Do Bengal Cats Shed A Lot? Everything You Need To Know

Before bringing home one of these stunning, exotic pets, you’ve probably wondered do Bengal cats shed?

Bengal cats do shed fur but less than many other breeds.

Key Takeaways

• Moderate Shedding: Bengal cats shed less than many breeds, making them a better choice for allergy sufferers.
• Groom & Diet: Weekly brushing and a balanced diet can minimize shedding.
• Stress Factors: Stress and seasonality affect how much your Bengal cat will shed.
• Not Hypoallergenic: Despite less shedding, Bengals aren’t hypoallergenic.

Read on for in-depth insights and tips on managing Bengal cat shedding.

Table of Contents

• Do Bengal Cats Shed?
• Why does my Bengal cat shed excessively?
• Are Bengal Cats Hypoallergenic?
• How To Remove Bengal Cat Hair From Carpet
• Final Thoughts

Do Bengal Cats Shed?

Bengal cats are no different to most domestic cats that shed their fur. 

The amount your cat sheds will depend on their diet, health, the season and other reasons explained below.

However, Bengal cats are known for shedding less than many other breeds.

This, coupled with their relatively short hair, makes Bengals a good choice for people with cat allergies.

Bengal cats are a specific breed with a fur pattern associated with the group of tabby cats (read more about tabby cats).

Read More: Are Bengal Cats High Maintenance?

Seasonal Shedding Is Normal

Cats tend to shed more in the spring and autumn months.

This reflects the temperature change and mainly affects cats who spend a lot of time outdoors.

In spring, cats shed their thicker undercoat that keeps them warm during winter. With this heavier coat gone, they can keep their bodies cooler in the summer months.

Bengals only have one layer of fur that they tend to keep throughout the year. If you live in a climate with bigger seasonal changes, your cat will likely increase shedding when winter turns to spring and temperatures rise.

If you live in a warmer climate, your Bengal will probably shed minimal amounts.

Some cats can suffer from skin irritation due to dry winter conditions and the lack of humidity in our homes. Other cats may have allergies to tree or grass pollen which can cause skin problems during months when pollen levels are high. These skin issues can cause heavier shedding

How Diet Affects Shedding

Cats should always be fed a quality, balanced diet.

Although most readily available cat food will have a suitable balance of ingredients, it is still possible for cats to become deficient in specific nutrients. Vitamins A, E and B are necessary to produce and maintain healthy fur; when a cat does not get enough of these, it can shed more than usual.

All cats need a diet high in protein to maintain healthy fur. Some dry foods have less protein than wet foods, which often have a higher meat content.

If your cat is shedding excessively, switching to a mix of wet and dry food or entirely to wet food could improve this.

Many different food options are available, so experimenting with different ones can help find the right food for your cat to improve their coat and reduce shedding.

Keeping hydrated also keeps your cat’s fur healthy. Read our article to find out how much your cat should drink daily.

Stress and Shedding

If your cat is stressed, they may shed large amounts of fur in clumps.

There are many reasons your cat could be stressed, and it doesn’t always mean something is medically wrong with your cat.

Cats can become stressed from location changes. Bringing a new cat into your home can be a stressful time. Here are tips on introducing a new cat into your home. This is especially true for rescue cats with existing issues or troubled pasts.

Loud noises can be stressful for cats. This can include loud music, thunderstorms and excessive noise if you live in an area with a lot of traffic.

It can be helpful to try and reduce background noise if you notice your cat is shedding lots of fur.

Do Bengals Need Baths?

Most healthy adult cats rarely require a bath as they regularly groom themselves.

Some older or overweight cats may have difficulty bathing and need occasional baths to help remove dirt and loose hair.

Cats with certain health conditions, such as skin allergies, may be prescribed frequent baths with medicated shampoo as part of their treatment. Baths can also be required to help get rid of fleas.

Cats should only be bathed with a specially formulated shampoo designed for use on cats. Cat skin has a different pH, so human shampoo should not be used. Even baby shampoo is too harsh for cats.

Cats will groom themselves after a bath, so all traces of any shampoo must be thoroughly rinsed out so your cat does not consume any residue that could cause them harm.

Indoor vs Outdoor Bengal Cats

There is a big difference in the amount that indoor cats shed compared to outdoor cats.

This is because outdoor cats have more exposure to changing climate conditions such as temperature, sunlight and weather.

Outdoor cats will naturally shed more in the summer to help them stay cool in the hotter temperatures. Indoor cats do not have to deal with the same conditions as much, especially in countries where air conditioning is standard.

Age & Gender

Older cats tend to shed more than younger cats.

This naturally occurring increase in shedding will become evident as your cat ages.

Pregnant female cats also shed more than they usually do.

Do Bengal kittens shed?

These felines have soft and fuzzy fur as kittens.

Bengal kittens will shed their baby fur around seven to nine months old, and they will continue to shed and grow new fur throughout their lives.

This developmental shedding is when Bengals grow their adult coat which is silky smooth and unlikely to shed as much.

As they grow older, their fur may become thicker and longer, which can increase the amount of shedding.

It’s important to groom your Bengal kitten regularly to help manage shedding and keep their coat healthy. 

Illness

Shedding is normal for most cats; illness often reduces how much they shed.

If your cat is shedding less than usual, they may have developed a health issue that a vet should check out.

Why does my Bengal cat shed excessively?

If your Bengal is shedding a lot, try these tips to keep it under control.

Moderate shedding is normal but if your cat is shedding excessively or starts shedding more than normal, consider seeking advice from a veterinarian.

• Groom and brush your cat regularly
• Bathe your cat at least once a month
• Change your cat’s diet
• Keep your cat hydrated
• Give your cat a stress-free environment

Brushing Helps With Shedding

Brushing your cat is one of the best ways to reduce excessive shedding.

Cats will need brushing in different amounts depending on their breed.

You should brush your Bengal cat at least once a week to keep its coat in good condition and remove dead hair.

Brushing regularly removes longer hairs and ones ready to fall out anyway. This will prevent fur from falling on your carpet, furniture and clothing.

Brushes We Recommend

These brushes are very effective and a favourite for cats who dislike brushing. They are the perfect size, remove a lot of fur and leave your cat’s fur soft and fluffy.

For cats that don’t like regular brushes, these gloves can be helpful to get your cat used to being groomed.

Are Bengal Cats Hypoallergenic?

Contrary to popular belief, Bengal cats are not a truly hypoallergenic cat.

Like all cats, Bengal cats produce the Fel d 1 protein in their saliva, fur and urine. This protein is what causes cat allergies and an allergic reaction.

Bengal cats are no different to other cat breeds in producing this protein, however, as low-shedding cats they will not spread it as much by shedding fur.

It is still present on their skin and saliva, so there is still a risk for people allergic to cats. 

Minimise Allergies

• Change clothing and bedding regularly
• Vacuum regularly
• Clean out litter tray often
• Use an air filter
• Wash hands regularly
• Change carpets to solid flooring

Best Cat Breeds For Allergy Sufferers

• Sphynx
• Siberian
• Bengal

How To Remove Bengal Cat Hair From Carpet

If you have a Bengal cat, you’ll know that a lot of the hair they shed ends up on the floor.

If you have carpets in your home, it will seem like no matter how much you vacuum, the hair doesn’t go away!

That’s where a handheld carpet scraper comes in handy.

This little tool will easily brush all of the cat hair out of your carpet so you can vacuum it up.

You will be amazed at how easy it is and how much hair appears when you use it.

Final Thoughts

All cats shed their fur, and Bengal cats are no different. 

The amount your cat sheds will depend on their diet, health, the season and other reasons explained above.

However, Bengal cats are known for shedding less than many other breeds.

This, coupled with their relatively short hair, makes Bengals a good choice for people with cat allergies.

Frequently Asked Questions

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