Adopting a kitten is all fun and games till you have to deal with them shedding all over your favourite couch. Lucky for you, some cats shed less than others. But what about Siamese cats? Do Siamese Cats Shed?
Yes, Siamese cats shed twice a year during their hair growth cycles. But Siamese cats shed less than other breeds due to their short-haired and single-layered coat.
Although Siamese cats shed moderately, there are times when they can shed just as much as other cats. Hence, there is a lot you don’t know about this breed. Let’s jump into this article to find out more about Siamese cats.
When Do Siamese Cats Shed?
Like most felines, Siamese cats shed twice a year during Spring and Autumn. Siamese cats go through moults twice because they go through hair growth cycles before and after winter.
In Spring, Siamese cats shed off their winter undercoat in preparation for summer. This helps them stay cool during warm summer days. In Autumn, they start growing a thick layer of undercoat in preparation for winter. Thus, they shed again to make space for the new fur coat.
The hair growth cycle of Siamese cats is greatly influenced by seasonal changes and sunlight. Nowadays domestic cats stay indoors in air-conditioned homes. Hence, they are not exposed to sunlight and season change.
Moreover, the artificial light inside the home hinders the cat from sensing seasonal changes. That is why indoor cats these days shed all year-round instead of naturally shedding twice a year. It’s the same case for Siamese cats.
If your Siamese cats are indoor cats that get no sunlight, there is a chance they might shed moderately all year round. But that is no reason to worry, normal shedding throughout the year is a sign of good health.
Moreover, Siamese cats don’t mind the outdoors. You can take your cat out for a walk or let it play outside to get exposed to sunlight and changing seasons. That way, your Siamese cat might shed only twice a year naturally.
How Much Do Siamese Cats Shed?
Compared to other cat breeds, Siamese cats do not shed a lot. This is because Siamese cats have a low shedding single-layered fur coat.
Siamese cat breed originates from the tropical climate of Thailand. That is why they do not need a thick or long fur coat to survive. The breed has a short, fine coat to adapt and thrive in the warm tropical climate.
Although like most cats, Siamese cats shed, their fine short fur does not shed as much as cats that have a longer and thicker coat. Plus, when they do shed, their cat hair is less visible and easier to clean up due to their short length.
In normal cases, Siamese cats shed moderately. But due to the following factors, a Siamese cat may shed hair more than usual,
Stress and Anxiety
Anxiety induced stress causes most cats to shed excessively. The same is in the case of Siamese cats.
Cats experience anxiety when there is a sudden change in location or loud noise. An unfamiliar environment, fireworks or thunder can stress out a cat. Siamese cats are usually friendly but being around too many unfamiliar people can also stress them out.
When Siamese cats are too stressed, they shed hair in clumps. Moreover, cats project their stress by self-harming. They bite themselves and tear out their hair.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes during pregnancy or conditions such as hyperthyroidism can stress out a Siamese cat and result in excessive shedding.
Female Siamese cats will undergo various biological changes while growing and during pregnancy. All these changes can stress them out and cause them to shed.
Due to hyperthyroidism, cats over secrete thyroid hormones. This sudden change and excess of thyroid hormones increase shedding.
Pests and Parasites
Ticks, fleas and other common pest problems in cats can cause excessive shedding. In this case, Siamese cats are not an exception.
Infestation of fleas and other pests can stress your Siamese cat out and cause them to shed more than usual. Moreover, pests can induce an allergic reaction which can also cause them to shed.
Plus, insect bites will also cause your cat to lick, bite or scratch the affected area. This in turn will cause your cat to shed fur in clumps.
Dietary Changes
An inadequacy of nutrients can cause any cat to shed excessively. The texture and quality of a cat’s fur reflect how healthy it is. If a cat is not getting the right amount of proteins and vitamins, the texture and appearance of the cat will change.
Vitamins such as A, B and E are essential for maintaining the healthy coat of your Siamese cat. Lack of such vitamins and proteins in your Siamese cat’s diet can cause it to shed excessively.
Make sure to provide your Siamese with cat food that is high in omega-3 fatty acids. It will reduce any irritation that causes shedding and keep the fur coat healthy.
Allergies
Allergies caused due to the cat’s diet or environment can increase the frequency of shedding.
Cats get the urge to over-itch and scratch themselves when they have an allergy. Excessive biting and scratching can cause it to shed abnormally.
If the allergy is induced by a certain food item, change the diet. You may also opt for a hypoallergenic diet.
How to Manage A Shedding Siamese Cat?
Having a fur baby means dealing with shedding. Although a Siamese cat sheds less than other cats, you will still have to manage it. Plus, properly managing a Siamese cat can reduce shedding too. Here a few ways you can manage a shedding Siamese cat:
Regularly Groom and Brush Your Cat
To reduce cat hair all over your home you should regularly groom and brush your Siamese cat. That way you can get rid of most of the hair and manage shedding.
Remember to brush your cat 2-3 times a week. Invest in a brush that is specifically made for cats with a short fur coat. Also, invest in grooming wipes and cordless vacuum cleaners.
Start grooming your Siamese cat as soon as possible, to get it accustomed to getting brushed early on. That way you can also strengthen the bond between you and your cat with time.
Ensure a Proper Diet
Another way to reduce shedding is to ensure that your Siamese cat has a top-notch diet. That way the quality and appearance of your cat’s coat will also improve.
You need to make sure that the cat food you give your Siamese is rich in omega 3-fatty acids. Fish oil also contains this fatty acid, so you can try administering that to your cat. It is well-known for promoting healthy skin and hair.
Moreover, ensure that your cat is drinking water and getting all the important vitamins. Dehydration can lead to excessive shedding too. So, make sure your cat is getting enough water and moisture.
Look Out for Any Skin Problems
Left untreated, skin problems can cause your cat to over-groom then over-shed. Hence, check your cat’s skin regularly.
Watch out for sores, inflammation, bald spots and other skin problems of your cat. If you see any then take your fuzzball to a veterinarian immediately and get it treated.
Are Siamese Cats Hypoallergenic?
No, Siamese cats are not hypoallergenic. Compared to long-haired cats, Siamese cats with their short-haired coat are less likely to flare up anyone’s cat allergy. But there is still a chance that they might.
Cat’s release Fel-D1-protein through their saliva, dander and urine. Many of us are allergic to this protein. Siamese cats are considered hypoallergenic because they release less Fel-D1-protein than other cats with long and thick coats.
Moreover, Siamese cats are short-haired. So many people assume that Siamese cats are a safer option for those who are allergic to cats but still want to adopt. But this is a misconception.
The length of a cat’s fur does not matter when it comes to allergic reactions. Because people are not allergic to the hair but the protein cats release. Other than cat hair, the saliva, dried skin flakes, dander and urine of cats also release this protein in the air.
Cats have a habit of licking and grooming themselves. That’s how their saliva with Fel-D1-protein gets on their skin. When the saliva dries up the protein vaporises in the air. If anyone allergic to cats breathes in this air, their allergies will flare-up.
Since Siamese cats shed less than long-haired cats, it can be assumed that it is safer than other cats. But Siamese cats still shed, lick themselves, urinate and release the protein that induces allergies. Thus, Siamese cats are not completely hypoallergenic.
Conclusion
By now it should be clear whether or not do Siamese cats shed. It is important to do proper research on cat breeds to find out which cat breed will be the best fur baby, for you. Moreover, with extensive research on cat breeds, you will get to know whether you have the ability or patience to take care of a cat.
Since Siamese cats shed less than other cats they are a bit low maintenance. But they still require the same amount of love and care as other cats need.