Whether you’re considering adopting a Siamese cat or just curious about this adorable breed, you may be wondering: do Siamese cats shed?
The short answer is yes, Siamese cats do indeed shed. But because they’re short-haired, they shed less than many other breeds.
In this article, we’ll explore Siamese cat shedding, how to manage it and other considerations for existing and prospective owners.
So just how much does a Siamese cat shed?
How Much Do Siamese Cats Shed?
Siamese cats don’t have an undercoat like other breeds such as the Persian or Maine Coon.
Instead, they have a single-layer coat that’s short and fine, which lies very close to their skin.
So as a result, they don’t really shed all that much meaning that their coats require less grooming.
However, Siamese felines do shed quite a bit during specific times of the year.
Factors that Influence Shedding in Siamese Cats
Shedding in Siamese felines is primarily influenced by season. Like all cats, there are two moulting periods: the spring and fall.
In the spring, cats lose their winter coats in preparation for warmer temperatures.
In the fall, they’ll start to grow thicker coats as the days become colder.
During this period, you’ll likely notice more hair around your home.
This is of course a perfectly normal part of the shedding process.
Managing Shedding in Siamese Cats
Despite bing low shedders, Siamese cats still require some sort of grooming regimen and of course a healthy, balanced dites. Read on for more information.
Regular Brushing
Regular brushing is the most effective way to manage shedding in any cat.
For short-haired felines such as Siamese, soft bristled/slicker brushes are ideal, allowing you to gently remove loose fur without scratching or irritating the skin.
Currycombs are also recommended. These comprise rubber nubs instead of bristles and are easier on the skin.
If your cat objects to being groomed, consider purchasing a rubber grooming glove. Although not as effective as a currycomb, it will still remove dead hair.
Grooming once or twice a week should be enough to keep shedding under control.
However, during a moult, you should up the frequency to every day.
Recommended Tools
- Currycomb
- Grooming Glove
- Soft Bristle Brush
- Slicker Brush
Proper Nutrition
Shedding is often the result of poor coat maintenence which in turn can be caused by poor diet.
A healthy, balanced diet is therefore essential. The following ingredients help to promote a healthy, shiny coat while also helping you to manage your cat’s shedding.
Protein
As obligate carnivores, cats require a diet that’s rich in protein – this helps them to maintain a healthy coat and also to prevent excessive shedding.
A deficiency of dietary protein can cause the hair to become weak and brittle, leading to breakage and shedding.
So ensure that protein is part of your Siamese cat’s diet. All commercial and formulated cat foods include protein so this should present too many difficulties!
Good Dietary Sources of Protein
- Beef
- Chicken
- Commercial Cat Food
- Fish
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids help strengthen the hair shaft, making it less prone to breakage.
They also boost the health of the actual follicles, thereby decreasing the amount of hair that’s shed.
Omega 3 will also give your cat’s coat an impressive sheen.
Good Dietary Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Fish Oil Supplements (Specifically for Cats)
- Formulated Cat Food
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Tuna
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 fatty acids slow down shedding by promoting the production of natural oils in the skin such as sebum.
Sebum helps to moisturize the skin and coat – without it, a cat can suffer from dry, itchy skin and increased shedding.
Good Dietary Sources of Omega-6 Fatty Acids
- Chicken
- Formulated Cat Food
- Sardines
- Salmon
- Turkey
- Tuna
Chewy – Skin and Coat Cat Food
Excessive Shedding in Siamese Cats
There are times when the shedding as become somewhat excessive, even by a Siamese cat’s standards.
Unfortunately, this may be a sign of an underlying health or psychological problem, some of which we’ll now go through.
If you suspect any of these conditions, consult your vet.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety is known to cause excessive shedding in felines.
There are all kinds of stress triggers for cats including the arrival of a new pet, a change in routine or environment.
Known for their delicate sensibilities, Siamese cats often become more stressed than other breeds.
Allergies
Allergies can lead to excessive shedding too. While the Siamese breed isn’t all that susceptible to allergies, they’re not immune.
Food, dust and pollen can all trigger an allergic reaction.
In addition to excessive shedding, more common symptoms include scratching, sneezing and watery eyes.
Skin Infections
Bacterial or fungal skin infections can lead to dry, flaky skin and increased shedding.
This is often indicated by bald patches, red or inflamed skin or excessive scratching.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can also cause excessive shedding in Siamese cats.
This is quite prevalent in un-spayed female cats who become more susceptible to hormonal changes during their heat cycle.
Thyroid imbalances may also be a cause excessive shedding.
Parasites
Because fleas, ticks, and mites irritate the skin, the host cat will likely scratch and chew at its fur leading to hair-loss and shedding.
If your Siamese cat is shedding excessively, have her evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Final Thoughts
While Siamese cats shed significantly less than most other cats, they still require regular, albeit less frequent grooming.
Remember too that their shedding frequency is influenced by the same factors as other cats, namely season, diet and general health.
