Do American Shorthair Cats Shed A Lot?

For some people who are planning to get a pet cat, the cat's tendency to shed is a big factor. Aside from dealing with the mess, their hair can also trigger allergies. So, you might be wondering whether American Shorthair cats shed a lot. For your convenience, we brought you the answer.

American Shorthair cats shed less fur compared to long-hair cats and even some other short-hair felines. They lose a moderate amount of fur throughout the year, but it can easily be managed by brushing their hair weekly.

Hang on, because we will tell you more about the American Shorthair's tendency to shed, whether they are considered hypoallergenic pets, and what characteristics they have that distinguish them from other domestic cats. We'll also share tips on how to deal with their shedding and other grooming requirements.

An American shorthair cat sitting on the floor, Do American Shorthair Cats Shed A Lot?

Shedding And American Shorthair Cats

Shedding is normal for all cats. These furballs actually shed some hair every day as their coat grows. The old hair is replaced by new hair. But it is more noticeable during spring as they are preparing for warmer weather.

Man brushing domestic cat with comb

However, not all cat breeds shed the same amount of hair. Some breeds tend to shed more than others. American Shorthairs are one of those breeds that don't shed a lot of hair. Their level of shedding is considered moderate.

The mess that their excess hair makes can be managed simply by brushing their coat once or twice a week. This will help you collect their dead hair before it falls out on your furniture and other parts of the house.

If you notice that your American Shorthair is shedding a lot more than usual, you better consult your vet to check if there is any medical issue causing them to lose their hair.

Is The American Shorthair Purebred?

Full body portrait of American Shorthair Cat, Do American Shorthair Cats Get Along With Other Cats? [And Other Pets]

The American Shorthair is no ordinary domestic cat. They are purebred, and we can trace their origins from Europe. These cats made their way to America aboard ships like the Mayflower. They were bred to kill rats to stop the plague that those pests were causing.

Other domestic cats don't have a clear lineage. The American Shorthair's historical background, however, would play a big role in how they got their name.

Their breed used to be referred to as Domestic Shorthair. But they were renamed American Shorthair in reference to their heritage as the first felines to set foot on the New World.

Another notable characteristic of American Shorthair cats is that they produce kittens that look exactly like them. They have that distinct muscular neck, broad chest, strong jaws, and a sturdy build. Offsprings of other domestic shorthair cats can have different appearances.

This breed has a sociable and easygoing personality. They love the company of their humans and even other pets. They're also smart and trainable, which is why they make such good household pets.

They have short, dense, and thick hair. They shed moderately, but don't worry, they are very easy to groom. You can brush their hair once a week to keep it shiny and healthy.

Are American Shorthair Cats Hypoallergenic?

No doubt about it, American Shorthair cats are lovable and cuddly. But they're not a good pet for everyone, especially if you suffer from allergies or asthma, as they aren't hypoallergenic.

American Shorthair cats do shed a moderate amount of hair. This can trigger an allergy attack for some people. They also produce the Fel d1 protein which is a common allergen that causes allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching, hives, and watery eyes.

However, every person has a different threshold level for allergies. Some are more sensitive to cat proteins than others. If you're really interested in having an American Shorthair cat as your pet, you can try visiting or fostering one for a while to see how your body will react to them.

Do Shorthair Or Longhair Cats Shed More?

It's generally believed that longhair cats shed more than shorthair cats. But this isn't necessarily true. It just so happens that the shedding is more noticeable among long-haired cats because of the length of their hair.

A cat's tendency to shed is determined by the layers of its coat. Those breeds of cats with undercoats will shed more than those without.

Some cats even have double or triple coats, and you can expect them to lose more hair as they change their coats. Simply put, the more layers there are, the more a cat will shed.

Do Shorthair Cats Need Grooming?

Proper grooming is essential in ensuring the good health and well-being of your pet. Although cats are known for licking their bodies to keep them clean, it is still important for pet owners to groom their furballs regularly.

Grooming helps remove dead skin, excess hair, dirt, and dandruff on your pet's coat. You are also able to check for any signs of wounds or abnormalities on their body that you can address immediately. It is also a great bonding moment with your furry friend.

In general, short-haired cats only need grooming about once a week. You can give them a bath then gently brush their coat to prevent tangling and matting of their hair. Use the right kind of brush or comb to help you get the job done effectively so that you can help ensure that their coat is in great condition.

What Is The Best Brush For A Shorthair Cat?

Although shorthair cats may not require frequent brushing, they will still benefit from grooming. But it is important to use the right kind of brush to be effective in removing excess hair while being gentle on your pet's skin.

Here are some of the most recommended brushes for shorthair cats:

1. Hartz Slicker Brush for Cats

This slicker brush can effectively remove tangles and mats. It has thin and fine bristles that are gentle on your furry friend's skin.

Click here to see this brush on Amazon.

2. Mars Boar Bristle Cat Hair Brush

This is a professional-grade grooming brush for your pet. Its natural boar bristles gently comb your furball's coat to make it shiny and remove dead hair.  

Click here to see this brush on Amazon.

3. Pet Hair Remover Glove

If your pet doesn't enjoy being brushed, you can use this mitt brush. It'll make them feel like you're petting them, but as you do so, you'll be able to brush away the loose coat and light mats on your feline's fur.

Click here to see this pet grooming glove on Amazon.

These brushes for shorthair cats will make it easier for you to groom your pet and get the job done successfully.  

Can You Brush A Cat Too Much?

Tabby cat being brushed and combed

There is no harm in brushing your cat's coat every day. This is especially true if they have medium to long hair. This will help remove dead hair, dandruff, and dirt on their coat. As a result, they will have healthier and shinier hair.

Brushing your cat's hair is a great bonding experience between the two of you. It will build your pet's trust and affection towards you.

Some signs that you should stop brushing your cat's hair include when they start to walk away and shows signs of irritation. It is their way of telling you that they've had too much brushing for the time being, and it's best to leave them alone so they won't associate brushing with a negative experience.

Final Thoughts

If you want a pet that does not shed too much, American Shorthair cats would be a great choice. Aside from being calm, friendly, and affectionate, their short coat does not require any special grooming regimen, making them easy to groom all the time.

No stress on your part, only more cuddles to gain. Purrfect!

To get more grooming tips for your pet, you can check out these related posts:

Can You Over Brush A Cat?

How Often Should You Brush Cats?

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