Do Savannah Cats Shed? Everything You Need To Know

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Savannah cats are among the most sought-after cat breeds due to their exotic look and playful personality. But as with any pet, potential owners often have a list of questions about their behaviour, care, and maintenance.

One of the most common queries is, do Savannah cats shed?

Key Takeaways

  • Shedding Levels: Savannah cats do shed, but generally less than other breeds, thanks to their short, tight coat. Their shedding can be influenced by a range of factors including diet, season, and stress levels.
  • Grooming and Maintenance: Regular brushing is an effective way to manage shedding. For those concerned about allergies, it’s important to note that Savannah cats are not hypoallergenic but may still be a better option due to their lower shedding.
  • Diet and Health: A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can contribute to a healthy coat and reduced shedding. Stress and certain health conditions could cause changes in shedding patterns, warranting a visit to the vet.
  • Indoor vs. Outdoor Shedding: Outdoor Savannah cats may shed more due to exposure to varying climate conditions. Indoor cats are generally easier to manage, particularly in environments with controlled temperatures like air-conditioned homes.

Read on to explore the ins and outs of Savannah cats’ shedding habits, including how to groom them properly, what factors can affect their shedding and tips on keeping your home free of excess hair.

Do Savannah Cats Shed?

Savannah 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.

For cat owners, shedding is often an unavoidable annoyance that can cause allergies, unsightly hair all over the house and a need for constant grooming. Being a cross between a domestic cat and a wild African serval, Savanna cats can create a bit of mystery regarding their shedding tendencies.

If you’re considering adopting a Savannah cat or already have one, you might wonder how much you should expect them to shed. The good news is that while Savannah cats shed, it is not as much as other breeds. This is because of their short, tight coat, which is easier to maintain and sheds less than longer-haired cats.

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

Why Do Savannah Cats Shed?

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 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.

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

How to Reduce Savannah 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 fur falling on your carpet, furniture and clothing.

Long-haired cats tend to shed less than short-haired breeds. Longer-haired cats can be more challenging to groom as their fur easily tangles.

Short-haired cats like Savannahs are much easier to groom.

Brushes We Recommend

This brush is very effective and a favourite for cats who dislike brushing. It’s a perfect size, removes a lot of fur and leaves 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.

More Tips

  • 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:-

Cat Breeds That Shed Less

Are Savannah Cats Hypoallergenic?

Savannah cats are not hypoallergenic.

Like all cats, Savannah cats produce the Fel d1 protein in their saliva, fur and urine. This protein is what triggers allergic reactions.

Savannah cats are no different to other cat breeds in producing this protein. However, they shed less, so 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

  • Sphynx
  • Siberian
  • Bengal

How To Remove Savannah Cat Hair From Carpet

If you have a Savannah 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 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 Savannah Cats Shed? Final Thoughts

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

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

However, Savannah cats are known for shedding less than many other breeds. This, coupled with their relatively short hair, makes Savannahs a good choice for people with cat allergies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Savannah cat hypoallergenic?

No, Savannah cats are not hypoallergenic. They produce the same allergens as other cat breeds.

Read More: Are Savannah Cats Hypoallergenic?

Do Savannah cats make good house pets?

Yes, Savannah cats can make great house pets. They are intelligent, active, and social animals that can form strong bonds with their owners.

Are Savannah cats cuddly?

Many Savannah cats are affectionate and enjoy cuddling with their owners. However, each cat has its individual personality, so it’s important to spend time with a cat before adopting it to ensure it’s a good fit for your lifestyle.

Do Savannah cats need special care?

Savannah cats don’t require any special care beyond what other cats need. They benefit from regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding.

Related: Are Savannah Cats High Maintenance

Do Savannah cats use a litter box?

Yes, Savannah cats use litter boxes like other domestic cats. They are generally easy to train to use a litter box.

Can Savannah cats open doors?

Some Savannah cats are known to be very intelligent and curious, and they may be able to figure out how to open doors. It’s important to keep them safe by installing childproof latches or keeping doors closed.

What is the lifespan of a Savannah cat?

The lifespan of a Savannah cat is typically 12 to 20 years.

What kind of food do Savannah cats eat?

Savannah cats should eat a high-quality, balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Choosing a food appropriate for their age and activity level is important. Consult with a veterinarian for specific recommendations.

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