Do British Shorthairs shed a lot? If you’re wondering whether or not a British Shorthair is the right pet for you, this question is certainly important to consider! We’ll take a look at how much British Shorthairs shed and offer some tips on how to keep your home clean if you do decide to bring one of these cats into your life. Keep reading to learn more!
Do British Shorthairs Shed A Lot?
British Shorthair cats (BSH)don’t shed a lot compared to other indoor cats. This is mostly because they don’t have a thick undercoat like many other breeds. While they will still lose some fur, it’s nothing compared to the amount that cats with a dense undercoat will lose. If you’re looking for a low-shedding cat, a BSH is a good option to consider.
How To Reduce Shedding in British Shorthair
There are a few things you can do to help reduce the amount of shedding from your cat.
Good Quality Diet
First, make sure you’re providing them with a good quality diet that includes all the nutrients they need. A healthy diet will help keep their coat healthy and minimize shedding.
Also, consider giving your cat supplements like omega-3 fatty acids which can help reduce shedding.
Regular Grooming
As with all cats, regular grooming is the key to reducing shedding in British Shorthairs. Weekly brushing will help to remove loose hair and reduce the amount of hair that your cat loses on a daily basis.
You can also look into using a shedding blade. A shedding blade is a special comb that helps to remove loose hair from your cat
Hydration Is Key
Drinking plenty of water will also help to keep your cat’s coat healthy and reduce shedding.
Regular Vet Checkups
You should also take your cat to the vet for regular checkups to make sure they’re healthy and to identify any health conditions that could cause excessive shedding.
How To Keep Your Home Clean With A British Shorthair
Even though British Shorthairs don’t shed a lot, it’s still important to keep your home clean if you have one of these cats. Here are some tips:
Brush Them Regularly
As we mentioned before, regular brushing will help remove loose hair before it has a chance to fall out on its own and end up on your furniture or floor.
Vacuum Regularly
Be sure to vacuum your floors and furniture regularly to pick up any hair that has been shed. A lot of people swear by a HEPA filter for collecting pet dander particles.
Wash Their Bed
Be sure to wash your cat’s bedding regularly to remove any hair or dander that has accumulated.
Use A Lint Roller
Keep a lint roller handy to quickly remove any hair from your clothing or furniture.
Why Do British Shorthair Cats Shed Hair?
These cats shed their hair for a few different reasons. First, they shed to get rid of any old, damaged hair. Second, they shed to regulate their body temperature.
Are British Shorthair Cats Hypoallergenic?
No, British Shorthair cats are not hypoallergenic. While they don’t shed as much as some other breeds, they still produce the same amount of Fel d 1 protein in their saliva which is what causes allergies in people. So, if you’re allergic to cats, this cat is not the right breed for you.
What Breeds Of Cat Shed The Least?
If you’re looking for a cat that sheds the least, consider one of these breeds:
- Sphynx
- Siamese
- Devon Rex
- Peterbald
- Cornish Rex
- Oriental Shorthair
- Russian Blue
Siamese cats are another good option if you’re looking for a cat that doesn’t shed much. These cats have very fine fur that doesn’t mat easily and they don’t have an undercoat so they don’t shed as much as other breeds.
Devon Rex and Cornish Rex cats are also good choices for people who want a cat that doesn’t shed. These breeds have very short fur that lies close to their bodies so there’s less hair to fall out.
And finally, Oriental Shorthairs are another type of cat that doesn’t shed much. These cats have very fine fur that doesn’t mat easily and they don’t have an undercoat so they don’t shed as much as other breeds.
Do BSH Meow A Lot?
No, British Shorthairs don’t tend to meow a lot. They are relatively quiet cats. This doesn’t mean that they never meow, but they typically don’t do it excessively.
If your BSH is meowing a lot, it may be trying to tell you something. Pay attention to see if there is anything different about its behavior or routine that could be causing the meowing.
If you can’t figure it out, take your cat to the vet to rule out any medical causes.
Do British Shorthair Cats Have Health Problems?
British shorthairs are a healthy breed overall, but like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions. Some of the health problems that have been documented in British shorthairs include:
- Hip dysplasia: This is a condition where the hip socket does not form properly, causing lameness and pain. Hip dysplasia is more common in larger breeds of cats, but can occur in British shorthairs as well.
- Polycystic kidney disease: This is a genetic condition that causes cysts to form on the kidneys, eventually leading to kidney failure. There is no cure for polycystic kidney disease, but it can be managed with medication and diet.
- Heart conditions: A British shorthair cat can be susceptible to various heart conditions, such as cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. These conditions can be serious and even life-threatening.
- Gastrointestinal disorders: BSH cats can sometimes suffer from gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease and chronic diarrhea. These conditions can be very uncomfortable for your kitty and can lead to weight loss and malnutrition.
As you can see, British shorthairs can be prone to some health problems. However, these problems are usually not common and most BSH live long healthy lives.
If you are considering adopting this cat, be sure to talk to the breeder or shelter about the health history of the parents and any siblings.
This will give you a better idea of what health problems your cat may be at risk for.
Bottom Line
So, do British shorthair cats shed a lot? British shorthair cats do shed. While they don’t shed as much as some other breeds, they still shed enough that you’ll need to take some steps to keep your home clean.
Regular brushing, vacuuming, and washing their bedding will help reduce the amount of hair in your home. And if you’re allergic to cats, unfortunately, a British Shorthair cat is not the right breed for you.
Elliot is the owner and lead writer at Lais Lairs. He is the proud owner of a Maine Coon/Siberian Mix cat named Lai. His oldest cat lived to be 18 years old so he’s learned a thing or two about keeping pets. When he’s not writing you can find him playing video games or playing fetch with Lai.
