat owner when grooming these animals if you want to control their shedding. 

If you start grooming these cats at a young age, they will likely become used to the process and may even enjoy it!

If you enjoyed this article on cat breeds that shed a lot, check out these articles:

Christopher Carlson

I have an Domestic Shorthair Tabby named Charlotte. She is full of energy when she isn't sleeping most of the day. I share what I learn about cats on this site.

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