Which Cats Shed the Least?

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Which Cats Shed The Least?

Whether you’re looking for a cat that won’t upset your allergies, or you want to keep your house as hair-free as possible, you likely want a cat that doesn’t shed very much. Many cats are low-to-no shedders. But which cats shed the least?

The Sphynx cat sheds the least, making it the first choice for those with allergies. These furless cats have soft, delicate skin and are perfect for those who want a clean pet. Other breeds that are low-shedders include Bengal cats, Oriental Shorthair, Burmese, and Siamese cats.

In this article, we’ll explore in detail the cat breeds that shed the least, including their personalities and appearance. We’ll also discuss some tricks to minimize cat shedding and remove cat fur from your house.

Sphynx Cat

Sphynx cats are probably the most recognizable hairless animals in the world. These felines can either be completely bald or have a small amount of peach fuzz-like fur on their skin. Some Sphynx cats have tiny hairs on the tops of their heads and the edges of their ears. Others don’t have any hairs other than their whiskers. And a few don’t even have whiskers at all.

These kitties are incredibly loving and become severely attached to their owners. They can develop separation anxiety quickly and don’t like to be left alone for long hours. While Sphynx cats are hairless, they are not no-maintenance.

This breed requires a lot of care, from regular baths to nail trimming and ear cleaning. Their skin also tends to be very oily and sweaty, which may not always help those with allergies.

Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is a curious breed of cat loved for its bold personality and low-shedding coat. The Devon Rex’s fur is extremely short, slightly curled, and lies close to the body. These cats don’t shed very much, though they may lose their coats a few times a year as the seasons change.

While the Devon Rex is not a hypoallergenic animal, their minimal shedding makes them a better option for those with allergies.

This breed is very playful, and they also become attached to their owners quickly. Devon Rexes follow their owners everywhere, playing games, begging for food, or clawing for attention. While they don’t shed much, the need to cuddle can make those with allergies more affected by the Devon’s.

Oriental Shorthair

Oriental Shorthair cats are whimsical-looking cats with large ears that stick comically far out from their heads. These felines have long, shallow noses that give their face a human-like appearance. Their ears are their most prominent feature, with the large, pink satellites extending like bat wings into the air.

There are both long and short-haired versions of the Oriental cats, and the shorthaired is the low-shed version. Their fur is very fine, shiny, and velvety, laying close to the skin and not producing a noticeable amount of shedding. While this breed is not technically hypoallergenic, it does produce less dander that triggers allergies in humans.

Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex cat is known for its trademark curly hair. The fur is extremely short and grows close to the feline’s body, usually only reaching 1 cm (0.39 in) long. While most cats have three layers of fur (the outer, middle, and undercoat), the Cornish Rex only has the softest, shortest fur, which is the undercoat.

These cats are not huge shedders, as their short fur consists of only one-third of other cats’ amount of hair. However, Cornish Rexes are prone to hair loss, resulting in bald patches where fur no longer grows. You may not have a cat that sheds daily, but it loses a lot of fur when it does.

Russian Blue

Russian Blue cats are elegant, charcoal-colored felines that have delicate features. They look and feel oh-so-soft because they have the densest coat of all house cats. Their undercoat and outer-coat hairs are the same lengths, so their coat is very thick and lush. The hairs also stand at a 45º angle to the body instead of lying flat like other cats on this list. While the fur is short, the angle of growth makes the cat look larger than it is.

Even though these kitties have very thick fur, they shed less than the average cat. Most hair loss occurs seasonally as they grow new coats for winter and lose them in the spring. While Russain Blues are not hypoallergenic, they are great at keeping themselves clean, so they won’t track in too much dust and dirt.

Siberian Cats

Siberian cats are one of the few long-haired breeds on this list. They have lush, soft coats that often feature striping. Some Siberian cats can have similar coloring and facial features to lynxes, but the Siberians are much more cuddly.

These felines do shed, and some shed a lot. However, we’ve included them in this list because they are technically hypoallergenic. Siberian cats are known to produce less of the chemical that triggers allergies in humans, known as Fel-d1. The worst of the shedding with Siberian cats occurs in spring and winter, and you can significantly reduce the hair in your home by adding regular brushing into your cat’s care routine.

Burmese

The Burmese are an iconic breed that many consider the classic image of a cat. Many Burmese are all-black, with light-golden eyes and long, slinky tails. These animals have short, silky coats which lay flat to the body. Burmese cats also have round faces and large eyes and are extremely shiny. Their soft, short fur is low-shedding, so much so that you may not need to increase your vacuuming at all if you get one.

Burmese are also great at self-care, and their bathing habits help minimize the shedding even further. They are a loving pet, and you’ll appreciate the lack of shedding when they join you for their regular cuddle sessions.

How To Minimize Cat Shedding

No matter which breed of cat you choose to get or already own, you can do certain things to minimize their shedding. Regular brushing is the number one way to reduce the amount of fur you’ll find scattered around your home. Some breeds benefit from daily brushing, while others are fine with once-a-week sessions.

There are multiple types of brushes, some of which are better for daily use, while others are for more intense, under-coat grooming. The brushes that focus on the undercoats help during the molting season when your cat will lose the most fur.

Diet is another way that you can influence the amount that your cat sheds. By increasing the number of omegas in your kitty’s food, you can strengthen their skin and fur and reduce hair loss. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and by topping your pet’s food with one tablespoon of fish oil once a day, you can diminish the frequency and amount of shedding.Which Cats Shed the Least?

Hydration, or lack thereof, also influences a cat’s shedding frequency. You can lessen intense shedding by increasing your cat’s access to water. Many cats prefer to drink running water, so it may be worth it to invest in a running-water fountain for your furry friend or leave the faucet on a low drip.

Summary

Many cats are low-shedders that can save you time, money, and sneezes. Cat fur may not be your number one influence on breed choice. However, it is crucial to consider. After all, if you have a lot of fabric in your home, like carpet, curtains, and upholstered furniture, the amount of cat hair will be extremely noticeable and will take a lot of time to clean.

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