We love Bombay cats, and one of the questions we get asked all the time is, do Bombay cats shed?
The answer is yes!
Key Takeaways
- Bombay cats shed, but they are known for shedding less than many other cat breeds. Their short hair and minimal shedding suit individuals with cat allergies.
- Shedding in Bombay cats is influenced by various factors, including seasons, diet, stress levels, age, and health conditions.
- Proper nutrition is crucial in maintaining a healthy coat and reducing shedding in your Bombay cat.
- Regular grooming, such as brushing, is an effective way to manage shedding in Bombay cats.
- Environmental factors, including climate, indoor vs outdoor living, and stress levels, can impact a cat’s shedding patterns.
Do Bombay Cats Shed?
- Reasons Why Bombay Cats Shed
- How to Reduce Bombay Cat Shedding
- Why Do Some Cat Breeds Shed More Than Others?
- Are Bombay Cats Hypoallergenic?
- How To Remove Bombay Cat Hair From Carpet
- Final Thoughts
Reasons Why Bombay Cats Shed
Seasonal Shedding
Bombay cats tend to shed more in the spring and autumn months.
This reflects the temperature change and mainly affects cats who spend time outdoors.
Bombays shed their thicker undercoat in spring, which keeps them warm during winter. With this heavier coat gone, they can keep their bodies cooler in the summer months.
Some cats can have 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.
Food For Bombay Cats
Bombay 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 plenty of 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
Do cats shed more when stressed?
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, excessive traffic noise and thunderstorms. It can be helpful to try and reduce background noise if you notice your cat is shedding lots of fur.
Baths
Most healthy adult Bombays rarely require a bath as they regularly groom themselves.
Some older or overweight cats may have difficulty bathing themselves and, therefore, may need occasional baths to remove 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.
Bombay 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
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 common.
Age & Gender
Older Bombay 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.
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.
How to Reduce Bombay Cat Shedding
Do I Need To Groom My Bombay Cat?
Brushing your cat is one of the best ways to reduce excessive shedding.
Cats will need brushing in different amounts depending on their breed. Read on to learn which breeds shed more than others.
Brushing regularly removes longer hairs and ones ready to fall out anyway. This will prevent fur from falling on your carpet, furniture and clothing.
Long-haired cats tend to shed less than short-haired breeds. Grooming longer-haired cats can be more difficult as their fur easily tangles.
Short-haired cats like Bombay are much easier to groom.
Brushes We Recommend
Small fine-toothed brushes are very effective and a favourite for cats who dislike brushing. They are a perfect size, remove a lot of fur and leave your cat’s fur soft and fluffy.
For cats that don’t like normal brushes, grooming gloves can be helpful to get your cat used to being groomed.
- 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
Why Do Some Cat Breeds Shed More Than Others?
Some breeds of cats shed more than others, but why is this?
This is because cats have different layers of fur, and many breeds are double or even triple-layered.
Cats have a mixture of:-
- Down hair
- Awn hair
- Guard hair
Down hair is their thick undercoat which insulates and keeps them warm in the winter. Awn hair makes up most of the cat’s visible hairs, contributes to coat colour, and helps protect down hairs. Guard hairs are coarse and thicker and help keep your cat dry.
Cat Breeds That Shed More
Below is a list of breeds which tend to shed more than others:-
- British Longhair
- Himalayan
- Coupari
- Persian
- Siberian
- Ocicat
- American Bobtail
- American Curl
- Chartreux
- Cymric
- Nebelung
Cat Breeds That Shed Less
- Sphynx
- Burmese
- Bengal
- Bombay
- Savannah
- Russian Blue
- Devon Rex
- Cornish Rex
- Colorpoint Shorthair
- Siamese
- Birman
- Oriental
- Tonkinese
- Korat
- Scottish Fold
- Ragdoll
Are Bombay Cats Hypoallergenic?
Bombay cats are not hypoallergenic.
Bombays produce the Fel d1 protein in their saliva, fur and urine like all cats. This protein is what triggers allergic reactions.
Bombay cats are no different to other cat breeds in producing this protein. However, because they shed less, they will not spread it around as much by shedding fur.
It is still present on their skin and saliva, so there is still a risk of allergies.
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 Breeds For Allergy Sufferers
How To Remove Bombay Cat Hair From Carpet
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 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.
We use one regularly, keeping the carpet in great condition and free of cat hair build-up.
Final Thoughts
All cats shed their fur, and Bombays are no different.
The amount your cat sheds will depend on their diet, health, the season and other reasons explained above.
However, Bombay cats are known for shedding less than many other breeds. This, coupled with their relatively short hair, makes Bombay cats a good choice for people with cat allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Bombay cats are considered to be low-maintenance cats. They require minimal grooming, have moderate energy levels and can be easily trained.
Yes, although they are not as cuddly as some other breeds like Persians or Maine Coons, most Bombay cats do enjoy cuddling with their owners and will often seek out affection from them.
Generally speaking, no common health issues are associated with the breed; however, they may be prone to eye problems such as tear duct blockage or eye ulcers. Some lines may also suffer from forms of heart disease or hip dysplasia.
The most distinguishing feature of the Bombay Cat breed is its sleek black coat, which gives them a unique look similar to a panther that many people find attractive. Additionally, they tend to have an outgoing personality that makes them great companions.
Bombay cats are known for their vocal nature and may meow more than other breeds. They are often quite talkative and may use their vocalizations to communicate with their owners.
Bombay cats are not considered a rare breed but are less common than some other breeds. They are a relatively new breed, developed in the 1950s by breeding a black American Shorthair with a sable Burmese.
Bombay cats are generally not considered very expensive and may be available from reputable breeders or animal shelters at a reasonable cost.
Yes, all Bombay cats have large, expressive yellow, gold or copper eyes, a defining characteristic of the breed. The eyes should be round and bright, with no signs of cloudiness or discharge.