Do Siamese Cats Shed? Here Are the Furry Facts

Siamese cats are pretty darn adorable, especially with that classic coat that is always a winner in the looks department. But will you end up with fur-speckled couches or (yikes) hairy black leggings? Do Siamese cats shed?

Knowing just how much a cat sheds before becoming the proud owner of one can help temper your expectations of pet parental bliss. If you’re going to resent rubbing down your furniture and clothes to rid them of follicles, you should be doing exactly what you’re doing right now. That is, researching which breeds shed the most (and the least). 

In this case, we’re going to look at Siamese cats in particular and see how much they shed in comparison to other friendly felines. So do Siamese cats shed? Let’s find out!

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Do Siamese Cats Shed Throughout the Year?

All animals with fur shed to some degree. It ranges from so minimal that you barely notice to so extravagant that you sweep the house twice a day just to keep the floor fur-free. Typically Siamese cats shed less than other breeds, such as Maine Coons. 

Even Ragdoll coats are known to shed a lot. Though they shed less than many breeds with longer fur, they still drop their delightful hair glitter fairly regularly. If you happen to have a Himalayan Siamese cat, they’ll shed more frequently than a standard Siamese due to their long fur. 

These cats typically experience two molts in the year, namely in spring and fall. In spring they begin to shed their warm winter coats in preparation for the sunny summer days to come. In the fall, they will start to grow that same coat again to protect them from the cold, causing shedding of the summer coat. 

During these molting seasons, which last 6-8 weeks, you can save your furniture and floors by brushing your feline friend daily to help them get rid of the dropping fur. A good shedding brush will be your best friend in this scenario. 

That and a pet hair remover to keep your furniture and clothes fur-free, of course. If you want to cause less drama for yourself and aggravation for your Siamese kitty, start brushing them from a young age so they get used to the feeling and don’t fight it. 

Can Their Shedding Cause Allergies?

Yes it can, but not for the reason you might think. It’s not really the fur itself that’s the problem for allergy sufferers, but what it carries. Of course there’s dander to consider, which is commonly carried on various pets. 

But cats have a particular protein that as many as 10% of the population is hypersensitive to, causing many allergic responses in susceptible humans. 

This protein is called Fel d 1 and is found in cat saliva, urine, and skin. You’ll notice that “fur” wasn’t mentioned, but there is a caveat. While grooming themselves, cats lick at their fur and their saliva carrying this curious protein affixes to the hair follicles that then fall to the ground (or your couch). 

Once the saliva dries, the protein becomes airborne and can cause swollen eyes, hives, and closed airways as a result. Luckily for Siamese owners, this breed tends to have lower levels of Fel d 1, so they are less likely to cause such a devastating allergic response. 

Why Is My Siamese Cat Shedding Excessively? 6 Reasons

It can happen that, apart from the seasonal molts, your Siamese cat might start shedding more than usual. Much more. There are a few reasons why this could happen, so let’s take a look at some of the most common ones. Don’t worry—some of them are pretty benign, but others might require vet intervention or a lifestyle change.

1. Air-conditioning and Heating

If your pampered feline is an indoor cat and you keep your home at a constant temperature, they might shed continuously because their bodies can’t determine seasonal changes. 

They might believe they’re stuck in a perpetual spring, meaning endless molting for you to clean up. You can alleviate this issue by letting them spend some time outside so they can sort out what season they’re in. 

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2. Stress and Anxiety

Cats are known for being averse to environmental changes. They might turn to obsessive-compulsive behaviors to self-soothe, such as over-grooming. This can lead to patches of thinning fur or excessive shedding. 

The most common stressors for a cat are moving to a new home, excessive noise, lack of mental stimulation, loneliness, new pets or family members, or an unstable daily routine. 

3. Dietary Issues

Even humans will lose their hair if they suffer from malnourishment. This is not to say you’re starving your little furball, but perhaps their food isn’t as nutrient-rich as they need it for general good health. 

Some diets lack the proper vitamins and minerals your cat needs, so do a little investigation of the ingredients list to see what’s in their food. This is the most common reason for unusual shedding, so it’s clear that many diets are truly lacking in everything a healthy cat requires. 

Whatever you choose to feed them, make sure there’s plenty of high-quality animal protein, animal fat, and essential micronutrients. 

4. Parasites

Fleas and mites not only induce an uncomfortable tickle, they can cause allergic reactions that are actually painful. 

Your furry feline might try to alleviate the pain by licking or biting the most affected areas, leading to hair loss. A flea and tick collar should help prevent this from being an issue, so it might be worthwhile investing in one. 

5. Illness

Fur falling out in clumps can be startling to a cat owner, and if the cause is illness then that concern is well warranted. There are a couple of worrying illnesses that can cause your kitty’s hair to drop like it’s hot, such as liver issues, kidney disease, fungal infections, bacterial infections, and cancer. 

There will be other symptoms that accompany the clumpy shedding depending on the cause, though, so take note of any peculiar behavior and talk it over with your vet. 

6. Hyperthyroidism

This medical condition mostly affects older cats, and usually female ones at that. The initial symptoms of hyperthyroidism are superbly subtle, so you might not even notice them at first. But as time marches on and the disease progresses, they’ll get worse. 

Excessive shedding is just one of the signs to watch out for, but weight loss, increased thirst, increased appetite, and frequent urination are other things to note. 

Final Wrap Up on Do Siamese Cats Shed

All cats shed to some degree, though, as it turns out, Siamese cats are less prone to clogging up your couch with their discarded follicles. So if you’re not fond of shaking that not-so-pretty pet glitter off of your belongings every day, a Siamese cat might just be the cat for you. 

Unless, of course, they’re experiencing some external or internal factor that’s antagonizing their normal shedding routine. But that’s what vets are for, right? 

If you’re in the market for a cat that sheds lightly and you’re not fully onboard with getting a  Siamese cat just yet, why not take a look at these 17 cat breeds that barely shed?