For many cat enthusiasts, the allure of a feline companion is often overshadowed by visions of fur-covered furniture and incessant grooming. Enter the world of cats that don’t shed — or at least, not much. These special breeds combine the charm and affection of your typical cat with a low-maintenance coat, providing a win-win for both pets and owners.
Whether you’re allergic, averse to constant cleaning, or just prefer a tidier living space, this guide will introduce you to the top breeds that offer the best of both worlds. Dive in to discover your ideal, low-shedding feline friend.
Top 9 Cats that Don’t Shed Much
1. Sphynx
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The Sphynx cat emerged in the 1960s due to a genetic mutation and is distinguished by its mostly hairless skin, which can sometimes have a suede-like texture. They are incredibly affectionate, often seeking warmth by nestling close to their owners or beneath blankets.
Due to their lack of fur, it’s vital to keep them primarily indoors to protect their sensitive skin from sunburn. Regular bathing is also essential to remove excess skin oils.
2. Cornish Rex and Devon Rex
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Both these breeds originated from the UK from different genetic mutations. The Cornish Rex has a distinctive tight, curly coat that sits close to the skin, while the Devon’s fur is softer and has a wavy pattern. Both breeds are lively, playful, and thrive on human interaction.
They’re exceptional jumpers and climbers, appreciating vertical spaces. Even though they shed less, occasional grooming is beneficial for coat health, and routine vet check-ups are advised due to certain genetic predispositions.
3. Peterbald
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Resulting from a breeding experiment in Russia during the 1990s between a Don Hairless and an Oriental Shorthair, the Peterbald’s level of hairlessness varies. Some might be completely bald, while others have a fine fuzz, often termed a ‘velour’ coat.
These cats are social, sharp, and form close bonds with their families. Just like the Sphynx, they need to be shielded from extreme temperatures. Regular skin cleaning or occasional baths may be required due to oil accumulation.
4. Oriental Shorthair
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Developed in the UK by crossing British Shorthairs with Siamese, the Oriental Shorthair possesses a sleek and graceful body with a short, glossy coat available in multiple colors and patterns. These cats are often described as ‘dog-like’ due to their loyalty and vocal nature.
They enjoy interaction and can become deeply attached to their human companions. While their short coat leads to minimal shedding, a routine brushing can help manage any loose hair and distribute essential skin oils.
5. Russian Blue
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The Russian Blue is famed for its short, dense coat of shimmering blue-gray fur. Despite the plush appearance of their coat, they shed minimally, especially when compared to many other breeds. Owners often appreciate their gentle and shy nature. Their coat has a unique texture that resists shedding, but a weekly brush can help remove loose hairs and keep their fur looking its best.
6. Burmese
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The Burmese cat has a short, glossy coat that lays close to the body. This breed typically sheds less than other cats with similar coat lengths. They’re highly affectionate, with a dog-like tendency to follow their owners around and participate in household activities. Regular petting often suffices for grooming, but occasional brushing can help manage their minimal shedding.
7. Scottish Fold
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Recognizable by its unique folded ears and round face, the Scottish Fold has a coat that can be short or long. The short-haired version of the breed tends to shed less than many other short-haired breeds. They are known for their playful and affectionate demeanor. Regular brushing, especially during seasonal changes, can help maintain their coat and further reduce shedding.
8. Siamese
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The Siamese cat, with its striking blue almond-shaped eyes and color-pointed fur, is one of the most recognizable and beloved breeds worldwide. They have a short, fine coat that doesn’t shed as much as many other breeds.
Siamese cats are also known for their vocal and sociable nature, often forming deep bonds with their human companions. While their shedding is minimal, a weekly brush can help keep their coat looking its best and further reduce any loose hairs.
9. Bengal
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The Bengal cat boasts a distinctive wild appearance, reminiscent of its leopard ancestors, with large spots and rosettes reminiscent of a leopard’s coat. This breed has a short, dense pelt-like coat that sheds less than many domestic cat breeds.
Due to its sleekness, the fur on furniture or clothing is less noticeable. They are active and playful, often requiring more stimulation than the average house cat. Regular brushing will help manage their minimal shedding and maintain their coat’s health.
Myths About Non-Shedding Cats
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Myth 1: Non-shedding means no grooming.
Many believe that cats that don’t shed require minimal grooming. However, breeds like the Sphynx often require regular baths to remove skin oils that would typically be absorbed by fur in other cats. Even those with minimal fur can benefit from routine brushing to help distribute skin oils, remove loose hairs, and provide a gentle massage.
Myth 2: All cats that don’t shed are hypoallergenic.
It’s a common misconception that non-shedding cats won’t trigger allergies. While reduced shedding can alleviate symptoms for some allergy sufferers, it’s not a guaranteed solution. Allergies are often caused by proteins in a cat’s skin cells, urine, and saliva, not just their fur. Therefore, even hairless or low-shedding breeds can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Myth 3: Non-shedding cats are all hairless or nearly hairless.
While the most famous non-shedding cats, like the Sphynx, are hairless, many cats with minimal shedding have fur. Breeds like the Russian Blue or Burmese have plush coats but still rank low on the shedding scale.
Myth 4: Cats that don’t shed are always expensive or rare.
While it’s true that some low-shedding breeds are on the pricier side due to breeding complexity and demand, not all are rare or costly. With increasing awareness and interest, many breeds are becoming more accessible.
Myth 5: Non-shedding cats are unnatural or a result of recent genetic manipulation.
While some breeds have been developed more recently, many low-shedding cats have existed for a long time, often resulting from natural genetic mutations. The Cornish Rex, for example, traces its unique coat back to a mutation from the 1950s.
Conclusion
Whether you’re an allergy sufferer or just prefer a cleaner home, these 9 breeds offer the charm and companionship of cats that don’t shed, providing a unique feline experience.
