If you’re considering adopting a calico cat, then you should consider a number of things before you bring one home. This includes how your health is going to be affected around your cat.
If you or anyone in your family has allergies, then it is understandable that you are wondering whether your calico cat will be hypoallergenic or not. So, do calico cat shed? Let’s find out below.
But first things first;
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What Is a Calico Cat?
‘Calico’ refers to a coat pattern and not any specific cat breed. The name ‘calico’ comes from the calico cloth, a textile that was originally woven in India and decorated in many different colors and patterns.
The textile comes in different colors, including white, black and orange. However, there are many other combinations of shades, including midnight blue, cream, russet and auburn.
But Do Calico Cats Shed?
Are Calico Cats Hypoallergenic?
No, calico cats are not a hypoallergenic breed. However, these cats are unlikely to trigger serious allergic reactions and can be an excellent choice for people with less severe allergic reactions.
Nonetheless, it is important to keep your calico cat on a well-balanced diet to help maintain the health of their coat and skin.
Now that you know that calico cats do shed and that they are not hypoallergenic, it is important to know everything that can trigger allergies and what you can do to reduce the shedding.
Their allergens could trigger allergies for people with serious allergies, which can make people’s lives really miserable.
Dander is a common and major cause of allergies in families with pets. In fact, dander alone is enough to trigger serious allergies.
Therefore, it is important to know what you can do to make your cat allergen-free, and your family and home more welcoming to calico cats.
Last update on 2024-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How Much Do Calico Cats Shed?
In other words, the fact that they are calico cats does not influence the amount of hair that they shed.
So do calico cats shed? And do calico cats shed a lot?
The simple answer to the questions is that it varies greatly.
The genes that determine pattern and color in calico cats are not related to the ones that regulate the amount of hair or the rate of shedding. It all boils down to the breed.
For instance, British Longhair cats will shed more than a British Shorthair simply because they have a double coat.
Do calico cats Shed All Year Round?
Yes. Pet parents can expect their calico cats to shed their fur throughout the year. However, the calico cat shedding is not a constant ongoing thing. In other words, the shedding does not occur in a particular month or period of the year.
In fact, the type or breed of cat will determine how much shedding one can expect. Calico cats from colder climatic regions usually have longer hair. And you should expect such cats to shed more than the short haired ones.
How to Reduce the Calico Cat Shedding
Cats require love and care that all animals deserve. Like dogs, cats should be kept clean at all times. One of the best ways to reduce the calico cat shedding is by grooming them regularly.
Since you know that calico cats actually do shed, you need to use high quality brush when growing them. Not only will that help improve their health, but it will also help make them more friendly and obedient to you.
Just like dogs, cats need to have their coat groomed and cleaned on a regular basis. However, it is not advisable to use human products since these can be harmful to your cat’s skin. Harsh products can cause irritation, hence increasing the risk of infections.
Ways to Control Your Calico Cat’s Shedding
Firstly, make sure to groom your calico cat regularly since grooming will determine how your allergies will react around your pet.
Brush your pet’s coat regularly since when you brush your cat’s coat, their skin produces natural oils. These natural oils also help to keep their skin moisturized. By regularly brushing your cat’s coat, you can easily prevent the skin from getting dry. This also helps to prevent the amount of dander being produced.
Make sure that you brush your calico cat’s coat in the same direction it is growing and use a high quality brush that is suitable for your pet’s coat.
If you don’t know which brush is perfect for your cat’s coat, then you should consider investing in any of the following tools.
GoPets Dematting Comb:
Long-haired calico cats will require much more when it comes to grooming and buying the right tool can help make your job much easier.
The GoPets Dematting Comb is a multipurpose tool, serving as a detangling and dematting tool as well as a deshedding rake and an undercoat brush. It can be effectively used to brush through the most difficult matts before brushing them out.
GoPets Professional Slicker Brush:
This brush from GoPets has angular bristles and a large surface area to help make it as effective as possible. The angular bristles are small in size and closely packed together to help prevent accidental poking and harming the skin.
The brush also features a self-cleaning button, which removes the hair from the bristles for easy disposal.
FURminator Adjustable Cat deMatter:
This cat grooming product boasts an adjustable cutter, with enhances effectiveness and increases safety due to its curved edges.
It’s easy to adjust the length of the blade to help work on all the targeted areas. Moreover, it boasts an easy-grip handle, which makes dematting easier. This adjustable cutter is ideal for all coat types.
Apart from brushing, you should bath your cat when necessary and make sure you do it only once per month. It’s important to avoid bathing your cat too frequently since this can make their skin dry.
Last update on 2024-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For bathing your cats, you need to use high quality products such as the following:
Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Waterless Bath Foam for Cats:
This effective and easy-to-use product helps to get rid of ticks, fleas and flea eggs. It provides a quick and easy way to groom your calico cats whenever they don’t want to do it themselves.
Specially formulated for felines using organic essential oils and premier quality ingredients like eugenol and peppermint oil, this waterless bath foam for cats cleans and deodorizes a cat’s fur for pleasantly smelling cat.
When bathing your calico cats, you need to use a high quality shampoo that will help moisturize their skin while removing all the dander, debris and dirt that might have accumulated on your cat’s coat for a long period of time.
Here are the best shampoos that are recommended to use on your calico cat’s coat:
TropiClean Shampoos for Pets:
TropiClean Shampoos for Pets is specially formulated for dogs and cats. With its great moisturizing potential, the shampoo will condition and keep your pet’s hair clean and healthy. This implies no more shedding hair due to infections that are caused by dirt.
This product provides deep skin nourishment since it is greatly penetrating. The coconut and lime essence provide refreshing fragrant and thus, no more unpleasant pet odors.
Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Shampoo:
The best way to manage skin conditions is by shampooing. The Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Shampoo is specifically designed for cats and hence, a great choice for keeping your cat free from skin issues like itchiness.
Unlike other products, this shampoo does not require water and thus, it is very easy to apply. It gives your cat’s skin and coat a soft and glossy appearance.
Last update on 2024-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Finally, make sure that you’re feeding your cat with a high quality pet food since such products have the correct balance of nutrients that are necessary for your cat to meet all their nutritional needs.
High quality cat foods contain premier quality ingredients and that’s why they are recommended for your calico cat.
These foods are extremely healthy and flavorsome and can help keep your calico cat’s skin healthy while reducing their shedding.
Conclusion: Do Calico Cat Shed?
Yes, calico cats do shed all year round. If left unattended, calico cat shedding can cause many problems, including allergies and parasitic infections.
Like dogs, cats need proper care and attention. There are many ways to do that. Nonetheless, the best way is to use a cat shedding brush and cat shampoos for bathing them.
Cat shedding brushes and cat shampoos are necessary for a healthy coat and skin. Depending on the condition of your cat’s coat, it’s important to choose the best product.
With the above reviewed cat brushes and shampoos, you can now choose the right product for your feline friend. Once you do, then you will definitely find your feline companion flourishing like ever before!
