Do Siamese Cats Shed?

A common question that comes up when discussing Siamese cats is if they shed. Let’s answer the question, do Siamese cats shed? We will also look at some ways to prevent shedding and offer grooming tips for your Siamese cat.

Siamese Cats

Siamese cats are well known for their almond-shaped, striking blue eyes, sleek coats, and distinct coloring. These elegant cats are affectionate, intelligent, loyal, and playful. Siamese cats have an aloof air about them. Despite this appearance, they are highly involved in their human lives. They will constantly “talk” to you and want to get into everything.

This popular cat breed is very clever and quickly learns how to turn on faucets, open cabinets, and doors. The Siamese is always looking for something new. They find every possible place to hide and can cause a worried owner quite a headache. Siamese cats have been compared to dogs because they like to play fetch and are easily trained to walk on leashes.

There are two variations of Siamese cats, traditional and show. They are the same breed; however, the traditional has a rounder head and thicker body. The show Siamese has a sleeker body, large pointy ears, long legs, and a long tail.

Siamese cats are light-colored, with colorpoints on the face, ears, legs, and tail. These markings come in various colors, including tabby, cream, red, seal, cream, silver, gray, smoke, lilac, seal, blue, and chocolate. Their coats are glossy and short. Siamese cats are born cream or white, and the colorpoint markings develop as they age. The Balinese breed is a pure-bred, long-haired Siamese and is a variation of the Siamese with a longer coat and plumed tail.

Siamese cats live long lives, from 8 to 16 years on average. They have muscular, lean bodies reaching an adult weight of 8 to 14 pounds. This feline breed can reach a height of about 8 to 10 inches for both males and females.

Do Siamese Cats Shed A Lot?

Siamese cats have been called hypoallergenic or non-shedding cats. This information is not accurate. Siamese, just like almost all other feline breeds, does regularly shed. They have dense, short coats that require some moderate grooming. They will shed the old ones as they grow in a new coat.

Shedding for Siamese cats happens much less than in many other breeds due to their shorter hair. Their shedding is much less noticeable than other, longer-haired feline breeds. Throughout the year, Siamese cats will shed their hair. However, they shed less than many other breeds outside of shedding season.

Siamese cats are not hypoallergenic, though some people with cat allergies prefer this breed due to their shorter hair. Less shedding means less hair on clothing and furniture, which can help prevent allergies from being triggered. The shorter hair means fewer hairballs for Siamese cats, and they are less likely to get mats and knots in their coats.

People who suffer from cat allergies are not allergic to cat hair. They are allergic to the proteins naturally in feline saliva and urine. The cat hair distributes these allergens.

Shedding Triggers

Different environmental and biological factors contribute to how much a cat will shed. Breed plays a role, however other things like care, nutrition, living environment, and overall health also factor in. The following

Season

Time of year will affect the amount your Siamese cat sheds. These cats shed heavily two times a year. Both come with two significant season changes, fall to winter and winter to spring. In the fall, cats will shed in preparation for their thicker winter coats growing in. When spring warmth and sun spread, felines will shed thicker hair and fill in a lighter coat. Cats will shed more in warmer temperatures, and when the sun gets hot, the coat comes off.

Location

Warmer climates trigger more shedding in cats. If you live in a hotter area, you may see more shedding than Siamese cats that live in cooler places. Keeping your home cooler will help prevent excess shedding. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that cats will shed all year, especially indoor cats. Expect more shedding in spring and autumn regardless of where you live.

Nutrition

Nutrition plays a massive role in your cat’s health and his coat. If his diet is poor, his skin health will be poor. This can lead to a dull coat and excess hair loss. Your cat needs a diet that includes healthy fats, these assist in keeping his coat shiny and healthy. Cats with diets low in fat and protein can have poor coat conditions and excess shedding. Talk with your veterinarian to learn more about his nutrient needs.

Living Environment

Your cat’s living environment can contribute to excess shedding. If he is stressed out, scared, or in a place where he feels uncomfortable, he can shed more. A cat that gets startled a lot or is being picked up and passed around may shed out of stress or anxiety. It is their body’s natural response. Cats that do not like being left home alone may shed because they are uncomfortable or scared. Your cat’s home needs to be a safe place, so make sure he has a place to be that is quiet, calm, and allows him to relax.

Health

If your cat is healthy overall, his coat will be healthy. His coat reflects his health, and many kinds of disease or health concerns can trigger shedding. Cats are excellent at hiding health problems. They often act like everything is fine and then suddenly seem sick. If your cat suddenly starts shedding a lot, he may need further attention from a vet to rule out more serious health issues.

Genetics

Some breeds of feline, especially long-haired cats, are genetically predisposed to shed more. Your Siamese cat Is not known as a high shedding breed. However, longer-haired Siamese cats will shed more.

Age

As your cat ages, he will shed more, regardless of breed. Overall health, health issues, and less ability to groom himself all play a role. Your cat will need your help as he ages to keep his coat in top condition. Talk to your veterinarian about supplements, proper nutrition for older cats, as well as underlying health concerns that contribute to more shedding.

Stress & Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can significantly impact your cat’s overall health. A feline’s immediate natural reaction to fright, stress, or discomfort is to shed. Change is hard for cats, and sudden intrusions into their home can make them uncomfortable and lead to more shedding. Try to make your cat’s home as relaxing and stress-free as possible, which will help with shedding.

Siamese Cat Grooming Needs

Siamese cats have regular grooming needs. They need brushing, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and footpad maintenance. Your cat’s nails should be trimmed every two weeks or 10 to 14 days.

How Often Should You Brush A Siamese Cat?

Siamese cats will need brushing once a week at least to keep their coats healthy. Regular brushing will remove excess hair and prevent shedding. The more your cat is brushed, the less dead hair and skin will be carried around in his coat. Be careful not to overbrush. Too much brushing can damage and thin out your kitty’s coat. Weekly brushing, even as often as every three or four days, will be best. Do not wait too long between brushing either.

How To Brush A Siamese Cat

Brushing your feline friends should be an enjoyable, bonding experience for you both. The following tips can help make brushing your Siamese cat more effective.

• Always be gentle when brushing your cat.
• Massage your cat with your hands and work out any stuck hair or mats before brushing.
• Brush away from the skin in the direction the hair grows. Brushing the opposite way is uncomfortable and can damage your cat’s fur.
• Comb very slowly, and tackle one section of hair at a time. Do not try and brush his whole body at once.
• Clear the dead hair away as you go, and clean your brush regularly as you work through the different sections of hair
• Wipe your cat off with a soft cloth after each brushing session to remove any loose hair.
• Use treats to coax your cat through brushing if he is reluctant.
• Allow grooming time to be an opportunity to bond more with your cat. Make it a time that he looks forward to, instead of a battle.
• Work in breaks as needed.
• Grooming your cat when he is tired will make things easier. He has less energy to resist.
• If your cat flattens his ears or whines, you may be brushing on a sensitive area. Read the clues he gives you as you brush him.
• Inspect your feline’s skin as you brush for any cuts, dirt, or bugs. Skin health can be very bothersome and is one of the main reasons cats visit the veterinarian every year. The poor skin condition can signify a more significant health issue, so pay close attention and regularly inspect your cat’s skin as you brush him.
• Work out mats in his coat with a fine-toothed comb. Loosen the mat from the outside in, and work towards the center.
• Never yank out or aggressively pull on a mat. This can cause injury to your Siamese cat. Reach out to a professional cat groomer if you have trouble keeping his coat in good condition.
• After brushing, use a leave-in conditioner to keep your kitty’s coat smooth, glossy, and tangle-free. Never use human products on your Siamese cat.
• Siamese cats only need to be bathed periodically. They are excellent at self-grooming. Along with regular brushing, they stay relatively clean.
• Bald patches and excessive shedding all the time may be caused by underlying health issues. If you notice bald patches or excessive hair loss, contact your veterinarian to have your kitty’s health checked out to eliminate severe health issues.
• Do not overlook nail, paw, and ear care. Check your cat’s ears about once a week or so to clear debris, infection, and wax buildup.

Best Brushes For A Siamese Cat?

You will need a few tools when brushing your Siamese cat. These include brushes, combs, detangler, and a soft towel or washcloth.

• A pin brush – Pin brushes are made of a sturdy plastic handle and have plastic or metal pins that work well to move through a cat’s hair. These can be used on long or short-haired cats. Pin brushes help work out mats and tangles as they start.
• Soft-bristled brush – Bristle brushes are made up of many very soft bristles. These work very well for short-haired cats like the Siamese. These brushes move more over the top of a cat’s coat rather than through the hairs like pin brushes. Bristle brushes are good for the weekly maintenance of healthy coats.
• Combs – Wide toothed plastic or metal combs are great tools to help remove mats and work through tangled cat hair. Some combs will have narrower teeth, and there are special combs called flea combs that help remove these tiny pests from your feline’s coat.

Additional Tools For Grooming Siamese Cats

• Grooming glove – A grooming glove is an incredibly useful tool, a glove with a textured or bristled surface that can be used as your pet or massage your cat. These gloves can be amazingly effective at removing loose or dead hair very gently. Felines who dislike brushing may do well with these. Grooming gloves are easy to clean and can be rinsed off with water.
• De-shedding tools – De-shedding tools help remove thick hair from your cat’s undercoat. They are beneficial in times of heavy shedding like autumn and spring. If you can remove this excess hair, it will help make brushing easier and more enjoyable for your cat.
• Feline wipes – Feline wipes offer an easy way to clean your cat between bathing. They are good for a quick wipe here and there and can also remove loose hair hanging on to your cat’s coat.

How To Control Siamese Cat Shedding

There is no way to control the amount of hair your kitty will shed. He will shed, and it will likely be a lot at times. While preventing shedding is impossible, it can be managed. A few simple steps as part of his routine care will keep shedding from getting out of control and avoid those piles of hair all over your house.

Try the following tips to help reduce shedding:

• Regular brushing
• Top-quality nutrition
• Proper hydration
• Bathe your cat once a month in a warm bath.
• Keep your home cool.
• Provide fresh water every day.
• Keep your kitty litter box clean.

Other Reasons For Losing Hair

• Dehydration – A dehydrated feline will have poor skin health, which leads to shedding. Cats are not great about drinking enough water, which can lead to dehydration.
• Parasites – Cats can get gastrointestinal parasites that threaten their health. Sometimes shedding can be a sign of parasites. Felines can become infected by roundworms, ringworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and protozoan parasites.
• Allergies – Just like humans, felines of all breeds can be allergic to things in the environment like pollen, cigarette smoke, food, and pests like fleas. Allergies can result in hair loss, excessive licking, and biting themselves. Always reach out to your vet for help if your cat suffers from allergies.
• Pregnancy – Pregnancy can cause shedding in female cats. The changes in hormones may trigger some hair loss. A pregnant kitty will need special food and extra nutrients to stay healthy.
• Medication – Some medications may cause shedding as a side effect. Discuss any medications and possible side effects with your veterinarian.

How To Keep Your Home Clean

Even if you stay on top of your cat’s shedding, you’re bound to have cat hair around your house that needs cleaning up. We have lots of experience in this department. Depending on your cleaning preferences, you may find one or all products suitable for your home.

Robot Vacuum

If you want the cleaning done for you, then we recommend the Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL. This self-cleaning robot vacuum can map out your home, so you can send it to a specific area that needs cleaning. You can also set “no-go zones” for areas around your cat’s food and water bowls to ensure the vacuum doesn’t mess with those areas. The brushroll removes pet hair, so there is no hair wrap, and the self-emptying base holds up to 45 days of cat hair, dirt, and debris.

Cordless Vacuum

Bissell’s ICONpet Edge vacuum is perfect for general vacuuming and getting those hard-to-reach areas like windowsills, room corners, underneath furniture, etc. It’s cordless, so it’s easy to grab and go. It includes several attachments to help clean up the cat hair on your stairs, hardwood floors, and everywhere in between.

Air Purifier

Filtrete’s air purifier captures 99.97% of airborne particles, including pet odors and cat hair. This air purifier can help clean the air in a room up to 250 square feet in size. It notifies you when the filter needs changing to ensure optimal performance. You can adjust the fan speed, set a timer, and dim the control panel lights from the soft-touch display. If you notice your home has a pet odor, this will help eliminate that fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stop my Siamese cat from shedding?

No, you cannot stop your Siamese cat from shedding, but you can take measures to help control it. Proper nutrition, regular brushing, and low-stress home life can help.

Why do Siamese cats shed so much?

Siamese cats do not shed as much as several other feline breeds. They have heavier shedding two times a year in spring and autumn but are lower shedding the rest of the year. Proper nutrition, grooming, and regular brushing can help control shedding.

Are Siamese cats non-shedding?

No, Siamese cats are not non-shedding. They shed a moderate amount of hair but shed less than most long-haired breeds. They are also not hypoallergenic but are considered a low-shedding feline breed.

Final Thoughts

Siamese cats are hairy creatures, and shedding is a natural part of their life. You cannot prevent or stop a kitty from shedding. However, there are some measures to take to control it. Taking loving care of your feline’s coat is one of the most significant factors in how much they shed. Siamese cats are a lower shedding breed than some due to their shorter coats. Regular brushing and bathing will help reduce a Siamese cat’s shedding, but there is no way to prevent it.

Siamese cats are beautiful, inquisitive companions, and it is a privilege to own one. As cat owners, it is our responsibility to provide our kitties with the best care, food, and medical care. This will promote a long healthy life. Caring for your Siamese cat’s coat will be part of your daily routine. Shedding is a normal part of his life. Learning how to handle it is just part of being a responsible feline owner. Reach out to your veterinarian if you are concerned about your Siamese cat’s health or excessive shedding.