Do Russian Blue Cats Shed? (Hypoallergenic, Grooming)


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All breeds of loveable feline friends are cherished for the priceless memories and companionship that they provide, irrespective of how fluffy they are. But, this is often coupled by a plethora of fur and dander scattered all over caregivers’ precious upholstery and décor. So, do Russian Blue Cats shed?

The Russian Blue cat breed has a low tendency to shed their fur, and they have low grooming needs compared to other breeds. Russian Blue cats are not prone to tangles but should be groomed frequently to keep their fur nice and prevent matted fur and fur balls.

While coping with cat hair on furniture in the home is undoubtedly frustrating for any cat owner, it’s essential to understand that it’s primarily out of your cat’s control. So stick around to find out everything you need to know about a Russian Blue cat’s fur coat and how to go about establishing a healthy grooming routine for your delightful companion.

If you wonder what the best products are for your cat, check out this article that will break down all my recommendations for you: Things To Buy For A Cat Right Now!

Do Russian Blue Cats Shed a Lot?

Yes, the Russian Blue cat does shed its fur, but they do not shed much. All cats shed their fur as they all have the same necessities relating to the reasons for and benefits of shedding. However, how much cat breeds shed depends on the length and density of their fur coat, if they have an undercoat or double coat, and overall care of the fur from childhood through to adulthood.

Russian Blue Fur

Russian Blue cats have an iconic and distinctive fur coat, as they have a double coat that is short and dense with a soft and plush texture. Although the appearance of their fur is striking with blueish hues and silver tips, they almost always look well-kept due to their inherent traits and allogrooming.

Still, it’s essential to provide them with tender love and care to avoid dire outcomes, and the living environment will also play a role in how clean and meticulous their fur is throughout their lives. There are many ways to ensure that your fur baby has well-maintained fur, which will improve its quality of life in a wide range of ways.

Does Russian Blue Cats’ Fur Mat Easily?

No, this breed is far less prone to matting and tangling when compared to many other cat breeds. This is due to their genetic traits coupled with a low shedding frequency, as loose or dead fur often causes related mats and tangles when left to set in the fur. That being said, this breed can end up with mats and tangles, especially since they have a double coat.

How much do Russian Blue Cats Shed?

Russian Blue Cat

Russian Blue cats do not shed fur very much, and it may be barely noticeable when they do shed since their fur is short and fine.

However, a thorough grooming routine coupled with other influential factors such as the living space and overall hygiene will significantly assist in keeping your feline healthy. If your Russian Blue cat is shedding a lot, you should consider investigating as it is not regarded as normal for the breed.

Is Shedding Normal for Cats?

Yes, shedding is completely normal for all cat breeds irrespective of inherent traits, characteristics, and fur coat type and length. This is because shedding fur plays an essential role in regulating body temperature in varying climates, enabling them to stay cool in warmer temperatures and keep warm in colder temperatures.

Cats also shed to remove dead or weak fur strands naturally, enabling the replacement of these hairs with new and freshly grown fur strands.

Shedding maintains the overall health of the cat’s fur coat over time, and dead hair must be removed, so it does not obstruct this natural and crucial process.

Since the fur coat plays such an imperative role in defending the cat’s body from various factors, regulating their body temperature, and shielding them from external influences, losing too much fur will negatively affect their health overall.

Can Russian Blue Cats Shed Too Much Fur?

Excessive shedding is not normal and may indicate underlying medical issues that will need to be adequately examined by a professional to be identified, accurately diagnosed, and treated appropriately. In some cases, owners may even over-groom their cats which may weaken the fur strands and remove healthy fur, or cats may even lick themselves to the point where fur begins to thin and wither, which is also unhealthy.

Since their fur coats play many roles in their health, such cases can also lead to other issues. Caregivers should seek medical assistance from a veterinarian if it becomes evident that the cat is shedding more fur and dander than this breed typically should. 

You should also seek vet assistance if your Russian Blue is shedding in clumps or tufts of fur which begin to reveal the skin, or is suddenly shedding far more than usual without a natural cause such as shedding during hot weather.

To learn more about the Russian Blue cat, check out my article:  How To Tell A True Russian Blue Cat (Quick Ways).

Are Russian Blue Cats Hypoallergenic?

The Russian Blue cat breed is considered hypoallergenic, meaning that they give off far fewer allergens when compared to many other cat breeds. Truthfully, no cat is totally hypoallergenic, but this cat breed is much closer to being fully hypoallergenic than most other cat breeds.

This is due to their innate genetic disposition as this breed produces less glycoprotein Fel d 1, a prevalent allergen given off by cats. Its hypoallergenic nature may also be assisted by the fact that its fur is short and dense and does not shed much, which results in fewer allergens being scattered within the environment.

To learn more about the Russian Blue and being hypoallergenic, check out my article:  Are Russian Blue Cats Hypoallergenic? See The Truth.

How To Manage Russian Blue Cat’s Fur Coat

Russian Blue cats are well known for their sleek and smooth fur coats, which generally retain their aesthetic throughout their lives and within various environments. As a result, this breed has low needs for grooming and fur coat care compared to many cat breeds. However, these natural and favorable traits still need to be monitored and cared for so your feline can maintain holistic health as it ages.

How Often Should You Groom a Russian Blue Cat?

The fur coat of a Russian Blue cat is incredibly easy to care for compared to many other breeds, and they do not need to be groomed often. That being said, they will still benefit from grooming once or twice a week for ensuring optimal maintenance of the fur, but daily petting and stroking can do the job of keeping the Russian Blue cat’s sleek and smooth appearance.

You may need to groom your Russian Blue cat if you let it go outside.  I don’t recommend letting your Russian Blue outside on its own, but if you do, you might want to check out this article:  Can Russian Blue Cats Go Outside? (The Best Advice).

What Should You Use for Grooming?

Generic cat grooming brushes and combs can be used for grooming Russian Blue cats, as their fur coats are not fragile. But, medium-toothed combs are more beneficial for this breed as this type also targets the double coat. However, a brush is unnecessary in many cases, and caregivers can use their hands to smooth out the fur daily by stroking and petting.

Since this breed is incredibly loveable, they will enjoy receiving this sort of affection from loved ones. The combination of daily stroking to smooth and comb or brushing once or twice a week to remove loose fur is considered a well-rounded grooming routine for this breed.

What Should You Do To Groom Your Cat?

The Russian Blue cat breed enjoys affection; thus, grooming can be included as part of playtime or time spent bonding with your furry feline friend. When grooming, caregivers should begin by brushing areas that are enjoyable for the cat and softly working towards other areas to ensure that the experience is pleasant.

Grooming sessions are far more enjoyable when done from a young age and when done consistently, as untangling fur and removing knots will be painful for them.

Do You Need To Bathe Your Cat? 

Cats can be bathed if they have somehow become dirty, but this breed does not require bathing often within a clean environment. Grooming and petting are generally sufficient for this breed, but they can be bathed occasionally or when necessary.

That being said, your Russian Blue cat may need more frequent bathing if they wander outdoors or interact with other cats and animals. This is since it poses the risk of tracking in bacteria, which may be harmful, especially since they may ingest it through allogrooming.

Russian Blue cats may not like getting bathed, although they do like playing with water.  To learn more about Russian Blue cats and water check out my article:  Do Russian Blue Cats Like Water? (The Best Answers).

Does Diet and Nutrition Assist Healthy Cat Fur?

Yes, diet and nutrition will play a role in overall health and bodily function, including skin and fur. Certain vitamins and minerals are beneficial for maintaining healthy fur. Following a recommended diet plan that includes such benefits and is specific to the season of the cat’s life will be necessary for optimum health as they age.

Russian Blue cats don’t shed much, and they have relatively low grooming needs compared to many other cat breeds. But, they still require consistent petting and grooming to maintain the health of their unique sleek and smooth double coats.

Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that your feline gets sufficient nutrition and grooming from a young age, as this will be most beneficial for providing a rich, full, and healthy fur coat throughout its life.

Which Breed of Cat Sheds the Least?

The Sphynx is likely the cat breed that sheds the least.  In addition to shedding the least, they are also nearly hypoallergenic and quite intelligent.  The Sphynx cat is an outstanding choice if you are looking for a new kitty for your home.

Other cats that are known to shed low amounts are the Russian Blue, Thai, and Siamese. To learn more about cats that do not shed much, check out my article:  10 Cat Breeds That Don’t Shed A Lot (Epic List!).

Do Russian Blue Cats Like to Cuddle?

Yes, Russian Blue cats like to cuddle.  Russian Blue cats are known for their calm demeanor; however, other cats can cuddle more.  Other cats that are known to cuddle a lot are the Siamese, Ragdoll, and Persian

I mentioned the Siamese cat as a cat that likes to cuddle.  Check out more about the Siamese cat in my article:  9 Best Siamese Cat Traits (Supreme Analysis).

Conclusion

Video: Russian Blue Cat 101

Russian Blue cats are nearly hypoallergenic and do not shed too much. As a result, these cats are relatively easy to keep well-groomed when compared to other cat breeds.  For example, my cat Charlotte is a Domestic Shorthair, and she needs quite a bit more grooming than a Russian Blue would need.

If you enjoyed this article, check out a few more:

  • Are Russian Blue Cats Easy to Train? (Tricks and Tips):  Click Here.
  • 9 Reasons Why Your Russian Blue Cat Is So Mean:  Click Here.
  • Why Are Russian Blue Cats So Expensive? The Best Answer:  Click Here.

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!

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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