Before adopting the pet, most people often ask, Do Ragdoll cats shed? Not everyone can put up with the excessive shedding habit of some cats.
So, it’s wise to dig into the facts about Ragdolls before making up your mind on the breed.
The truth is all hairy cats do shed, including the Ragdoll cat. But, the shedding intensity varies from cat to cat. Besides, it’s also dependent on other factors such as climate, health, and diet.
The post focuses on the shedding intensity and pattern of Ragdolls. Also, included is how you can minimize the shedding.
More About Ragdoll Cats
Ragdolls are docile and affectionate cats with blue eyes. At a glance, you’ll admire their long silky fluffy hair. When you try picking up a Ragdoll, the pet may limp and barely offer resistance.
The heavy-boned pet also possesses a sturdy body. For those reasons, many people adore Ragdoll cats. Also, you can find the cat in silky coats of varying patterns and colors.
Do Ragdoll Cats Shed?
Ragdoll cats have long fluffy hair. But, do Ragdoll cats shed? The straight answer is yes, Ragdoll cats also shed. Shedding is an indispensable habit of most cats.
And a Ragdoll is no exception. So if you want to keep a Ragdoll cat, expect some degree of shedding. The next probable question is; how much hair do Ragdoll cats shed?
How Much Hair Do Ragdoll Cats Shed?
Owing to their thick silky hair, Ragdoll cats shed. However, the shedding trend isn’t excessive as some people fear- it’s moderate. Though the cat breed sheds, its grooming demand is manageable.
You might need to vacuum your couch and room once or twice a week to remove the fallen cat fur. The pet undergoes average shedding, just like all other long-haired cats.
And quantifying the amount of fur Ragdoll sheds isn’t easy. That’s because the amount of fur the cat sheds at any given time depends on many factors.
Why Do Ragdoll Cats Shed?
Like all other cat breeds, Ragdolls shed for several reasons, including the following;
Change in Temperature or Climate
The primary reason for cats to change is to reflect the change in the climate. During the cold months, the pet needs a thick coat for thermal insulation.
But when the season changes and warmer months crop in, a Ragdoll has to wear a coat that matches the warm months. And, that means shedding the thick winter coat for a lighter one.
Illness and Stress
Apart from the expected seasonal shedding, stress, and illness can also induce shedding in a cat. Even human beings may suffer hair loss on account of prolonged illness or stress.
Therefore, regularly keep a check on the Ragdoll. If you notice that the pet loses large clumps of hair, it may be due to ill health. Seeking help from a vet is often the best solution then.
Any change in the lifestyle pattern of a Ragdoll may stress her. That includes relocating to a new apartment or bringing in another pet. When facing stress, a cat may resort to overgrooming.
Malnourished
A malnourished Ragdoll may also suffer the abnormal loss of fur. Lack of vital nutrients in a cat’s diet results in weak hair roots.
During the usual grooming, such hair may easily fall off. A cat’s diet should have an abundance of protein and fats. The two nutrients help in the proper growth and shininess of the hair.
Your Ragdoll requires a healthy cat diet, especially during pregnancy.
Infestation by Parasites
When your pet walks in the neighborhood, she might be infested by parasites. That includes fleas, mites, ticks, and botfly larvae.
A heavy parasite infestation induces excessive itching, scratching, and fur loss.
Bacterial and viral infection also causes hair loss in ragdolls. For example, ringworms cause round patches that take time to heal.
How Do I Stop my Ragdoll Cat from Shedding?
Shedding is a natural part of a cat’s life. Thus, you cannot stop a Ragdoll from shedding. However, there are steps you can take to minimize the shedding. The steps include the following;
Practice Regular Grooming
Through grooming, you remove the loose fur and cat dander. That way, they don’t have to litter your couch or furniture.
Moreover, regular brushing eliminates the knots and mats in the coat.
Regular Vacuuming
Once or twice a week, vacuum around the sitting room and all other areas the pet visits most.
Include Supplements in the Diet if Necessary.
As outlined, diet affects cat’s health and coat. You can try incorporating fish oil and vitamins into your regular cat food.
And don’t forget to give safe and accessible water to the cat to keep the animal hydrated.
Have a Lint Remover
Consider owning a lint remover if you own a Ragdoll. It makes removing fur from clothes trouble-free.
A Cat Towel Can Help
Lay a towel where your cat sleep most of the time. Fortunately, Ragdolls tend to sleep in the same spot often. After about a week, you can take off and clean the towel.
When Do Ragdoll Cats Shed the Most?
Seasonal shedding is when the Ragdolls shed the most. But if your cat spends most of the time indoors, your room heating devices and air conditioner may affect her shedding schedule.
As a result, you might find the Ragdoll shedding more frequently.
Therefore, Do Ragdoll Cats Shed?
Ragdoll cats are moderate shedders. Their shedding intensity compares to other medium-hair cats. But the quantity of the fur Ragdoll sheds also depends on several factors.
The factors include the temperature of the surroundings, health conditions, type of diet, and stress. By regular brushing, subscribing to a healthy diet, and keeping the cat healthy, you can manage the shedding habit of a Ragdoll.