All cats shed their fur, and orange tabby cats are no different.
Key Takeaways:
- Tabby cats are not a specific breed but have a fur pattern that can appear in many breeds. The amount they shed can vary based on breed, health, and diet.
- One of the most effective ways to manage shedding is to brush your cat regularly. This not only removes loose hairs but also allows checking for skin conditions.
- Cats, including orange tabbies, tend to shed more during the spring and fall. Outdoor cats may experience more seasonal shedding compared to indoor cats.
- A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can help maintain a healthy coat and potentially reduce excessive shedding. Keep your cat hydrated to further promote a healthy coat.
Feel free to keep these points in mind as you manage your orange tabby cat’s shedding and overall health. With proper care, you can minimize the amount of fur you find around your home while keeping your feline friend comfortable and happy.
Many different breeds of cats, including Persians, American Bobtails, Abyssinian, and Maine Coon cats, can have an orange tabby pattern.
Table of Contents
- Do Orange Tabby Cats Shed?
- Shedding In Orange Tabby Cats
- How to Reduce Orange Tabby Cat Shedding
- Why Do Some Cats Shed More Than Others?
- Are Orange Tabby Cats Hypoallergenic?
- How To Remove Cat Hair From Carpet
- Do Orange Tabby Cats Shed? Final Thoughts
Do Orange Tabby Cats Shed?
Tabby cats are not a breed but are a group of cats with specific fur patterns. This means they are no different to most cats that shed their fur.
The amount your cat sheds will depend on their breed and factors such as their diet, health, the season and other reasons explained below.
Long-haired cats tend to shed less than short-haired breeds. Grooming longer-haired cats can be more challenging as their fur easily tangles.
Short-haired cats tend to shed more but are much easier to groom.
Many different breeds of cats, including Persians, American Bobtails, Munchkin cats, Abyssinian cats, and Maine Coon cats, can appear with an orange tabby colour.
Shedding In Orange Tabby Cats
Shedding By Season
Cats tend to shed more in the spring and autumn months.
This reflects the temperature change and mainly affects cats who spend lots 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.
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.
Diet
Cats should always be fed a quality, balanced diet.
Although the 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, they 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
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 issues or a troubled past.
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 cats 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.
Cats should only be bathed with a specially formulated shampoo designed for use on cats. Cat skin has a different pH than human skin 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 standard.
Age & Gender
Older tabby 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.
Read More: How Long Do Orange Tabby Cats Live?
Illness
Shedding is normal for most cats, and illness often reduces how much they shed.
If your cat is shedding more or less than usual, they may have developed a health issue that a vet should check out.
How to Reduce Orange Tabby Cat Shedding
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. 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 the fur from falling out on your carpet, furniture and clothing.
Long-haired cats tend to shed less than short-haired breeds. Grooming longer-haired cats can be more challenging as their fur easily tangles.
Short-haired cats tend to shed more but are much easier to groom.
Brushes We Recommend
These brushes are very effective and a favourite for cats who dislike brushing. They are a perfect size, remove a good amount of fur and leave your cat’s fur soft and fluffy.
For cats that don’t like normal brushes, these 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 Cats 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
- Ragdoll
Are Orange Tabby Cats Hypoallergenic?
Orange tabby cats are not hypoallergenic.
Like all cats, orange tabby cats produce the Fel d1 protein in their saliva, fur and urine. This protein is what triggers allergic reactions.
As tabby cats are not a specific breed, they are no different to other cats in producing this protein.
No cat breed is completely hypoallergenic but some breeds, such as Siberian cats, produce less Fel d1 protein and can be better choices for people with cat allergies.
Sphynx cats still produce Fel d1 protein, but because they are hairless, they do not spread it by shedding fur. It is still present on their skin and saliva, so there is still a risk of allergies, but this may be lower than with other breeds.
How To 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 Orange Tabby Cat Breeds For Allergy Sufferers
How To Remove Cat Hair From Carpet
If you have a tabby 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.
Do Orange Tabby Cats Shed? Final Thoughts
All cats shed their fur, and orange tabby cats are no different.
Tabby cats have a specific fur pattern and are not a breed. This means they are no different to most cats that shed their fur.
The amount your cat sheds will depend on their breed and factors such as their diet, health, the season and other reasons explained above.
Long-haired cats tend to shed less than short-haired breeds.
Short-haired cats tend to shed more but are much easier to groom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Orange tabby cats are known for their distinctive orange coat and unique personality traits. They are often described as friendly, outgoing, and affectionate, and many believe they have a unique “charm” that sets them apart from other cats.
All cat breeds shed, but some are known for shedding less than others. Examples include the Savannah, the Cornish Rex, and the Devon Rex.
Like all cats, orange cats may be susceptible to certain health issues such as dental problems, obesity, or kidney disease. However, no specific health issues are more common in orange cats than in other cats.
The colour of a cat’s coat does not directly impact their personality or friendliness. However, certain breeds, such as the Persian, the Siamese, and the Ragdoll, may be known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.
While cutting a cat’s hair may help to minimize shedding, it is not always recommended, especially for long-haired breeds. Some cats may become stressed or uncomfortable during grooming, and their coat may not grow back as healthy or shiny as before.
Regular bathing and grooming can help to minimize shedding and keep your cat’s coat healthy and shiny. However, it would be best to be careful not to over-bathe your cat, as this can strip their skin and coat of natural oils.
The frequency you should brush your tabby cat will depend on their coat type and shedding patterns. However, as a general rule, most cats benefit from daily brushing and grooming to keep their coat healthy and minimize shedding.
Most tabby cats will be fully grown when they reach one year of age. However, some larger breeds may take longer to reach their full size and may continue to grow and develop until they are two or three years old.
While every cat has its personality, many tabby cats are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They may enjoy spending time with their owners and may be more prone to following them around the house or curling up on their lap.
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