Do Ragdoll Cats Shed?
Do Ragdoll cats shed? The short answer to that question is yes, they do shed. However, let’s take a closer look into the topic of Ragdoll shedding together. In this blog post we will investigate Ragdoll coat traits, exactly how much Ragdoll cats shed and tips to manage their shedding. Our goal is to help you better anticipate exactly what to expect with Ragdoll shedding so both you and your kitty companion can enjoy a clean and joyful home!
Ragdoll Coat Characteristics
According to the Ragdoll Breed Standard, Ragdoll cats should have silky, rabbit-like coats. Unfortunately, not all Ragdolls have the correct coat type and some might have coats that are more wooly or cottony than desired. However, if you adopt your Ragdoll kitten from a breeder that breeds to the standard, they will likely have a coat that is at least close to the breed standard.
Moderately Long: The Ragdoll coat is described as being “moderately long” or “semi-long”. This means that it’s longer than short-haired cats, but it’s not as long as other long-haired cat breeds.
Lacks an Undercoat: Ragdoll cats do not have an undercoat like other long-haired cat breeds. Since they don’t possess an undercoat, this means less shedding and decreased tangling/matting of the fur.
Bunny Soft: When you touch a Ragdoll cat’s fur it should closely resemble the texture of a bunny rabbit’s coat. It is ultra soft, plush and tends to lay flat and smooth.
Low or Non-Matting: Because Ragdoll cat fur has such a fine, silky texture and they lack an undercoat, they are generally going to have very low matting or completely non-matting coats. This leads to a coat that is very low maintenance and easier to manage.
A Female Ragdoll Cat With Correct Bunny Coat
Ragdoll Cat Shedding
We have established that Ragdoll cats do shed, but it is less than other long-haired cat breeds. When compared to long-haired breeds like Maine Coons, Persians, Siberians and British Longhairs, Ragdolls are generally going to shed less. This makes Ragdolls the best of both worlds - when you Adopt a Ragdoll Kitten, you get a long-haired cat with a stunning coat that sheds as minimally as possible!
How Much Do Ragdolls Shed?
Before adopting a Ragdoll, many people wonder, “Do Ragdoll cats shed a lot?” And while Ragdolls do shed, it is not excessive or extreme. The shedding is quite manageable.
Daily Shedding: If a Ragdoll is regularly brushed, their daily shedding should be minimal. Because their fur is so light weight, it tends to float around the floor in little clumps or “dust bunnies”, which are easy to vacuum up.
Effects of Climate on Ragdoll Shedding
During certain times of the year, you may ask yourself, “Why is my Ragdoll shedding so much?” This can be answered by the topic of seasonal shedding. Ragdolls tend to go through more frequent, natural shedding periods during specific times of the year when the weather changes.
Spring Shedding: When the weather warms up in the spring, Ragdolls typically shed their winter coats to stay cool during the warmer months. This shedding period may last a few weeks and is the most significant shedding cycle that a Ragdoll goes through each year.
Winter Shedding: As the temperature drops in the fall, Ragdolls start to shed more again as they grow a thicker coat to stay warm for the winter weather. Their coat typically becomes more dense and fluffy during this time period.
How to Manage Shedding in Ragdolls
Reducing and handling Ragdoll shedding is pretty simple with the right strategy. We have included a few straightforward ideas you can incorporate into your routine in order to effectively manage Ragdoll shedding.
Brushing/Combing Your Ragdoll: One of the best ways to stay on top of Ragdoll shedding is to regularly brush or comb your Ragdoll’s fur at least once per week. This will remove the loose fur before it has a chance to shed off their coat and into your home.
Healthy Diet: Keeping your Ragdoll on a healthy diet that’s high in animal protein and contains minimally processed ingredients will promote a nice, lush coat and minimize shedding.
Regular Vacuuming: Frequently running a vacuum cleaner through your home will greatly reduce the amount of cat fur in the enviornment.
Fur Removal Tools: There are a few awesome tools that work great for removing cat hair from furniture and clothing. We have linked them below.
Pet Hair Roller - Great for Removing Cat Hair from Furniture
Scotch Brite Lint Rollers - Great for Removing Cat Hair from Clothing
Grooming Your Ragdoll Cat
When it comes to Grooming Your Ragdoll, maintenance is pretty minimal. In addition to regular brushing/combing, as suggested above, your Ragdoll may also benefit from an occasional bath to help de-shed their coat. If you’re wondering, “How often should I bathe my cat”, we typically don’t recommend bathing a Ragdoll anymore than 2-3 times per year and we encourage spacing out their baths every few months to prevent irritating their skin.
Do Ragdoll Cats Cause Allergies?
Despite the Ragdoll Myth/Misconception that they don’t cause allergies, Ragdolls are not hypoallergenic. Meaning, they can still cause allergies in some people. However, some Ragdolls do tend to have lower levels of allergens in comparison to other cats.
Less Furr, More Cuddles
We hope that you now have a deeper understanding of Ragdoll coats and how much they shed. While virtually every cat breed sheds, the shedding can be manageable with a preventative approach. Incorporating regular cat grooming, a healthy feline diet and home cleaning tips into your routine should minimize your Ragdoll’s shedding and keep the cat hair under control. Your efforts will foster a cleaner and more comfortable environment for both you and your Ragdoll companion. Feel free to go snuggle up with your feline friend on the couch now - and don’t forget to bring your lint roller!