Do you have a Siberian cat and wondering if it is normal for them to shed their fur?
Key Takeaways
- Siberian cats shed moderately year-round, with two significant moults occurring with the change in seasons. The heaviest shedding occurs in the spring, as they lose their winter coat. This seasonal shedding pattern could be problematic for individuals with cat allergies.
- The amount a Siberian cat sheds can vary based on factors such as diet, health, stress levels, and whether the cat is indoors or outdoors.
- Regular brushing is one of the most effective ways to manage shedding and keep the coat healthy. Depending on the cat’s health condition, baths with specialized shampoo may also be necessary.
- Despite a common misconception, Siberian cats are not hypoallergenic. They produce the Fel d1 protein, which triggers allergic reactions, in their saliva, fur, and urine.
Read on to discover why they shed and how you can minimise the impact on your life.
Table of Contents
- Shedding In Siberian Cats
- How to Reduce Siberian Cat Shedding
- Why Do Some Cats Shed More Than Others
- Are Siberian Cats Hypoallergenic?
- How To Remove Siberian Cat Hair From Carpet
- Final Thoughts
Shedding In Siberian 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 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.
When do Siberian cats shed the most?
Siberian cats lose fur all year round, and the shedding intensity depends on the season. Twice a year, they change their entire coats.
In spring, they shed their heavy winter coat. This moult begins when the days start getting longer rather than when the temperature increases!
Siberian cats then moult again at the end of summer to prepare for their thicker winter coat.
Some cats can suffer from skin irritation due to dry winter conditions and the lack of humidity in our homes.
Other cats may have tree or grass pollen allergies, 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 that should resemble their natural eating patterns.
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, they can shed more than usual.
All cats need plenty of protein to maintain healthy fur. In the wild, cats would catch and eat small animals such as mice, birds and large insects, giving them adequate animal protein and fat.
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, so they may shed less fur.
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; illness often reduces how much they shed or makes them lose it excessively in clumps.
If your cat is shedding much more or less than usual, they may have developed a health issue that a vet should check out.
This could be kidney disease, bacterial or fungal infection, liver disease or cancer.
How to Reduce Siberian 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 from falling on your carpet, furniture and clothing.
Long-haired cats tend to shed less than short-haired breeds. Brushing 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 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.
SIberians have a long, well developed, dense coat made up of all three type which protects them from harsh weather.
It can take Siberian cats several years to fully develop their coat.
Cat Breeds That Shed More
Siberian cats are a specific breed with a fur pattern associated with the group of tabby cats (read more about tabby cats here).
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 Siberian Cats Hypoallergenic?
Siberian cats are not hypoallergenic.
Like all cats, Siberian cats produce the Fel d1 protein in their saliva, fur and urine. This protein is what triggers allergic reactions.
Siberian cats are no different to other cat breeds in producing this protein. They will spread it around by shedding fur and grooming themselves.
It is also present on their skin and saliva, increasing the risk of allergies.
Related: Are Siberian Cats Hypoallergenic?
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 Siberian Cat Hair From Carpet
If you have a Siberian 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.
If this sounds like something you need, click below!
Final Thoughts
All cats shed their fur, and Siberian cats are no different.
The amount your cat sheds will depend on their diet, health, the season and other reasons explained above.
Siberian cats are known for shedding more than other breeds.
This makes Siberians potentially a lousy choice for people with cat allergies.
However, if you do decide to get one, with frequent grooming and keeping on top of the cat hair in your home you will love them.
Frequently Asked Questions
While Siberian cats have thick coats requiring regular grooming, they are generally considered low-maintenance. They are typically healthy, easygoing, and adaptable to different living situations.
You can read more about Siberian cats’ maintenance requirements here.
Yes, Siberian cats are known for their affectionate and playful nature, and many enjoy cuddling with their owners. They are generally social cats that enjoy spending time with people.
Siberian cats can adapt to different living situations but are typically best suited to indoor living. They are intelligent, playful cats that enjoy having a variety of toys and activities to keep them entertained.
Siberian cats are generally active and playful, but like all cats, they can have varying energy and activity levels. Some may be more active and playful than others, while others may prefer to lounge and relax.
The personality and behaviour of a cat are determined mainly by their individual temperament and personality rather than their sex. Both male and female Siberian cats can make excellent pets, and the best cat for you will depend on your lifestyle and preferences.
Siberian cats are generally healthy and not prone to any specific health issues. However, like all cats, they may be susceptible to certain health problems such as dental, obesity, or respiratory problems.
While every cat is unique and has a personality, some breeds are generally known for being calmer and laid-back than others. Some of the calmest breeds of cats include the Ragdoll, British Shorthair, Scottish Fold, and Persian. However, it’s important to note that every cat is an individual and may have their own temperament and energy level.
Related: Are Siberian Cats Aggressive?
Pin for later
