Do you know that not all cats shed their fur? If you love the idea of being a cat parent but hate cleaning cat hair from clothing, furniture, and floors, or if you are concerned about cat hairballs on your carpet, we have good news for you. Some cat breeds don’t shed or shed less, so you can enjoy a feline friend. From cuddly lap cats to active playmates, these cats will steal your heart. Vacuuming will be minimized, and you won’t have to purchase lint rollers as often.
Why do cats shed?
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Shedding is a part of living with cats. It is a natural way they lose dead or damaged hair and release oils back to their skin’s surface.
Here are some of the most common reasons your furry friend sheds:
- Season changes – Cats have two shedding seasons every year, typically in the spring and fall months. Shedding helps them adjust to changing temperatures. In colder weather, they grow a thicker coat, and in warmer weather, a lighter coat;
- Breed – Long-haired cats shed more;
- Poor nutrition – If your cat’s diet lacks essential nutrients, this can lead to increased shedding.
- Stress – Cats shed more when they’re stressed, scared or nervous.
- Obesity – Overweight cats can’t groom themselves well. That’s why they shed more.
- Aging – Older cats may not be as good groomers as they were when they were younger. This results in matted coats and increased shedding.
- Health issue – Infections, allergies, parasites, and hormonal imbalances can cause excessive sheding and even bald patches.
- Natural hair growth cycle – just like any furry animal, cats have a natural hair growth cycle, which includes four phases:
- Anagen phase – During this phase, new hair grows
- Catagen phase – The fur reaches its full length and stops growing
- Telogen phase – Hair doesn’t grow or fall
- Exogen phase – This is the final phase of the cat hair growth cycle. The old hair begins to shed during this phase.
12 Cat breeds that don’t shed
Cats are wonderful pets that bring joy and companionship to millions of households around the world. If you’re looking for a cat that won’t leave hair all over your furniture, this guide is for you! In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 12 cat breeds that don’t shed or shed less, including information about their temperament.
1. Sphynx cat
Breed Overview:
Personality: Playful, affectionate, friendly, energetic
Weight: 2.5 to 5 kg
Coat lenght: Hairless, peach fuzz
Lifespan: 8 – 14 years
Sphynx cats are an unusual breed, famous for their lack of fur. If you fall under the spell of this bald, but gorgeous feline, you won’t find cat hair hurricanes in your home, so feel free to put the vacuum away. They are extremely social and outgoing kittens that act like dogs. Those naked felines will follow you from room to room and want to be part of everything you do. They are very energetic and playful but are also perfect cuddle buddies. The Sphynx cats enjoy being with other pets and with children as well.
2. Cornish rex
Breed Overview:
Personality: Sociable, playful, affectionate
Weight: Up to 10 pounds
Coat lenght: Short curly hair
Lifespan: up to 20 years
Cornish rex cats have an unusual curly, short coat that comes in many colors and doesn’t shed too much. They’re super smart and can learn new tricks fast. These curious felines are always on the go and enjoy exploring new places and traveling with their owners. Cornish Rex kittens are great therapy cats. In addition to being great playmates for kids, they are also excellent companions for other pets in the family.
3. Devon rex
Breed Overview:
Personality: Active, playful, social
Weight: 6 – 9 pounds
Coat lenght: Short curly hair
Lifespan: up to 9 – 15 years
Devon Rex cats are known for their large ears, curly coat, and slender build. They have a short, wavy coat that sheds less than other breeds. As well as being very playful, they are very cuddly and enjoy perching on your shoulder. These curly cuties enjoy learning new tricks. Their friendly, outgoing, and affectionate nature makes them an excellent choice for families with kids and other pets.
4. Siamese cat
Breed Overview:
Personality: Sociable, friendly, vocal, intelligent
Weight: Up to 14 pounds
Coat lenght: Short Hair
Lifespan: 15 – 20 years
Siamese cats are one of the oldest cat breeds in the world. These beauties are known for their striking blue eyes and pointed fur. When you adopt a Siamese cat, you’ll spend less time and effort removing hair from your clothes because they shed less. Siamese cats are endlessly curious. They are notoriously vocal and always have something to say. These are very intelligent cats who adore their people. Siamese cats can quickly learn to walk on a leash and play fetch.
Read more: Siamese cat 101 – Everythig you need to know
5. Bengal
Breed Overview:
Personality: Affectionate, sociable, friendly, intelligent and trainable
Weight: 12 – 20 pounds
Coat lenght: Short Hair
Lifespan: up to 15 years
Despite their wild appearance, Bengal cats are very affectionate and playful kitties who love their people. In addition to having a velvety soft coat, they don’t shed much, so you won’t see furballs floating around the house all the time. Don’t be surprised if they join you in the shower. They aren’t afraid of water. Also, they are excellent swimmers. They are very intelligent and love learning new tricks.
6. Russian Blue cat
Breed Overview:
Personality: Friendly and intelligent but aloof, may be reclusive around strangers
Weight: Up to 12 pounds
Coat lenght: Short Hair
Lifespan: up to 20 years
Russian Blue is an elegant cat breed that originated from Russia. There is something magical about these cats with their silvery-blue fur and bright green eyes. They are low-shedders and their gorgeous short coat requires minimal grooming. Russian Blue is a curious and intelligent cat. Although these felines are independent, they enjoy the company of their humans. The Russian blue cat is typically reserved around strangers and needs time to warm up to them.
7. Burmese
Breed Overview:
Personality: Friendly, affectionate, sociable with other animals, playful
Weight: Up to 14 pounds
Coat lenght: Short Hair
Lifespan: up to 18 years
You can’t help but fall in love with Burmese cats when you see them. They have captivating golden eyes and a very short, silky coat in solid colors. You don’t have to worry about excessive hair shedding with Burmese cats, because they are low-shedders. Burmese felines are people-oriented cats who want to spend more time with their humans. These curious and smart kittens are great playmates who love learning new tricks.
8. Peterbald
Breed Overview:
Personality: Friendly, affectionate, interactive, outgoing, intelligent
Weight: Up to 14 pounds
Coat lenght: Hairless
Lifespan: up to 15 years
The Peterbal cat, developed in Russia in the 90s, is a unique-looking, rare pet. These felines are medium to large-sized cats, hairless or partially hairless. That’s why their owners should not worry about shedding. Peterbals are very clever, social, and friendly cats, who can learn tricks like dogs.
9. Donskoy
Breed Overview:
Personality: Affectionate, curious, playful, intelligent, and friendly
Weight: Up to 15 pounds
Coat lenght: Hairless
Lifespan: up to 15 years
The Donskoy or Don Sphynx has a distinctive appearance. While these felines often have peach fuzz on their ears or noses, their most notable characteristic is the lack of fur. Because of this reason, it is perfect for people who don’t want to accessorize all their outfits with cat hair. Don Sphynx is an extremely intelligent and good-natured cat. He can learn to walk on a leash and perform some tricks. These kittens are very affectionate and outgoing. They fit well in families with children and other pets.
10. Bombay
Breed Overview:
Personality: Affectionate, sociable, needy, playful
Weight: Up to 15 pounds
Coat lenght: Short Hair
Lifespan: up to 20 years
With its sleek black fur, rounded head, and striking golden eyes, the Bombay cat looks like a miniature Panther. But this breed has no wild pedigree. It is a mix of American shorthair and Burmese cats. These felines are outgoing and social cats, who adapt well to any household. They are highly intelligent and love active games, but also lap cats. Besides that, Bombay cats don’t shed a lot.
11. Oriental shorthair cat
Breed Overview:
Personality: Affectionate, playful, sociable, and vocal
Weight: Up to 12 pounds
Coat lenght: Short Hair
Lifespan: up to 15 years
The Oriental shorthair is an elegant cat, closely related to the Siamese. He has a short, fine, silky coat that sheds less than most cats. These kittens have a gregarious nature and talking to their humans about everything is one of their favorite things. They crave people’s company and may get depressed when left alone for more than a few hours. Oriental shorthairs are also smart and curious and love exploring their surroundings.
12. Balinese cat
Breed Overview:
Personality: intelligent, curious, outgoing, and loyal
Weight: 6 to 11 pounds
Coat lenght: Long Hair
Lifespan: 12 – 20 years
Balinese cats are graceful and aristocratic felines that look like long-haired Siamese. They have silky hair lying close to the body, sapphire blue eyes, and a plumed tail. Since they don’t have an undercoat, these little beauties shed the least of all the long-haired breeds. Balinese cats are intelligent, curious, outgoing, and loyal felines. They are chatty cats and their favorite place is near their people.
Final thoughts
Cats are wonderful pets for many people, but shedding can be annoying for some cat owners. However, there are many cat breeds to choose from that shed less or not at all. They are an excellent companion for people who do not like to spend lots of time grooming them.