Did you see a Savannah cat and fall head over heels in love with it? And who can blame you? They are the perfect mix of adorable and wild, just perfect. If you’re considering adopting a beautiful Savannah but asking yourself, “do Savannah cats shed a ton?” don’t worry. You’ve come to the right place to learn everything you need about the shedding pattern of these exotic felines. In this case, I’m sure the more you read, the more excited you will be.
The Savannah is a relatively young cat breed, tracing their origins to the 1980s. These cats are a hybrid between a domestic cat and an African serval, hence their resemblance to a wild cat (Bengals and Savannahs are popular for this reason).. These kitties inherited the best of both worlds, they have serval physical characteristics, for example, their spotted patterns, their height, and their peculiar face, but they also inherited the docile and friendly character of a domestic cat.
Savannah cats overview
These cats are tall and elegant, reaching up to 17 inches, with slender, muscular figures, perfect for their energetic lifestyle. They are distinguished by their long legs, pointed ears, and black spotted fur, similar to that of jaguars. They have striking, large, almond-shaped eyes, but the black outline of their tear troughs gives them a unique touch.
Have you ever heard of velcro cats? Well, here’s an example! Savannahs usually follow their owners around the house; they love being accompanied and participating in any activity. They are super agile and energetic cats, so you can spend hours playing with them. These felines are intelligent, quite docile, and loyal to their human family.
A curious fact about these felines is that, despite being classified as domestic cats, several states prohibit their legal possession due to their proximity to wild cats. In contrast, others only require a permit to own one.
Do Savannah cats shed a lot?
Savannah cats shed but don’t worry because, fortunately, they don’t shed excessively. They are one of the breeds of cats that shed the least, so that’s a big plus. In short, you won’t find anywhere a cat that doesn’t shed hair; shedding is necessary to maintain a functional and healthy coat all year round.
Because savannahs shed so little hair, many people think they don’t molt. The minimal shedding is because they have a very short, close-fitting coat, and this is because their ancestor, the serval, is native to warm regions where an extensive, double coat is not necessary.
Excessive shedding in Savanna cats? 4 possible causes
Savannah cats usually molt twice yearly, in early spring and early fall, to prepare their coats for the weather change. During the summer, they wear lighter coats to keep them cool, while in the winter, they prepare their fur to be thick and full to cover them well from the cold. In these two seasons, you may notice that your cat sheds more than usual, but it shouldn’t be an overwhelming amount, but if this is the case, the reason could be one of the following:
1. Poor diet
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet must be based almost entirely on animal proteins. When a cat has a diet that doesn’t meet this, it’s likely to start showing signs of malnutrition or an illness, for example, lack of shine in its coat, weak and fuzzy hair, and of course, frequent hair loss or shedding.
Even if we take good care of our cats, it is easy to fall into incorrect diets, as many brands of kibble often use cheap fillers such as corn, leaving out quality animal protein. That is why it’s crucial to analyze what your cat’s food contains and be careful. If the brand doesn’t specify the animal from which the protein comes, it’s because it’s using the remains of several animals, significantly reducing the nutritional contribution.
2. Stress and anxiety
When a cat is stressed, it tends to have obsessive behaviors such as excessive grooming or scratching, which can damage the skin and coat and cause it to lose more hair than usual.
Unfortunately, the reasons why a cat gets stressed are endless, as these felines are susceptible. A move, a rearrangement of your furniture, a new scented candle, all this can make your poor cat uncomfortable.
3. Allergies
Cats suffer from allergies, too. Yes, they can be allergic to the same things you are, from food to weather allergies. When allergies irritate their skin, cats scratch to relieve the terrible itching, which can lead to shedding. It is essential to see a veterinarian if you notice your cat has allergies, as they can become complicated to the point of obstructing breathing.
4. Underlying medical condition
Excessive shedding should never be ignored, especially if you notice that your cat has bald patches, as it can always be a sign of disease, perhaps a superficial skin infection, such as ringworm. Still, it can also be severe, such as hypothyroidism, which is common in obese cats.
How to care for a Savannah cat’s coat?
Generally, taking care of your Savannah’s coat is easy, as her hair is short, and they will do most of the work for you. The main thing is to ensure your cat has a balanced diet that gives her all the protein and minerals her body needs; you will see that a rich diet will show in the shine of her coat.
Another vital aspect is that, even if your cat grooms herself, you should help her by brushing her at least once a week. This way, you remove the dead hair before it ends on your furniture. And yes, you also have to bathe your furry friend every month and a half, luckily, Savannah usually likes water, so make sure the shampoo is special for cats, and that’s it!
Do Savannah cats shed? Final thoughts
Now you know that Savannah cats shed twice a year, like most cats, and that if it is excessive, there could be an underlying health issue. That’s why paying attention to your cat’s diet and daily activities and taking her for regular checkups with the vet are essential. We hope this article has helped you understand more about your cat’s beautiful coat!
Savannah cats are an exotic combination between a domestic cat and an African serval, ideal for those looking for a loving cat that keeps that wild touch from their past. These cats love water, playing with their family, and are super loyal, but that’s not all. One of the best parts is that they shed almost no hair! So, did you decide if you are getting a Savannah cat? Let us know in the comments!