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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 many other cat 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 is typically a semi-long 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 have a minimal 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 to moderate-shedding cats. As we mentioned, the Ragdoll has a minimal 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:
- Climate
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Diet
- Skin health
- Genes
- Grooming
- Overall health
The amount of shedding varies from cat to cat and will also depend on the time of year. Cats that are exposed to natural daylight cycles tend to shed more in spring and fall. It is possible that cats that are kept indoors can 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 complete, well-balanced, and healthy diet, as it plays an integral part in the health of a cat’s coat. A malnourished cat is more likely 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.
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Climate
A Ragdoll will shed all year in a mild climate but may shed more in warmer temperatures.
Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic?
Because Ragdolls have a minimal undercoat, some may believe they are hypoallergenic, but sadly, that is not the case. No cat is entirely hypoallergenic. Allergies develop from proteins found in cat’s saliva, skin, and fur, and any breed can cause allergies.
If you suffer from allergies, there is no guarantee that a Ragdoll won’t trigger your allergies. The probability of one cat triggering your allergies more than others is not linked to their breed, but to the individual variability.
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.
- Regular grooming will reduce the loose fur that would otherwise be shed around the house and furniture. It will also help reduce tangling and matting.
- Consider keeping your cat out of your bedroom to minimize the amount of fur in your space.
- Regular vacuuming will help control the amount of fur in your home.
- Have a lint roller nearby to remove fur from your clothing as soon as you notice it.
- Use a damp cloth over your furniture to remove any fur build-up.
- Consider adding supplements to your cat’s diet, such as fish oil, that can improve the health of their coat and reduce shedding. Always consult with your vet before supplementing or changing your cat’s diet.
If your cat sheds excessively, consult your vet since it can be an indication of an underlying health issue.
How to Keep Your Ragdoll’s 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.
- Feed your Ragdoll a high-quality, well-balanced diet. A lack of nutrients can cause your cat to shed more than usual. Their diet should include a balance of vitamins and minerals, quality protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Ensure your Ragdoll always has fresh water available. If your cat eats mostly wet food, they may drink less water than cats fed on a dry diet only.
- Try to avoid or minimize stress in your Ragdoll’s environment, as it can cause excessive shedding. This includes a safe home, plenty of exercise, and avoiding any sudden changes in the cat’s diet, routine, or environment.
- Ensure that you take your Ragdoll for regular check-ups. Your vet can pick up on signs you may miss or catch an illness early. Once a year is recommended for healthy cats.
- When adopting a Ragdoll kitten, ensure you find a quality breeder.
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
