Do British Shorthair Cats Shed?
Before deciding to buy a suitable cat breed, it is advised to study the information on the pet’s health, personality, and, of course, the degree of shedding. In this article, we will focus on the British Shorthair cats.
This breed is short-haired and sheds much less frequently than other breeds of domestic cats. British Shorthair felines have a thick, fluffy, two-layer coat, that is why these cute pets are often compared to teddy bears.
However, like many species of cats, these cats with thick fur sometimes suffer from molting. Typically, the undercoat of these animals sheds the most. Do cats shed more in the summer? Actually, the shedding period occurs during the spring and autumn months, and at this time, the cats need more careful care.
Therefore, before buying British Shorthair cats, you should know well the main features of this breed in order to subsequently avoid problems with constant fur cleaning. If your pet lives only indoors, there are no temperature drops, and pet owners take care of the pet’s coat regularly, then the period of shedding may go unnoticed and will not bring much discomfort.
In this article, you will find out when and why British cats molt and also learn about the most effective ways to reduce British Shorthair shedding.
When Do British Shorthair Cats Shed?
Do British Shorthairs shed? British Shorthair cats shed a little all year round, but most of their fur is lost in spring and autumn. During winter, cats develop a thick coat that keeps the animal warm in cool weather, and in the spring, this coat begins to fall out. Domestic cats that are kept at home at the same temperature do not shed so intensively, since the seasonal change in the density of their fur is less dramatic in comparison with street cats.
Why Do British Shorthair Cats Shed Fur?
Shedding is a natural process that occurs in all furry animals. This process is influenced by thermoregulation, season changes, and hormonal levels. The essence of this process is to replace old dead hairs with new ones.
This is necessary so that the coat is evenly renewed and is always clean and retains heat well. The growth and loss of fur occur constantly, but once or twice a year this process becomes more intensive. As for the British Shorthair cats, their coat development depends on the intensity, duration of daylight, and environment temperature.
Thus, in the fall, the amount of daylight is reduced, the coat grows more intensively and becomes thicker, and in spring, on the contrary, the cat gets rid of unnecessary fur. Shedding of these domestic cats with undercoats can be controlled and reduced by artificial lighting, a stable indoor temperature, a proper diet, and grooming.
Why is my British Shorthair shedding so much? Sometimes situations occur when felines shed excessively. The reasons include:
- Stress
Unusual situations, such as moving or adding new family members, can be stressful.
- Inappropriate diet
Lack of important vitamins, minerals, and trace elements in the cat’s diet will make its coat faded and thin, which will lead to shedding.
- Skin disease
Sensitive skin, allergy, and fleas can cause shedding.
5 Steps You Can Take Today and Reduce Shedding
Shedding is inevitable, so learning how to manage this condition is key. Here are handy tips on how to keep indoor cats from shedding you can follow to make the shedding period less noticeable.
Keep your cat hydrated
Dehydration not only has an impact on the functioning of the kidneys and other important organs of the body, but it can also lead to extra shedding as well. Make sure your cat drinks enough water (there should be several water bowls around the house), add wet food to dry kibbles.
Eliminate possible health problems
Visit a veterinarian regularly to monitor your cat’s health and prevent illness or treat existing problems. Dermatitis, fleas, allergies, stress, excessive or inappropriate grooming of pets’ fur can cause excessive shedding. Professional help and veterinarian advice will help to cope with problems, if any.
Provide daily brushing and grooming
Brush your cat every week, and the coat will diminish over time. By brushing, you help your pet get rid of dead hairs easier. For this ritual, you can use a variety of tools, such as mats to remove tangles, slicker brushes, and deshedding tools to remove dead hair.
Consider a bath (for brave pet parents and cats!)
Generally, British Shorthair cats are not water lovers, but there are exceptions. Always consider your pet’s personality. If bathing does not cause discomfort to the cat, then this option will be acceptable.
A good flow of running water can help remove dead, fallen out, or dying hairs, as well as excess dandruff. Also, be sure to use a cat-safe shampoo that will effectively remove dirt and moisturize your cat’s skin. After bathing, let the cat dry, and do not expose it to changes in temperature so that it does not get sick.
Shave your cat
This method is the most obvious and most effective way to get rid of dead hair. You can shave the cat yourself or visit a professional groomer. To make this experience less traumatic for both the owner and the cat, we recommend contacting a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
If there are some issues that haven’t been covered yet, in this section, you will find the answers.
Are British Shorthair cats hypoallergenic?
Though BSHs are low shedding cats, and their coat is thick, they cannot be considered hypoallergenic. In fact, the length of the coat isn’t important because the causative agent of allergic reactions (protein Fel D1) is produced in the skin by the sebaceous glands, not in or on the coat.
With the help of cat fur, this allergenic protein is simply more efficiently distributed in the surrounding area. Therefore, if you are prone to allergies, British Shorthair cats can still cause allergies. However, if you’ve decided to become a pet parent, you should be vigilant with your cleaning routine.
Your feline(s) should have a special place where they can have a nap, rest, and eat. Other areas of your home should not be accessible to cats.
How much hair does a British Shorthair shed?
British Shorthairs refer to the cats that shed the least because they have a dense, short, and plushy coat. However, some cat owners can wonder: “Why is my British Shorthair shedding so much?”. Basically, British Shorthair cats don’t shed excessively, but they shed more in the spring and fall, so cat owners should be ready to brush felines regularly and pick up some cat hair around the house.
What breed of cat sheds the least?
Take a closer look at the following breeds if you want a cat that sheds the least: Sphynx, Cornish Rex, and British Shorthair.
Bottom Line
Shedding is just a part of living with a cat. At least, unless you live with a bald cat. Use these handy tips to reduce shedding and make this period less uncomfortable. Besides, don’t forget to monitor your cat’s health carefully and create great living conditions for your furry friend to make sure it feels and looks its best.
How Much Do British Shorthair Cats Cost
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