Many people believe that short-haired cats shed less than furry ones but it is not always the case. Short hair can just be less noticeable. How about Russian Blue cats: do they shed a lot?
Russian Blue cats shed little, in comparison to cats of most breeds. Regular brushing makes the shedding even more controlled and prevents the fur from spreading around. Russian Blue cats are less likely to cause allergies than most cats but it is not because they are mild shedders.
Normal Shedding
Russian Blues have very thick silky fur. Their hair is not that obvious on most surfaces due to its color and short length.
Like with most cats, there is some seasonality to Russian Blues’ shedding. Autumn and spring are the seasons associated with more hair loss.
Cat fur, especially if this short, is easily picked up by regular vacuum cleaners. Lint rollers and wiping surfaces with wet cloths complete the task of keeping one’s home neat. So, the cleaning routines of most pet owners are not all that different, they need to be pretty regular.
Causes Of Abnormal Shedding Abnormal
It is not uncommon for the shedding patterns to change but if you notice a sudden change in your cat’s hair loss, there might be a pathological cause for that. If your pet develops spotty shedding, that is particularly concerning.
Any other changes in behavior that coincide with changes in shedding patterns could be suggestive of a health issue, especially if your kitty appears less interested in food and playing.
| Cause | Description |
| Stress or anxiety | Intestinal and skin parasites can cause itching and, subsequently, hair loss due to scratching. Eliminating parasites resolves itching, and scratching, and normalizes hair growth. |
| Allergies to food, pet shampoo, or something else in the environment | Animals can also suffer from allergies. Dermatitis is often how allergies manifest in cats, which leads to frantic scratching. Hair loss is inevitable and it tends to look patchy and localized to the areas the cat can scratch easily. Eliminating the allergen, if known, is important. |
| Hyperactive thyroid | Thyroid problems, in general, are very common in cats, especially as they become older. A hyperactive thyroid causes hair loss, among other problems. This health concern has to be treated with medications. Once thyroid function normalizes, the cat’s coat restores itself gradually. |
| Ringworm | This highly contagious condition would cause characteristic patches with scaly edges and hair loss. The patches increase in size and multiply. Ringworm is treatable but can be a challenge to cure, especially in cats with compromised immunity. |
| Parasites | Intestinal and skin parasites can cause itching and, subsequently, hair loss due to scratching. Eliminating parasites resolves itching, scratching, and normalizes hair growth. |
How To Reduce Shedding
In addition to eliminating any causes of abnormal shedding, some simple routines and practices reduce and localize the spreading of cat fur and keep your pet and his coat healthy.
- Cats neither like nor need to be bathed, unless they become particularly dirty or need a treatment involving bathing. You could, however, use cat wipes or regular clothes to clean your pet’s fur. Using stroking motions helps remove old loose hairs, in addition to cleaning the fur.
- Brushing is great for your cat’s skin and hair. Brushing also helps shed loose hair in a controlled manner. This way the fur does not spread around the house quite as much. So, if your pet does not mind, it could be a regular practice. Some felines enjoy being brushed, and it is a nice bonding activity. Russian Blue cats don’t need special shedding combs or any other elaborate grooming practices, since their fur is so short.
- Make sure your cat eats good nutritious food and drinks plenty of water. Omega-3 supplements for cats promote the health of skin and fur and prevent unnecessary hair loss.
- Reducing stress and boredom is a good way to prevent many problems, including overgrooming and excessive shedding. Play with your cat, provide some good options for toys, and address anything that may be causing discomfort to your pet.
Shedding And Allergies To Cats
The fact that Russian Blue cats are short-haired and shed relatively little does not mean that they are less allergenic. They do belong to the few breeds that cause fewer allergic reactions in sensitive people but for another reason.
Russian Blue Cats produce smaller amounts of Fel d1 protein, which is the most common allergen people who are allergic to cats are sensitive to. So, these cats do trigger fewer reactions and the reactions they cause are milder. There are other proteins people can react to, so even Russian Blues can cause serious allergies for some people.
To Sum Up
Russian Blue cats are quite low maintenance when it comes to caring for their fur. They shed relatively little and require no particular grooming practices.
If you have a Russian Blue and you think that your pet sheds more than expected, consider if stress or illness could be causing the problem, especially if there is a sudden change in the shedding pattern.
As with any furry pet, however, expect to do some regular house cleaning related to cleaning up fur, using a vacuum cleaner, wet cloths, and lint rollers.
