Have you asked yourself which of long-haired cat breeds that don’t shed or at least shed less? Thinking which of them are friendly or good mannered? Here we’ll talk about 6 long-haired cat breeds that don’t shed or shed less at least.
You will have here the knowledge of the origin of some cats, their appearances, sizes and weights, shed level, and many more!
Contents
Are There Long-Haired Cat Breeds That Don’t Shed?
Long-haired cats have a variety of behavior depending on the breed and its background. Some of them are approachable, affectionate and can be pat easily, but some of them are independent, hard to call and some of them hate humans.
Actually, there are no long-haired cats that do not shed, but there are long-haired cats that shed the least (humans that are short-haired still shed hair everyday, what more about the long-haired cats).
But if we are talking generally, there is one that is an actual cat that does not shed, which is the sphinx. But the Sphinx is not a longhaired cat!
6 Long-Haired Cat Breeds That Don’t Shed (Or, At Least, Shed Less)
Sorry to break it down to you, but the Sphinx is the only cat breed that completely does not shed. But these are 6 long-haired cat breeds that have minimum shed levels. Namely: Birman, Siberian, Japanese Bobtails, LaPerm cats, Javanese cats, and Turkish Angora cat breeds.
These 6 cat breeds still require brushing BUT ONLY FOR MINIMAL AMOUNTS. For example, the Siberian, Japanese Bobtails, and LaPerm Cats, only require once a week of brushing.
Other cats require twice or thrice a week of brushing especially during shedding season. But if you’re going to compare them towards other breeds, they shed relatively (and remarkably) less.
| Name | Size/Weight (smallest to larger) | Lifespan | Level Shed |
| Birman Cat Breed | Height: 8”-10″ (20-25 cm)Weight: 10-12 lb (4.5-5.4 kg) | 13-15 years | Occasional Shedding, and low level shed by not having an undercoat. |
| Siberian Cat Breed | Height: 23-28 cm in heightWeight:10-20 lb (4.5-9.1 kg) | 8–10 years | Seasonal Shedding. High shedding in winter, but low shedding during summer onwards. |
| Japanese Bobtail | Height: 23-28 cmWeight:5–10 pounds | 9–15 years | Seasonal and low shedding during spring and fall. |
| LaPerm Cat | Height: 6 to 10 inchesWeight: 8 to 10 pounds | 10 to 15 years | Infrequent Shedding occurs but is generally easy to handle. |
| Javanese Cat Breed | Height: 18-20 inchesWeight: 5-10 lbs | 8-12 years | Low level shedding given their single coating. |
| Turkish Angora Cat Breed | Height: 9–14 inchesWeight: 8–15 pounds | 9–14 years | Low to normal shedding level |
Birman Cat Breed
The Sacred Cat of Burma doesn’t have an undercoat!
A domestic cat breed with a black pointed color in the face and ears. Renowned by its plush coat, pale blue eyes, and each paw has white “gloves”.
Adult Birman cats are usually 15 to 18 inches long and have a height of 8 to 10 inches in between. Male Birman are mostly bigger than female ones. And its weight is about 6 to 12 pounds with a lifespan of 12-16 years.
A typical Birman cat’s personality is approachable, good-natured, and communicative. Because they are placid or kind-mannered.
These cats are one of the good choices to have with, even if you have children or households with the other cats or dogs.
Birman cats may be really super fluffy but don’t be too shocked when I say this. They don’t have an undercoat! So, Birman Cats only need a minimal amount of brushing for like two to three times a week. This is to prevent their coats from tangling and matting.
From unfamiliar breeding farms, normal Birmans cost from $600-$1,000. While from known breeding farms, the prices range from $1,200 to $3,000. Sure it’s costly, but it is worth buying for a new beautiful member of a family!
Siberian Cat Breed
Well, prepare for twice a year of heavy shedding.
Being native to Siberia, Russia, this cat is the earliest breed that presumes to be the ancestors of the modern long-haired cats. They are the most common breed in Siberia and is the national cat of Russia
This cat has a well built backside, huge well-rounded paws, and a similarly big full tail. They have medium to large sized ears and eyes, with wide foreheads and heavier builds than other cats.
These breeds come in a variety of colors such as pure white, black, red, blue and sometimes silver and are usually 23-28 cm in height and 38-46 cm in body length.
Weekly brush is commonly needed to keep their coat healthy. During the spring and fall, which are the shedding seasons for Siberian cats it is recommended to brush them daily (make sure that their undercoat is brushed tightly).
They also need to be brushed at least three times a week to avoid matted coating, but bathing is recommended for 3 times a month given that their undercoat is nearly waterproof. These cats are really energetic too! So they need lots of mental and physical stimulation.
Their prices are ranging from $1,200- $2,000, but from a famous breeding farm, it can cost from $2500 to $4000. They are pretty good with everyone and can be very affectionate towards children and other dogs or cats.
These breeds are perfect for houses with members that are willing to always play with a cat and it is advised for ages 10 and above to play with them since they can be very playful making accidents more prone so parental vision is also recommended.
Trivia: They’re really pricey because despite being common in Siberia, they’re in high demand in the US with low supply of purebred Siberian cats.
Japanese Bobtail
Short tails, big fluffs, and high luck!
Its head is triangular with elevated cheekbones, long ears and large oval eyes. They commonly cost about $600 to $1,600. These cats usually have a body length of 33-38cm, and a weight around 6-12 pounds. They generally exercise to keep their weight properly.
The tail of a Japanese Bobtail is more like the rabbit than the other cats. Its variety can be found in Japan, though it can be seen all over the world. Its breed is known in Japan for centuries.
They are also known to get along with children, cats, and dogs. Mostly they are medium sized cats with long, slim, refined bodies set on large, delicate legs.
These breeds don’t have any undercoat, so brushing is only necessary once a week. As they seasonally shed with less to moderate hair, maintenance is easy.
Normally, they love food treats but they easily lose themselves to the point where they obtain more weight.
Fun Fact: They are considered as a lucky cat and to have one, will guarantee happiness and god speed.
LaPerm Cat
Wanted a curly haired cat? LaPerm Cat is the answer!
LaPerm cats are a mutated gene that was discovered in the 1980s which made their coat and hair curly. They have bright and energetic personalities which makes taking care of them really enjoyable!
They have curled coats that’s a combination of soft hairs and springy curls. They also come in several colors such as shades of brown, lilac, silver, and even white, red, and orange.
LaPerm cats rarely shed, though they sometimes molt, this is because of a new coat growing which happens once every two years. But don’t worry, this is completely normal, and when they do molt, they only shed clumps of hair (still easy, huh).
Combing them weekly is enough to keep their coats from tangling. Its ears always stand upright and never fall. Their kittens can be born with no hair, but weeks later they will start having it.
These breeds are super loving and their low maintenance coats make them huggable. A usual LaPerm’s height is about 6-10 inches, weight of 8-10 pounds, and a lifespan for about 12-15 years.
Its costs are ranging from $300-$600 from a trusted breeder. They are good at socializing with children, seniors and other cats or dogs, with their fluffy and low maintenance coat, truly making them the perfect pet!
Javanese Cat Breed
Good thing they love people since they shed only in small amounts.
Did you know that a certain Helen Smith of MerryMews Cattery coined the term “Javanese Cat” around 1950? And Their namesake came from the tradition of using islands in Asia for Oriental Cat breeds (You learn something new everyday).
They usually have deep, bright, and vivid blue eyes, and their ears are long triangles with a long pipe-like body. They also come in colors of red, seal, cream, chocolate, lilac, blue cream, and lilac cream with tabby or shaded patterns
They’re really active and vocal, and they REALLY LIKE TO PLAY, so remember to invest on cat toys, cat trees, and high perches! If not, they’re going to make your sofa their special perch. These cats mostly spend their entire time with people and joining them on what they’re doing.
Weekly brushing is advised because they are single coated which means they don’t have undercoats. Giving them a bath occasionally is recommended, because there is no more softer than a Javanese coat when it’s newly washed.
Not only are they low maintenance when it comes to brushing, but they really shed in such small amounts even with medium hair! With little to moderate care, and such a playful personality, these breeds are truly wonderful pets!
They are considered as a rare cat breed and its price can cost from $1,500 to $2,500 from a trusted breeder.
Turkish Angora Cat Breed
A low shedding but visually magnetic cat breed!
One of the oldest and natural cat breeds, they originated from Anatolia (Modern-day Turkey) and they were found as early as the 17th century. These cats literally survived the test of time.
The Turkish Angora cat has a long, extremely soft and fine coat that comes in white, black, ebony, silver, lavender, and even orange and gray, with a stylish and curvy body, it carries itself with utmost grace. Its ears can be described as large, wide and pointed.
Be careful! These cats are really smart, and have a lively spirit so playing is highly encouraged with them to keep them entertained which makes having cat toys extra plus for extra love! They have silky coats with no undercoat, so give importance to grooming at least twice a week.
The common cost of these kittens range from $900 to $1,500, on the other hand for trusted breeders it can roughly reach prices of up to $1800 – $3000. But they’re surely worth every penny spent since they’re really great with people, other cats or dog families too!
Fun Fact: For the first few years of this breed, people thought it to be deaf (but later on was proven false).
How To Reduce Your Cat From Shedding
The most recommended way by all experts, and breeders is of course to brush your cat to reduce shedding, it’s a fun way for both you and your pet feline! Bathing them is also recommended since it can help to remove excess hair and to maintain a lustrous coat!
But for each and every cat breed there is a recommended number of brushing and bathing times, so pay attention to these too for best results, and best bonding time between you and your cat!
Groom Your Cat Regularly
Grooming involves a lot of things to keep your cat clean, healthy, and of course less-inclined to shed.
And if you have less dirt on the hair of your cat, this can actively lessen the amount of shedding. The skin of the cats are kept free from hair-removing particles such as bacteria that’s present in dirt that goes to the nails of your cats.
Of course, one of the most important parts of regular grooming is brushing. Certain cat breeds need only once a week of brushing, but other ones require two to three times to keep them not only healthy, but to prevent shedding as well.
Maintain A Lustrous Coat That Is Less Inclined To Shed
Aside from regular grooming, brushing and bathing are two sides of the same coin. To keep their coats nice and clean, and free from tangles and matting. Not only does this improve the physical features of the cat, but it also improves their overall health, and active levels!
Here are some ways to brush your cat:
- Start from the lower part or the parts that are exposed to dirt such as their legs, paws, and stomach. Slowly brush it then go up.
- Always use brushes that are made for cats as regular combs and brushes may be harmful to them. The bristles of regular brushes are sometimes too thick or too tough for their coats.
- Use an upward motion to gently lift their hair and clean more.
- Always go on one motion only as going in several directions and motions may cause irritability to the cat and will not straighten out loose hair.
- Separate the hair on the cat’s tail towards the center to brush its sides too.
This may also help to lessen the fur balls made by the hair of the cats.
Keep Your Cat Healthy
Keeping your cat healthy is relatively easy no matter the breed. Maintain a clean environment for them, provide lots of toys, and exert a lot of time towards them to play too! Cats are not that anti-social as we all think they are.
Overfeeding cats may look undeniably adorable, but can cause serious problems such as arthritis, diabetes, and even liver problems. Your cat should be playful and active and always check with your vet for a more proper diagnosis.
Provide proper food and an adequate diet as well, with a mix of daily vitamins too. A pudgy kitty may look cute but is dangerous to the cat. The recommendation is 24 to 35kgs per pound of the cat to keep a normal and healthy weight!
Keep your cats hydrated too, especially long-haired cats as being dehydrated causes their skin to shed or even molt. A proper diet can avoid shedding or at least minimize it especially if you’re feeding an omega-rich diet such as tunas to keep their coat healthy!
And this goes without saying, but providing a home and a stress-free environment too, noises, bright lights, and a dirty home all affects the well-being of the cat resulting in more frequent shedding.
And keep an eye out on their ears since dirt buildup can naturally occur here, but wiping using a damp cloth would be more than enough, and lastly of course, keep their litter boxes clean too!
In addition, it is also very important to trim the cat’s nails. Because it keeps the dirt away from their hair, and maintains their health as well.
Nail clipping is also important as this also is a good way to earn your cat’s trust and lessen the amount of potential scars during playtime with your cat.
To make clipping a breeze, play with them to earn their trust as this helps you gain their trust when nail clipping or cutting nails will be necessary.
Here are a few tips for nail cutting:
- Gently and smoothly massage their paws until their claws pop out.
- Use a nail cutter made for cats and avoid using nail cutters for humans as this can hurt the cat.
- Clip the tip of the cat’s nails only. Don’t clip more than you have to, as this is painful for the cat as well.
- Be aware of the pink area of the cat’s nail as this contains their blood vessels and nerves.
- Clip the nails of your cat frequently.
FAQs
What kind of cat does not shed hair?
Which breed of domestic cat is long haired?
There are many long haired domestic cats that can be seen around the globe, but the most remarkable is the Maine coon domestic cat.
What breed of cat is really fluffy?
Almost all of the short and long haired cat breeds are fluffy, but among the most fluffy are the Ragdoll and Maine Coon.
Conclusion
These are only 6 long-haired cat breeds but there are plenty more! Sure, it’s fun to have but remember whether your cat is long-haired or short haired, every pet is a commitment and is deserving of tender, and loving care!
The key to a cat’s health is not just their diet, but also proper grooming, their homes, and proper playtime as well to make sure that these felines are not only healthy but also are happy too!
And remember, if you’re a good owner, then all of a cat’s 9 lives will be spent with you! Some cats are even known to bring good luck! But regardless of the breed, always treat them right, and make sure to check on a vet regularly.