Every cat owner knows how much of a nuisance is fur lying around the couches and beds. Cats can be just on any surface in the household, so there is no much room for safe places. Fortunately, not all pet cats shed at the same rate. Bengal cats are distinguished from the other breeds by the former’s almost non-existent shedding.
Bengal cats are closely related to the wild Asian leopard cats (the Bengals are actually a crossbreed of the Asian Leopard Cat and a domestic cat – learn more about the history of the Bengal cat here). The leopard cats have more of a pelted coat than a fur coat.
Do Bengal cats shed?
Bengal cats shed a very small amount of fur. However, the shedding may suddenly rise, which would be a pointer to something else. We shall look into that, as well as when to consult a vet.
Reasons why a Bengal may shed
There are several reasons why shedding may happen. These are the most common reasons: –
* Growing up
just like with any other cat breed, kittens do shed in their development. The shedding in Bengals is pronounced in their final stage of maturity. When your Bengal matures, it emerges with the stunning silky sleek coat. This is the only time your Bengal should shed naturally.
The shedding occurs when the kittens attain an age of 7-9 months. This is also the time a cat matures sexually.
* Stress
Yes, you thought it right- your Bengal is not immune to stress. Even the wilder genes could not mask that. Just like other breeds, this cat can catch a bad vibe and end up stressed or anxious.
Stress is by far the most common cause of shedding.
Some instances that may trigger stress in a cat would be moving to a new house or changing the residence. Before the cat adapts to the new environment, she’ll probably be dull (either anxious or stressed).
If you have one Bengal in your house, introducing another Bengal would stress the host. This also happens with other cats. Other disturbances, such as a thunderstorm or extremely loud noise, will also stress the cats.
You can tell she’s stressed if she has bald patches on her coat. You should know that humans lose hair too when stressed.
* Seasons
Just like human beings, seasons affects the cat’s coat. More so, if you have petted a cat before, you might have noticed seasonal shedding.
Change in temperature is the core cause of seasonal shedding. As winter approaches, more fur grows on the cat’s skin to weather the cold season. When winter turns to spring and summer gradually, the cat starts shedding. The process repeats after the cat has grown fur during autumn.
However, Bengals have just one layer of fur, which remains pretty much the same throughout the year. The only Bengals that experience seasonal shedding are those living far north or south, where extreme seasonal changes happen.
* Feeding
Cats can also shed due to dietary changes. Inadequate nutrition can manifest in the form of shedding in cats, Bengals included. Cats are carnivores, meaning that their diet is mostly protein. The diet should also be minimally processed and high in other nutrients. You can do an online search on dieting, or you can just talk it over with your vet.
Apart from during the seasonal shedding, if your Bengal’s coat is silky and healthy throughout the other period, you’re most probably feeding her well.
* Underlying problem
Sometimes our pets become ill, and we may not tell it until the pet has suffered enough damage to show. One way an underlying medical problem may manifest is by unusual shedding, plus some behavior changes.
How to take care of the Bengal
Cats like grooming, a lot. Ensure you comb your Bengal’s coat weekly. Combing collects all the detached fur. If she likes water, give her occasional baths. You should also apply oil during combing to distribute it across her body.
Conclusion – How Often Do Bengal Cats Shed?
If you have a Bengal, and living around the equator, cat shedding may never be your problem. However, this does not excuse the Bengal from being hypo-allergic. If a family member or a friend is allergic to cats, they should keep off Bengals too. Other than that, Bengals do not shed that often.
Don’t forget to read our guide to whether or not your cat is a Bengal mix!
