Cats are adorable and rich pets to pet, especially when they are very furry. However, the shedding of some popular breeds can be difficult to handle. Whether you can’t tolerate furballs circulating around the house, don’t have enough time, or are prone to allergies, you’ll be happy to know that there are cats that dont shed or shed almost no hair.
Are there cats that dont shed?
We are pleased to share with you the list of non-shedding cats, what characterizes them and why would you want to choose one of them.
What are the domestic cats that don’t shed?
In general, cats that do not shed hair can be divided into two groups or types: hairless cats and short-haired cats. Lacking the conventional coat of cats, the different hairless breeds are among the best options to consider. But if you are still not convinced by the appearance of these exotic felines, you could opt for certain short-coated cats.
Although most of them still shed hair, and still need routine maintenance, the amount shed is much less than that lost by other breeds.
That said, the 11 cats that don’t shed hair are:
- Sphinx cat
- Cornish rex
- Devon rex
- Siamese
- Oriental shorthair
- Rough haired American
- LaPerm
- Russian blue
- Exotic cat
- Abyssinian
- Bengal
Let’s see what they look like and what characterizes each of them …
1. Sphinx cat
Also erroneously known as the Egyptian cat, the sphinx is the most famous among hairless cats. It should be noted that, although it does not have the typical feline fur, in reality, it does have hair follicles, from which a kind of very thin, practically imperceptible layer grows. That is why your skin feels similar to suede.
The sphinx cat is an exotic breed, ideal for those looking for a pussy that does not shed hair. However, with the absence of fur comes great responsibility. Their exposed skin lacks protection, as well as a mechanism to absorb natural oils. That means that it requires a special maintenance routine, with regular baths and care that protects it from sunlight and changes in temperature.
- Origin: Canada
- Size: small to medium
- Temperament: loyal, inquisitive, friendly, calm, gentle
- Colors: white, black, blue, red, cream, chocolate, lavender
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years
2. Cornish Rex
A favorite among thin-shedding cats is the small Cornish Rex. This cat’s silky, curly coat is very short, tight to the body, and incredibly soft to the touch. Many describe him as a lamb-like cat. Compared to other breeds, the Cornish does not lose almost any hair; it just doesn’t come off so easily.
- Origin: UK
- Size: very small
- Temperament: loving, intelligent, active, curious, playful
- Colors: white, black, blue, red, cream, silver, chocolate, lavender
- Life expectancy: 11-14 years
3. Devon Rex
If you want a cute, quirky cat that doesn’t shed hair, then you should consider the Devon Rex. Similar to the Cornish Rex, this kitten has a very soft, partially wavy short coat. His low shedding/maintenance level, coupled with a mischievous personality and elf-like appearance, makes him the perfect pussycat.
- Origin: UK
- Small size
- Temperament: mischievous, highly interactive, loyal, sociable, playful
- Colors: white, black, blue, red, cream, fawn, chocolate, lavender
- Life expectancy: 10-15 years
4. Siamese
Acclaimed for its distinctive markings and stunning blue eyes, the popular Siamese cat is also included in the list of least shedding breeds. While he looks fluffy and fluffy, his cape doesn’t shed as much hair as others. The fine, short, and silky coats of the Siamese are very easy to maintain.
Using a fine-tooth comb to remove dead hair every week helps to shed even less hair.
- Origin: Thailand
- Size: medium to large
- Temperament: active, agile, cunning, sociable, loving, energetic
- Colors: spots in the seal, chocolate, blue, or lilac
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
5. Oriental shorthair
Oriental short-haired cats are related to the Siamese family, hence they do not shed much hair either. The breed’s short, smooth and shiny coat requires very little maintenance. In essence, it is a cute and little shedding cat, ideal as a pet for the family environment.
- Origin: United States
- Small size
- Temperament: energetic, sociable, affectionate, intelligent, playful, curious
- Colors: white, black, chestnut, cream, fawn, tan, lavender
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years
6. Rough-haired American
Intelligent and adaptable, the American Wirehair is a one-of-a-kind specimen, whose bristly coat hardly pulls hairs or requires so much maintenance. In fact, many recommend avoiding frequent brushing in this breed given the delicate nature of their coat. Instead of combing, it is better to bathe with some regularity.
Contrary to what the name suggests, the dense coat of these American cats is soft to the touch.
- Origin: United States
- Size: medium to large
- Temperament: loving, curious, gentle, intelligent, sensitive, playful, loyal
- Colors: black, blue, cream, fawn, silver, white, and brindle
- Life expectancy: 14-18 years
7. LaPerm
One that could not be absent from the top of the breeds that shed less hair is the peculiar LaPerm. This noticeably curly-haired cat usually sheds very little. Some specimens have a short wavy coat and others have it as long and curly as the shape of a corkscrew, but in any case, the amount of loose hair is minimal.
- Origin: United States
- Small: size
- Temperament: intelligent, active, gentle, resourceful
- Colors: white, black, blue, red, cream, chocolate, tan, fawn
- Life expectancy: 10-14 years
8. Russian blue
Although the fluffy appearance of Russian Blue cats suggests otherwise, the truth is that they do not shed as much fur as some people might think. The breed only sheds its coat for 2-3 weeks, once or twice a year, and is very easy to maintain. This may be the ideal pet cat for those looking for a cute, short-haired, plush pussycat who doesn’t let as much hair down around the home.
- Origin: Russia
- Medium size
- Temperament: active, dependent, gentle, intelligent, loyal, playful, silent
- Colors: blue, silver
- Life expectancy: 10-16 years
9. Exotic cat
Often described as a Persian with short hair, the exotic cat is the result of a cross between the Persian, American short-haired, and British short-haired breeds. Their dense, soft and padded coat has minimal shedding, although it may require a bit more maintenance than other cats mentioned.
Regular combing is recommended to remove dead hairs and maintain the beauty of such a luxurious coat.
- Origin: United States
- Medium size
- Temperament: loving, sweet, loyal, quiet, calm
- Colors: black, blue, chinchilla, chocolate, cream, lilac, red, silver, white
- Life expectancy: 10-15 years
10. Abyssinian
The Abyssinian cat is highly admired for its large wild cat physical features; many find it similar to the puma. However, another feature to highlight is the low shedding of its fur. The soft, shiny, dense, and resistant to the touch coat is almost hairless.
Even so, it is noted that the breed does experience a shedding season, during which it is advisable to brush and bathe regularly to remove loose hairs faster.
- Origin: Egypt
- Size: small to medium
- Temperament: active, energetic, independent, intelligent, gentle
- Colors: black, chocolate, tan, fawn, reddish
- Life expectancy: 14-15 years
11. Bengal
Obtained by crossing an Asian leopard cat and a short-haired domestic cat, it is not surprising that the beautiful Bengal has an exotic coat, similar to that of some wild cats. The plush-textured coat typically varies in softness and density, but always requires little maintenance and sheds less hair than other breeds.
It can be an excellent option for owners who prefer a larger pet cat.
- Origin: United States
- Size: medium to large
- Temperament: active, lively, affectionate, vocal, quarrelsome, energetic
- Colors: black, brown, cream, reddish
- Life expectancy: 12-16 years
Other cat breeds that shed the least hair are the Burmese and Bombay.
