Owning a cat doesn’t just come with love and kitty cuddles; it also comes with a few pet peeves, so to speak. One of those peeves for many cat owners is clothing and furniture riddled with cat fur. If that is an issue for you, determining how much a breed sheds may be at the top of your list when adopting a new cat.
In this article, we’ll discuss the long silky coat of a Ragdoll. If you are looking to adopt a Ragdoll, you should know that they shed and require regular grooming. However, they do not shed as much as most other breeds.
The Ragdoll’s Coat
The Ragdoll has a gorgeous soft coat that feels a lot like the fur of a rabbit. Their coat is one of their distinguishing and sought-after features, and it can be medium to longhaired in length. They usually have a more noticeable section of fur around their neck that becomes more pronounced as they get older.
Do Ragdoll Cats Shed?
All cats will lose fur; it’s a natural process, but the amount of hair a cat sheds will vary by the breed and individual. Ragdoll cats shed, but unlike many breeds, they do not have an undercoat, which is usually the cause of excessive shedding. Nonetheless, there will still be fur around the house, but most likely not as much as other cats. Some cats are more prone to shedding than others, and the amount they shed can be determined by various factors.
How Much Do Ragdolls Shed?
Ragdolls are typically known for being low-shedding cats. As we mentioned, the Ragdoll does not have an undercoat, which means that it will typically shed less than other breeds.
The amount a Ragdoll cat will shed will depend on factors such as:
The amount of shedding varies from cat to cat and will also depend on the time of year since cats typically shed more in spring. Cats that are kept indoors can often lose track of the seasons, resulting in a more regular shed throughout the year, as opposed to a heavy shedding in spring.
Diet
Ragdolls, like all cats, need a well-balanced and healthy diet as it plays an integral part in the health of a cat’s coat. A malnourished cat is likelier to shed more fur than a healthy cat.
Seasonal shedding
Seasonal shedding is not as noticeable in Ragdolls as they do not have an undercoat. However, you may still notice a little more shedding as spring approaches.
Grooming
Regular grooming can help remove loose fur, and the amount you groom your Ragdoll will affect how much it sheds.
Climate
A Ragdoll will shed all year in a mild climate but may shed more in warmer temperatures.
Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic?
Because Ragdolls don’t have an undercoat, some may believe they are hypoallergenic, but sadly that is not the case. No cat is entirely hypoallergenic. Allergies develop from a cat’s saliva, skin, and fur, and any breed can cause allergies.
If you suffer from allergies, Ragdoll shedding may still cause some issues. However, Ragdolls may be a better choice for people with allergies. They have a lower level of allergens in their fur, and because they don’t shed as much, they may be less likely to trigger severe reactions.
Can I Stop My Ragdoll from Shedding?
Unfortunately, you cannot stop a Ragdoll or any other cat from shedding, but there are things you can do to help reduce their shedding and manage the amount of fur left around your home.
If your cat sheds excessively, consult your vet since it can be an indication of an underlying health issue.1
How to Keep Your Ragdolls Coat Healthy
Your cat’s health is a top priority, not only for their well-being, but it will also affect the health of their coat if they are not in optimal health. A good coat will include regular grooming and a high-quality diet.
Conclusion
All cats shed as it’s a natural process, including Ragdolls. However, Ragdolls don’t have an undercoat which is the cause of excessive shedding, and they may shed less than other breeds. Shedding will also differ from cat to cat depending on many factors, and there are some things you can do to reduce the amount of hair in your home and keep your Ragdoll healthy so that their shedding doesn’t become a point of frustration or a trigger for allergies.
Featured Image Credit: hiroshi, Pexels
