Do Oriental Shorthair Cats Shed? What the Science Says
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If you’ve ever met an Oriental Shorthair Cat, you couldn’t help but fall in love with the intelligent, curious creature. It has a life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years, weighs between 8 and 12 pounds, and reaches 9 to 11 inches in height. They are also considered one of the most hypoallergenic cat breeds and are said to be a good choice for people with allergies.
However, many pet parents want to know if Oriental Shorthair Cats shed at all. The answer is yes, and all cats shed. It’s just that some shed less than others, and no cat is truly hypoallergenic; some are less likely to cause people with allergies to react badly. We’ll discuss Oriental Shorthair Cats, allergies, and more below.
Do All Cats Shed?
Whether they are long hair, short hair, or hairless cats, they all shed to some degree. Hairless cats still shed because they are never truly hairless; they just appear to be.
Are Oriental Shorthair Cats Truly Hypoallergenic?
While Oriental Shorthair Cats are some of the most hypoallergenic cats you can find, no cat is truly hypoallergenic. All cats produce dander, which is what people who suffer from allergies are allergic to. This dander is spread through the cat’s saliva, which is released into the air when it cleans itself.
So while the Oriental Shorthair Cat is considered more hypoallergenic than other cats, it’s still going to shed and can cause problems for allergy sufferers. You can minimize these allergies by grooming your feline friend properly and brushing them once a week to eliminate oil buildup and dander that causes the allergies. While Oriental Shorthair Cats don’t shed much, they still shed.
Signs that You’re Allergic to Your Cat
If you’ve never owned a cat before and aren’t sure whether you’re allergic to them, you can schedule an allergy test with your physician before deciding to give it a forever home. Here are a few signs that you’re allergic to pets:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy, red, watery eyes
- Back of throat itches
- Top of mouth itches
- Itchy nose
- Cough
- Postnasal drip
- Chest pain
- Tightness in your chest
- Wheezing when exhaling
- Difficulty breathing
Some of these symptoms are for people who suffer from asthma or have a severe reaction to pet dander. If you experience any of these symptoms, it might be best not to adopt a cat. However, if you still want an Oriental Shorthair Cat, we can give you a few tips to help you minimize your allergies below.
How to Live with a Cat When You Have Pet Allergies
Some cat lovers take prescription medications when they have cats and suffer from allergies. However, there are other things you can do to reduce the risk of having an attack.
- Bathe your cat more often to reduce the allergens on its skin and fur
- Use an air purifier
- Don’t allow your cat on the furniture
- Make your bedroom a cat-free zone
- Wash your cat’s bedding regularly
- Clean your home by vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, and mopping often
These tips should help you cut down on the dander accumulating in your home and will hopefully allow you to keep a little Oriental Shorthair Cat. If none of these tips work for you, you can also check with your doctor for recommendations. There are over-the-counter medications you can use to help deal with the symptoms of your allergies, though they may not work for everyone.
Bathing your pet can be challenging, but the right shampoo will make it a lot easier! We have two favorite shampoos for the job, both are safe, all-natural shampoos designed with your pets in mind. Our soothing shampoos are pH balanced, made in the USA, and free of glutens, dyes, sulfates, and phthalates. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right option for your pet’s next bath!
 Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo |
 Hepper Waterless No Rinse Pet Shampoo |
|
|---|---|---|
| Natural cucumber & aloe scent |
Natural cucumber & aloe scent:
 |
Natural cucumber & aloe scent:
|
| Safe for cats & dogs |
Safe for cats & dogs:
|
Safe for cats & dogs:
|
| Rinsing required |
Rinsing required:
|
Rinsing required:
 |
| Free of harsh chemicals & nasty ingredients |
Free of harsh chemicals & nasty ingredients:
|
Free of harsh chemicals & nasty ingredients:
|
| Lathers easily |
Lathers easily:
|
Lathers easily:
|
Cats that Are Considered to be the Most Hypoallergenic
Just as with the Oriental Shorthair Cat, there are other cat breeds that are considered more hypoallergenic than others. If you want to give a cat a forever home but suffer from allergies, one of these cats might work better for you. Just remember, no cat is 100% hypoallergenic, so you will need to take measures to reduce your allergies and the allergens in your home.
While these are the most hypoallergenic cats out there, that is still no guarantee that these cats won’t aggravate your allergies. You need to take precautions, or if your allergies worsen, you might need to consider something other than a cat as a pet. If you have trouble breathing due to your allergies, it’s best to see a doctor for treatment and recommendations on how to keep your cat and combat your allergies simultaneously.
Final Thoughts
While Oriental Shorthair Cats don’t shed a lot, they still shed, so anyone who doesn’t like animal hair inside their home might not want to adopt one of these cats. They’re considered hypoallergenic, but some allergy sufferers may react more to some cats than others. Each cat will produce a different number of allergens, and it’s difficult to determine if you’ll have a reaction until you’ve spent ample time with the animal. If you can control your allergies, the Oriental Shorthair will make an intelligent, frisky, loving, curious, and adorable addition to your family and your home.
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Featured Image Credit by: VittoriaChe, Shutterstock
