Do Bengal cats shed? The answer to that question is a little complicated.
Bengals are hybrids, so they can have characteristics of both the domestic cat and the Asian Leopard Cat.
They are known for being low-shedding cats, but that doesn’t mean they don’t shed at all.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the truth about shedding in Bengals and help you understand what to expect if you decide to adopt one of these beautiful creatures.
Do Bengal Cats Shed?
Some people believe that Bengal cats do not shed, but this isn’t true. Bengal’s do shed, but only in small amounts in comparison to other cat breeds. This shedding is so minimal, that you may not even notice it.
Bengals will shed the most as they develop from a kitten into an adult cat due to them losing their “baby fur”.
A fully grown adult Bengal has a short, silky smooth coat that sheds very little.
A Bengal may also go through phases where they will shed more than usual.
This can be caused by stress, parasites, diet, and a number of other reasons which we will talk about in a section below.
How Often Do Bengal Cats Shed?
Generally, a Bengal cat will shed every day. However, the amount of hair they lose each day is so small that it’s not really noticeable.
This is the reason why many cat owners believe that that a Bengal doesn’t shed at all, when in fact they do.
The biggest shedding periods for Bengals usually occur during spring and fall.
This is when they will shed the most in order to get rid of their winter coat or prepare for summer.
Why Do Bengals Sometimes Shed More Often?
Although shedding in a Bengal is so minimal that their owners may not even notice, there are a number of factors that will cause them to shed more than usual.
Let’s take a look.
From Kitten To Adult Cat
One of the main reasons Bengals will shed more as they grow is because their coats are changing. As kittens, they have a thicker and more fuzzy coat.
They begin to lose this coat in their final stages of their development, just as they are about to go from a kitten, to an adult cat.
This transformation happens as they reach sexual maturity at around seven to nine months of age.
Stress / Anxiety
Stress can play a bigger factor in the amount of fur that a Bengal cat sheds. If your Bengal is going through a particularly stressful event or time period, they will shed more as a result.
This can be due to many different things such as moving house, changes in their routine, the addition of new pets or people to the home, and so on.
While it might not seem like much to us, cats do not like change and stress can be a serious issue that can resort to a visit to the vets.
If you feel your Bengal is shedding or developing bald patches due to stress, you need to find the source of the problem and any changes in your home that may have triggered this stress.
Parasites,
Parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites, can also be a cause of excessive shedding in Bengals.
These little critters can attach themselves to the coat and skin of your cat, causing them to scratch and lick excessively as they try to get rid of them.
This can lead to bald patches and excessive shedding.
Getting your cat on a regular flea treatment is critical to preventing disease caused by fleas and parasites.
Seasonal Shedding
Seasonal shedding is also a factor in the amount of shedding.
As the seasons change, so does your cat’s coat. In the spring and summer, they will shed their winter coat in preparation for the warmer weather.
As summer comes to an end and the weather turns cold, their winter fur will begin to grow back again.
Unlike many other mammals who have two layers of fur, an undercoat, and a topcoat, Bengals have just one layer of fur.
This means that a Bengals coat stays pretty much the same all year round, which generally makes them an exception to seasonal shedding.
The only time you may notice seasonal shedding in a Bengal is if you live in the far north or south where more dramatic seasonal changes occur.
Diet
A healthy diet is also important in helping keep shedding under control.
Bengals who are eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein, fatty acids, and vitamins will generally have less problems with excessive shedding than those who are not.
In addition to a good diet, Bengals also need plenty of fresh water to help keep their coats looking shiny.
As Bengals love water and even love to play in it, a cat water fountain or two in your home is the best way to encourage your Bengal to drink more.
If you are unsure about a Bengal cats diet, either do some research online, or better still, speak to a veterinarian who can give you advice.
Health Issues
Underlying health problems can also cause a Bengal to shed excessively.
Common health problems in Bengals that can lead to excessive shedding are allergies, parasites, and skin infections.
If you think your Bengal may be unhealthy, it’s best to take them to the vet for a check-up.
This is because cats are usually very good at hiding pain and injuries, which means it can be extremely difficult for their owners to notice any issues.
Are Bengals Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a true hypoallergenic cat.
Although due to their limited shedding, Bengals are one of the few breeds on a list of cats that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Allergies to cats are actually caused by a protein that is found in their saliva and skin, and it is this dander that is the issue.
Dander is tiny particles of dead skin that carry Fel d 1 and Fel d 4 which are both allergens.
This dander is spread around the home when a cat grooms themselves, which then gets into your respiratory system.
So, even though Bengals don’t shed as much as other breeds of cats, they’re still not suitable for people with allergies.
Cat allergies affect 10 percent of the US population.
How To Manage Shedding In Bengal Cats
Brush Your Cat
Although Bengals shed less than other breeds of cat, it’s still a good idea to brush them at least once per week.
This will help to remove any loose hair, and can even prevent hairballs.
A Balanced Diet
A good diet is also important for managing shedding.
Feed your Bengal a high-quality diet that’s rich in protein to help keep their coat healthy and shiny.
Avoid Bathing Too Often
Bathing a Bengal too often can cause their hair to fall out as the skin dries up.
Do Bengal Cats Shed Conclusion
Do Bengal cats shed? Bengal cats are one of the most popular breeds of domestic cats in the world.
They are known for their striking coat patterns and wildcat-like features.
Bengal cats do shed, but how often they shed and why it sometimes happens more than other times can vary depending on the individual cat.
Bengals are not hypoallergenic, but there are ways to manage shedding in Bengal cats to minimize its impact on people with allergies.
