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There is something about Ragdoll cats that makes them so appealing. You just want to squish their fluffy cheeks, get lost in their mesmerizing baby-blue eyes, and pet that glorious silky fur! So much beauty comes at a price, though: dust bunnies rolling under your furniture. But while Ragdoll cats do shed, it’s not as much as you might think.
Read on to learn more about how much Ragdoll cats shed, along with tips for keeping their fur looking gorgeous and tangle-free!
What Type of Coat Does a Ragdoll Cat Have?
Ragdoll cats have semi-long coats that can come in seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac. However, Ragdoll kittens are completely white when they are born and develop their color and pattern during the first weeks of life.
One interesting characteristic of a Ragdoll’s coat is that it is composed of soft guard hairs and short undercoats. Besides making their fur extremely soft, the absence of a thick undercoat decreases the formation of knots and mats. Also, that fluffy ruff around their neck gives them an adorable plush look.
How Much Hair Do Ragdoll Cats Shed?
Ragdoll cats generally shed less hair than other cats because they don’t have thick undercoats, which tend to tangle easily and shed more throughout the year.
That said, Ragdolls do undergo seasonal shedding cycles, during which much of the undercoat falls out in clumps. This usually happens in late spring and fall.
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Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic?
While no cat is truly hypoallergenic¹, certain low-shedding breeds will spread fewer allergens (like pet dander) throughout the house. The actual allergy culprit is the Fel d 1 protein¹, which is found in a cat’s saliva. Even though Ragdolls tend to shed less than other long- and semi-long-haired breeds, they still spread the Fel d 1 protein throughout their fur every time they groom themselves.
How to Keep Your Ragdoll Cat’s Coat Fluffy, Pretty, and Healthy
Caring for a Ragdoll’s precious fur isn’t too difficult if you regularly remove dead hair, tangles, and mats. Also, these sweet and docile cats appreciate these moments with their human — provided that they are gentle with the knots!
Here are a few tips for an enjoyable grooming session for you and your lovely feline friend:
- Brush your Ragdoll at least twice a week. During shedding seasons, brush them daily to remove as much dead hair as possible and reduce hairballs.
- Keep sessions short. Don’t forcibly groom your cat if they try to scratch or bite you (though that’s rare with these sweet-tempered cats).
- Brush carefully. Knots and mats can form on Ragdolls’ bellies and the backs of their legs. Be gentle on such sensitive areas.
- Provide a nutrient-rich diet that’s appropriate to your cat’s age and needs. Consult your veterinarian before giving supplements to your pet.
Final Thoughts
The amount of fur that a cat sheds varies from individual to individual. Despite their semi-long and fluffy coat, the splendid Ragdoll cat does not have a thick undercoat. This results in less shedding and matting, which is great news for lovers of the breed.
However, if you are thinking of getting a Ragdoll, know that you will need to maintain their beautiful fur regularly, and you will still find hair all over your home. But unless you’re adopting a Sphynx, living with any cat always means putting up with a few furry dust bunnies rolling around your furniture!
Featured Image Credit: Aaron Zimmermann, Shutterstock
