All cats shed their fur, and Persian cats are no different.
Persian cats are a specific breed with a fur pattern associated with the group of tabby cats (read more about tabby cats here).
There are also miniature or “Teacup” Persian cats which are similar but bred to be much smaller. Read more about them here.
Table of Contents
- Do Persian Cats Shed?
- Facts About Shedding In Persian Cats
- How to Reduce Persian Cat Shedding
- Why Do Some Cat Breeds Shed More Than Others?
- Are Persian Cats Hypoallergenic?
- Minimise Allergies
- How To Remove Persian Cat Hair From Carpet
- Final Thoughts
Do Persian Cats Shed?
Persian cats are no different to most cats that shed their fur.
The amount your cat sheds will depend on their diet, health, the season and other reasons explained below.
However, Persian cats are known for shedding a lot more than other breeds.
This, coupled with their relatively short hair, makes Persians a potentially harmful choice for people with cat allergies.
Facts About Shedding In Persian Cats
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 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 challenging as their fur easily tangles.
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.
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 much 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.
Persian cats lose fur all year round, and the shedding intensity depends on the season. Twice a year, they change their entire coats.
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 most 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
If your cat is stressed, it 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 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, 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 entirely 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 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, and illness often reduces how much they shed.
If you notice your cat shedding more or less than usual, it may have developed a health issue that a vet should check out.
How to Reduce Persian Cat Shedding
- 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
- Ragdoll
Are Persian Cats Hypoallergenic?
Persian cats are not hypoallergenic.
Persian cats, like all cats, produce the Fel d1 protein in their saliva, fur and urine. This protein is what triggers allergic reactions.
Persian cats are no different to other cat breeds in producing this protein. However, they will spread it excessively because they shed more fur.
It is also present on their skin and saliva, increasing the 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 Persian Cat Hair From Carpet
If you have a Persian cat, you’ll know that most of the hair they shed ends 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 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 Persian cats are no different.
The amount your cat sheds will depend on their diet, health, the season and other reasons explained above.
However, Persian cats shed a lot more than other breeds. This makes Persians potentially a lousy choice for people with cat allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Persian cats have long, dense fur that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. While they shed, the amount of shedding can vary from cat to cat. Regular brushing and grooming can help minimize shedding and keep their coat in good condition.
Persian cats are considered moderate to heavy shedders due to their long fur. Their shedding can be more noticeable compared to short-haired breeds. Regular grooming and brushing can help manage their shedding and prevent fur from accumulating around the house.
No, Persian cats are not considered hypoallergenic. They produce allergenic proteins in their saliva and dander, which can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Some people with allergies may find they can tolerate Persian cats better than other breeds, but this can vary on a case-by-case basis.
Read More: Are Persian Cats Hypoallergenic?
Persian cats are generally considered high maintenance due to their long, luxurious coats. They require daily grooming to prevent matting and keep their fur in good condition. Regular baths, eye cleaning, and attention to their facial folds are also necessary. Additionally, Persian cats may require regular visits to professional groomers to maintain their coats.
Persian cats are generally more sedentary and less active than other cat breeds. While they can handle being alone for moderate periods, they still require human interaction, mental stimulation, and companionship. It’s important to ensure they have a comfortable environment, access to food and water, and some form of enrichment when left alone for extended periods.
Some potential disadvantages of owning Persian cats include their high grooming needs, potential health issues associated with their facial structure (such as eye and breathing problems), regular bathing and eye cleaning, and the risk of matting if their coats are not properly maintained. Their long fur can also be prone to collecting dirt and debris, requiring more cleaning and maintenance.
Persian cats can be suitable for first-time owners, but their high grooming needs and potential health issues should be considered. Prospective owners should be prepared to devote time to regular grooming, closely monitor their health, and provide a safe and comfortable environment for their needs.
Like any cat, Persian cats may bite or scratch in certain situations. However, Persian cats are generally known for their gentle and calm nature. Proper socialization, training, and providing them with appropriate outlets for play and stimulation can help minimize aggressive behavior. Handling them with care and respecting their boundaries is essential to maintain a positive and safe interaction.
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