Non Shedding Cat Breeds

by Michael

Devon Rex Cat - Reduced Shedding Cat Breed - Photo copyright Helmi Flick

Devon Rex Cat - Reduced Shedding Cat Breed - Photo copyright Helmi Flick

Non shedding cat breeds don't exist full stop, period. It is natural for a cat to shed its fur. But some cat breeds shed less than others because of the nature of their coat (see below). Apparently shedding of hair is influenced more by changes in the ambient light than seasonal temperature changes (book 1). A cat sheds more hair when exposed to more light. Of course increased ambient light outdoors (and to a lesser extent indoors through window light) increases with increased temperature as the days are longer from spring through to autumn (fall). So the two (heat & light) are linked.

Outdoor cats will, it is said, shed their coat in spring over a period of time. For cats who go out less the process of shedding starts later, in the summer. For indoor cats, with a low level of constant ambient light shedding may take place throughout the year but modified by the generally lighter conditions indoors during the summer months. Certainly in England the ambient levels of light indoors in winter are considerably lower than during the summer.

Does this mean that if we keep our cats in low light level there will be reduced shedding? Please don't try it. That said, in theory, if there are any cats high up in the northern hemisphere (say the north of Norway) the shedding might be less. Perhaps the Norwegian Forest Cats of Norway shed less despite having double coats.

This brings me nicely onto the type of coat cats have. Cats normally have three layers to their coats. A top layer that is made up of guard hairs, a middle layer called awn hair and the undercoat which is down hair. Some cats have less layers. The Turkish Angora has no undercoat, for example.

My girl cat (a NFC mix) has a thick double coat with a very dense and fine undercoat, which is hard to comb and deflea as it catches and mats easily. My three legged cat Charlie has a single coat (Cat Hair discusses cat hair).

As all cats shed their fur, the greatest influence in searching for Non Shedding Cat Breeds is the type of hair the cat breed has. Single coats produce less hair in my view and a cat breed that has very little hair and which is fine and a single coat are the Rex cats (note: but see the comment of Jerri Wolfe below - not all Rex cats have single coats). These cats shed considerably less hair. Here is a list of the best known Rex cats:

Devon Rex
LaPerm
German Rex
Selkirk Rex
Cornish Rex

These cats will need less or very little grooming as well.

Cats with double coats shed their unevenly. This is normal and is not a cause for concern.

Clearly one thing we can do to minimise hair being deposited anywhere and everywhere (which we should and indeed must get used to if we are too keep a cat successfully) is to spend some time combing our cat. Devices like the well known Furminator come to mind. I talk about this product here: How to Minimise Cat Hair.

I have a Furminator and my double coated cat doesn't like it because it it too strong for her. It removes hair extremely efficiently but I think it is uncomfortable for her. This is not to say that many other cats will not find it acceptable. A more lightweight tool may, in fact, be better for many cats.

There is a well known cat breed that has no hair, the Sphynx (and the Russian equivalent, the Don Sphynx). These cats do have some very fine fur and of naturally shedding problems are greatly reduced!

A rarer cat that has little hair is the Peterbald. The name gives the clue. A cat that comes from St. Petersberg and which is bald. This is a cat that is between the Sphynx and a normally covered cat. Although I have not seen it being talked about as a non shedding cat breed it should shed less than usual for the obvious reasons - less hair.

A little potential bonus in living with a low shedding cat breed such as the Devon Rex (perhaps the favorite of the Rex cats) is that there should be a reduced potential for an allergic reaction as the Fel d1 allergen from the cat's saliva rests on the fur. If there is less fur in the house there should be less potential for a reaction. Incidentally allergic reactions to cats seem to diminish over time in my experience but this could be personal to me.

Associated pages:

Hair Loss in Cats
Allerca Cats
Cat Allergies and Realities
Cat Allergy Symptoms

From Non Shedding Cat Breeds to Cat Facts

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Non Shedding Cat Breeds

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Mar 21, 2011
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thanks
by: SEO

Non Shedding Cat Breeds. Thanks for sharing this with us. I find your cat unique and I wish you all the best. Best wishes! Established in 1982, Favortron Co. Ltd. has been dedicated to designing and manufacturing of a very wide array of wiring management products. The firm's major product lines with different function there are Normal Heavy duty favortron cable clamps, Marker favortron cable ties. SUMAKE is your best one stop for SUMAKE air pumps and Belt type SUMAKE air compressors resource system, provides products, services and solutions that enhance our customers' energy efficiency, productivity and operations.


Nov 29, 2009
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Last comment
by: Michael

Thanks Kelly. The Korat is here.


Nov 28, 2009
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Another breed is the KORAT
by: Kelly Baez, from DR

Another breed with minimum shed is KORAT.

=)


Nov 28, 2009
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Weather-proofing
by: Jerrie Wolfe

LaPerms actually have all three layers. The breed were orginally barn cats and developed on their own for a 10 year period before humans became involved and interfeered with natural selection. LaPerms needed the gaurd hairs to keep them "weather-proofed".

Oregon is known for it rain and it also snows in The Dalles.


Nov 28, 2009
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Hi Jerri
by: Michael

Thanks Jerri for reminding me that the LaPerm and Selkirk have double coats. I had made the wrong presumption that they followed the Devon Rex. I much appreciate your input.


Nov 28, 2009
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Single coated breeds
by: Jerrie Wolfe

Michael,

You make this statement: "Single coats produce less hair in my view and a cat breed that has very little hair and which is fine and a single coat are the Rex cats. These cats shed considerably less hair. Here is a list of the best known Rex cats:

Devon Rex
LaPerm
German Rex
Selkirk Rex
Cornish Rex"

LaPerms are a rexed breed, but they are not single coated, neither are the Selkirks. Both breeds do not shed much and are considered by many as hypoallergenic.

LaPerms & Selkirks do not seem to shed as much because the curl retains the loose hairs.

Simple brushing will remove the loose hair and keep the coat in healthy shape.

Contrary to what some people state, brushing will not ruin or make the coat frizzy, within minutes of brushing the coat is curled again.


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