How can you describe the Ragdoll breed – Do Ragdoll cats shed a lot and how much grooming time do they require?
Ragdolls are known for their soft, plush coats and their beautiful blue eyes. They are considered moderate-shedding, easy-going, gentle, extremely affectionate, and friendly towards their owners and other animals. Ragdolls are large cats with medium-length coats.
The thing that makes most pet lovers hesitate to get this cat is their way of shedding fur. Let’s learn about how much they shed and what you can do about it.
Do Ragdoll Cats Shed a Lot?
They are excellent family pets, but because of their soft coat, they do shed. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but if you have allergies or asthma, it can be problematic. People who are allergic to cats’ hair can find this disturbing as the fur will affect accelerate their allergies.
The best way to prevent this is to brush them frequently to remove the loose hair that comes from the shedding process. This can help prevent the buildup of fur and hair that can trigger your allergies. It is also recommended to avoid letting your cat lick your face, as this will cause their saliva to contain more bacteria than normal.
How Can You Manage a Ragdoll Cat Shedding Too Much?
A cat that sheds a lot could be a problem. If it is a young cat, it could be the result of stress. If it is an older cat, it could be a sign of an illness. You need to figure out if your cat is just shedding a lot or has a real medical problem.
Shedding is natural for cats. It happens all over the world. Some breeds of cats shed more than others do.
There are two main types of cats:
- Cats that have long hair. Cats with long fur tend to shed more often. They are more prone to getting mats so they need regular grooming.
- Cats that have short hair. Cats that have short hair tend to shed less. Though they aren’t as prone to mats as long hair cats are, they still benefit from regular grooming.
Cats that shed tend to lose their fur in clumps or patches. Some cats may also grow winter coats which they will then shed out for summer.
Shedding does not affect a cat’s health. Shedding is normal for most cats and that is why regular grooming can be beneficial.
The amount of hair that a cat sheds varies depending on many things such as its breed, age, diet, and environment. Shedding usually begins at about six to 12 months of age for cats that have long hair and continue until they die. Shedding can happen throughout the year.
During this time, a cat will often have different stages of shedding. If you notice your cat shedding a lot, it may be a sign of an illness.
Types Of Shedding
There are two types of hair shedding in cats:
- Excessive shedding is when a cat sheds more than normal for its age. Cats with excessive shedding may have an underlying issue causing this problem. Excessive shedding may even lead to patches of no hair.
- Normal shedding will vary by the breed of cat. Some breeds shed a lot, whereas others have very little shedding. The amount of hair that a cat sheds can also vary depending on many things such as its age, its diet, and its environment.
What Causes Excessive Shedding?
So why do Ragdoll cats shed a lot? Excessive shedding can happen for many reasons. Some of these include:
Anxiety or stress
If your cat is stressed, it may start shedding excessively.
Some medications
Some medications cause cats to shed excessively, including those used to treat certain types of cancer.
Allergies
If your cat has allergies, it may start shedding excessively.
Dietary changes
If you feed your cat a new type of food, it may begin to shed excessively.
Fleas
If a cat has a flea problem then it can cause excessive shedding and itchiness.
Take Home – Do Ragdoll Cats Shed A Lot?
Now we know the answer to do Ragdoll cats are generally moderate shedders – before you make a final conclusion, it’s best to keenly analyze the kind of shedding your cat is going through to understand if it’s healthy or sick.
As mentioned in the previous section, Ragdoll cats tend to shed a moderate amount, but this is normal. This is because of their soft and furry coat which makes them prone to matting. A lot of people believe that this is a sign of illness. If you are confused about your cat’s shedding, you can ask your vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ragdoll cats hypoallergenic?
No, Ragdolls are not considered hypoallergenic. However, they have fewer allergens than other breeds, and Ragdoll kittens are often available for purchase as young as 6 weeks of age. Ragdolls are known to be overall healthy cats.
Do Ragdolls ever stop shedding?
Ragdolls shed a moderate amount. If a Ragdoll sheds more than normal, it is usually due to diet or illness. However, if your cat has a skin disorder, you should consult your veterinarian immediately.
How much do ragdoll cats shed?
There is no set amount of hair that a Ragdoll will shed. They tend to be moderate shedders and should be groomed regularly. But, if your Ragdoll sheds more than the average, you should consider getting rid of the excess hair.
