You would like to get a cat, but you are not so crazy about the idea of having cat hair all over your furniture and clothes? If so, you might be interested in adopting a Ragdoll cat, because you’ve heard that they shed less than other cat breeds, but is that true?
How much do Ragdoll cats really shed? In short, yes, Ragdoll cats do shed less than many other cat breeds, but they are far from a non-shedding cat breed.
Do Ragdoll Cats Shed? What Every Prospective Owner Needs to Know
Ragdolls are a popular breed of cat that are known for their calm and friendly nature. They are often chosen by people who want a non-shedding pet that is safe for those with allergies.
Unfortunately, this could lead to disappointment because Ragdolls do shed and they are not hypoallergenic. They still produce dander, and that is the main reason many people have allergic reactions to animals.
The amount of shedding with a Ragdoll is less than what is experienced with most other cats. Despite having medium-length fur, they lack an undercoat, so they will not have the excessive, year-round shedding of other breeds. However, in the spring and the fall as they receive their new coats for the next season, the old fur will shed. However, it is possible, and relatively easy, to reduce the amount of hair that falls out around the house.
How to Deal with Your Ragdoll Cat’s Shedding
- Pay attention to your cat’s diet. A well-balanced diet promotes healthy skin and will reduce shedding in any pet.
- Have your pet groomed regularly. A professional grooming will remove any loose fur and keep their fluffy coat soft and tangle-free.
- Brush your Ragdoll cat weekly. Use a steel-toothed, wide bristled brush or comb once a week in-between grooming appointments. This will reduce the amount of loose hairs
Strictly Indoor Cats Are Likely to Shed All Year Round
Another thing you need to consider is whether you are planning to keep your Ragdoll cat indoors at all times or do you plan to let him outside from time to time. This is important because cats who are kept indoors at all times often lose track of seasons, which can result in them not shedding heavily in the spring and fall, but shed regularly all year round. Needless to say, this is unnatural and not good for you or your cat. If you do not have room for an outside cat enclosure, where your cat could enjoy the outdoors safely, then perhaps you could take your cat on leashed walks on the weekends?
In Conclusion
Ragdolls are loving and beautiful animals that make wonderful pets for owners who understand them. Sadly, people often underestimate their grooming needs and are unhappy to discover they are not the non-shedding cat they had hoped for. If you plan on getting a Ragdoll cat, know that regular grooming will reduce the shedding and a monthly bath at the groomers will also eliminate a lot of the dander that can cause allergic reactions.
My purebred rag doll cat sheds excessively, wherever she lies down their is hair, when I pick her up I am covered in hair. Rag dolls definitely have an undercoat. I pull gigantic handfuls out of her coat each time I groom her which is about every 4 – 5 days. She is a wonderful asset to my life but is beyond ridiculous to call rag dolls low shedding.
I couldn’t agree with you more Rebecca. At times, loose fur floats about my office. I blow it away but that only brings more into the air. Have you found any solutions? I’m thinking about buying a whole-room air filter. I have a small one but it fills quickly.
I don’t have a ragdoll but my long haired mixed breed sheds tons of hair! I found the paws pamper anti-corrosion comb to work extremely well at removing the loose fur without hurting her sensitive skin. It’s been the only comb I’ve been able to use that she won’t run away from! Like Rebecca, I also use it about once a week. I will be getting their undercoat rake too as it has great reviews 🙂
My she chocolate is a heavy shedder. Her hair floats about my large house to the point where vacuuming has become a daily event – 1 hour +. I brush her every other day and use fur-gloves (very effective) once a week.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
I have a beautiful boy mr sheffield, unfortunately he loses a lot of fur worse than our tortoiseshell tabby its always on our cloths whenever we go out i use a sticky brush to get it off our cloths but stop ll find some on us regardless. My wife is over it and wants to find him another home with good owners but i will not ever part with him.
Please can someone help me. I’ve got a rag doll cat who’s mane has disappeared! Has anyone ever had a cat who’s mane has become short? I suspect a neighbour who encourages my cat into their house has trimmed him. How can I be sure?!? His mane was long and gorgeous. Please advise if you can. Thank you so much.
We all seem to need a good answer.
My cat a Ragdoll paid a lot for him, I was told he would not shed. He also dull looking not healthy looking coat? Help