Do Bengal Cats Shed?

Yes, Bengal cats shed but they shed a lot less than most cat breeds and are often listed as one of the least shedding cats available.

It is sometimes said that Bengal cats do not shed at all but their soft coats do shed a small amount as new hair grows and old hair falls out. 

The amount they shed is so minimal that you may not even notice. Bengal cats do shed once when they mature and their adult coats grow in.

If you are noticing your Bengal is shedding more than usual, there are a few possible reasons why including stress, diet and an underlying health problem.   

Bengal Cat Grooming 

Regularly grooming your cat will help keep shedding down.

It’s an easy way to keep your cat looking and feeling healthy while also preventing hairballs and collecting up any detached fur before it clings to your furniture.

A regular grooming routine makes a big difference to the amount of fur you’ll see around the house. 

Although a Bengal cat is great at keeping their short hair clean and properly groomed it is recommended you brush them at least once a week.

Frequent grooming sessions can help you build a stronger bond with your cat. Bengal cats often enjoy attention and affection so don’t mind being brushed. 

Bengal Cat’s Fur 

A Bengal cat is stunning, their coats come in a range of colours and patterns and they have a beautiful likeness to wild cats found around the world.

The fur is very short, patterned and has a low level of shedding.

The short length makes cleaning up any shed fur more manageable. It is easier to hoover and is less likely to get tangled up.

Developmental Shedding 

Your Bengal cat may experience a sudden increase in the amount they shed as their fur changes.

When a Bengal kitten matures they naturally shed their soft, thick fur to reveal their silky, sleek adult coat.

The coat they have as a kitten is primarily to keep them warm and hidden, as they mature and shed you will notice changes in the texture and colour of the fur. 

This developmental shedding usually happens between 7-9 months old.

This is the only natural time your Bengal will noticeably shed.

When a Bengal is 1 – 2.5 years old they will have fully matured and they will have their adult fur and colouring. 

A Bengal cat may also shed more as they get older.

They tend to shed very little when they are kittens and then begin to shed more after their new coat comes in.

The amount remains minimal but you may notice it’s slightly more than you were used to when they were a kitten.  

Below we will discuss the other reasons your Bengal cat may be shedding their fur. 

Reasons A Bengal Cat May Be Shedding A Lot 

If your Bengal cat is shedding a lot it may be a sign of a health problem.

This includes losing fur on their whole body and also in patches.

Diet, stress and anxiety are all potential causes of excessive shedding.

A visit to the vet is best to get to the root of the issue and figure out a treatment plan.

Let’s take a look at the possible reasons your Bengal is shedding:

1. Stress

This is the most common cause of excessive shedding.

If your Bengal has suddenly started to shed they may be feeling stressed about something.

This could be due to anything from moving house to a loud thunderstorm or other animals in the house.

Your cat may groom themselves excessively to try to comfort themselves which is why a stressed Bengal may have visible bald patches. 

2. Diet

Shedding can be caused by nutritional deficiencies.

Cats require a high protein diet that is high in nutrients.

A Bengal’s coat should be silky smooth but if it is dull and shedding it could be because something is lacking in their diet.

Make sure that they have are fed a complete diet of high protein good quality cat food.

The fur is a key indicator of a cat’s health and malnourishment can cause sudden shedding.

3. Seasons

A Bengal cat doesn’t usually shed seasonally as other cats do.

However, if you live somewhere with extreme seasonal changes or your cat spends most of their time outside, this could cause your Bengal cat to shed in relation to the seasons.

This helps them to regulate their temperature as they will have a thicker coat during winter and a thinner coat during summer.

4. Health Problems

Another possible cause of shedding is an underlying health problem.

If your cat is shedding more than usual, a trip to the vet is a good idea to find out the cause.

Keep a lookout for behavioural changes and other symptoms of a potential health problem to help identify the issue. 

5. Parasites

Some external parasites such as fleas can cause hair loss from excessive scratching.

Other parasites such as mange mites can cause hair loss by damaging the hair follicles.

It’s important to get your cat on a good regular flea treatment to properly prevent issues caused by fleas and parasites.

6. Allergies

Cats can suffer from allergies, particularly environmental allergies and food allergies.

Shedding may be a reaction to an allergy.

This can be tested at the vet to find out what your cat is allergic to and the best way to manage the symptoms. 

7. Over Bathing

Your Bengal cat doesn’t need to be bathed much.

They keep themselves clean and do a good job at it.

If you bathe your cat too often it will cause their skin to become dry and can result in their hair falling out. 

If you notice your Bengal cat is shedding more, there are a number of possible reasons why this is happening.

A visit to the vet will help you identify the cause of the problem.

The vet will also be able to recommend treatment which could include supplements or vitamins that will help maintain your cat’s overall health. 

Are Bengal Cats Hypoallergenic? 

No Bengal cats are not hypoallergenic.

Although they are often said to be hypoallergenic, they release dander just like other cats.

With that said, people with allergies may experience less of a reaction (or no reaction) to a Bengal cat as they release much less dander than many other cat breeds. 

Each Bengal is different and the severity of an allergy can vary too so it’s hard to say whether an individual will be triggered by a Bengal cat.

Some people are and some people aren’t. 

Allergies are triggered by dander and Bengal cats shed a very small amount so are often considered easier to be around. 

Bengal Cats Shed A Small Amount

To summarise, a Bengal cat will shed more as they transition from their kitten fur to their adult fur.

Once they have their adult coat they will shed minimally.

Regular brushing can help you collect up the old hair before it falls from your cat.