How Much do Calico Cats Shed? (Prevention, Tips & Guide)
If you have a Calico cat and wondering how to get rid of their shedded fur (click here for my best shedding and Dematting Comb on Amazon) and interested to know how much these cats even shed, then you are in the right place.
How much do calico cats shed? Calico cats are not actually a type or breed of cat. They are actually a colour variation. Therefore, many different breeds of cat can be labelled as Calico. It’s like saying look at that grey cat. Therefore being a calico cat has no bearing on the amount of fur that they will shed.
So, the short answer is it varies a lot. Let me now explain what a Calico cat really is, if it has any other aliases, why cats even shed and how you can reduce this happening.
So, what exactly is a calico cat?
A calico cat is really a type of colour and pattern variation of a particular cat. It’s a way of describing a particular colour and patterns on a cat’s fur. It’s similar, in a way, to a tortoiseshell cat.
In fact, there is only a very small variation of their patterns which differentiates a calico from a tortoiseshell cat.
The main difference you will see between a calico cat and a tortoiseshell pattern is the lack of white patches on the tortoiseshell.
Where does the name calico come from?
Calico, strictly speaking, is an American name. The name is given because of a type of fabric which is called Calico.
The name calico has been used by Americans for years. In fact, it goes back as early as the 1700s. This is when this particular fabric design was largely used.
Calico cats also have other names. These other names are used interchangeably. Sometimes they are referred to as “tricolor or Brindle. Also, specific Japenese names and Dutch variations called “lapjeskat”.
Are there any more variations of the calico cat?
Yes, there are a few different variations. For example, the standard calico is known for its large spots which are typically black and orange.
Then you have the diluted calicos, such as the “Calimanco”. This is a different variation that typically has lighter colours. This variation has a white coat with large spots that are typically a smokey greyish colour. Also has a strawberry blonde looking effect.
Also, there is another variation called the “calibby” this is a mashup of the Calico and the Tabby cat.
This variation usually has the same orange spots that you’d see on a calico but with the addition of tabby stripes as well.
Why do cats shed?
Cats shed for a number of reasons but firstly it’s important to state that shedding is normal and expected. The amount of shedding varies quite a lot depending on the type or breed that you have. Either way, it is expected, regardless if you have a long or even a short-haired cat.
Usually, shedding is heavily affected by the season. For example, in spring you should expect to see some shedding of their winter coat. If you think about this logically it makes sense, right?…
Why would they need their big heavy winter coat as the sun starts to come out, do you get me?
Usually, there are obvious signs of shedding. Such as, if you attempt to pet your cat, you may notice that that there will be fur stripping off in your hand.
Or, you may even notice shedding of fur around your house. In obvious places where your cat usually hangs out. For example, on their cat bed or on your beloved sofa!
Sometimes, you will notice shedding for unexpected reasons. Such as health-related problems or other issues. For example, fleas (click here for my best flea shampoo) if your cat has a problem with fleas it will naturally get irritated as the fleas attempt to bite into its skin.
The obvious reaction from your cat is to bite and scratch its skin to get rid of the irritation. This usually results in fur starting to shed. And, you may even see skin patches in their coat of fur because of this behaviour.
Nutritional Reasons
This can be seen in two different ways. Such as poor nutritional value of food. This is where your cat is lacking in certain nutrients. This may take time manifest, but if they are not receiving the correct nutrition, on a regular basis, you could see fur loss.
You may also see fur loss related to food if they are consuming something that they may be allergic to. Obviously, this may be consumed by accident.
Scabies Issues
Scabies is little mites that attach themselves to the skin of your cat and cause it irritation and pain. This can usually result in fur loss or unsightly patches in their fur.
Anxiety
Anxiety and stress is another issue that can result in fur loss. To be honest, this is similar to us humans. If they are stressed your cat may start to suffer from fur loss.
Things that can cause anxiety and stress for your cat may seem simple to us but never the less can cause problems and stress for your cat.
Such as, fighting with a neighbouring cat or another stray cat. Even a new member of your family. This may make me feel pushed out.
It could be another cat or it could even be a new baby joining the family that is taking all the attention.
Alternatively, it could be something as simple as a change of environment, such as moving house and your cat may start to feel a little bit anxious about its new surroundings.
Do cats shed their fur all year round?
Yes, you can expect cats to shed their hair all year round. However, this isn’t a consistent ongoing thing. It just means that it’s not isolated to any particular month of the year.
In reality, the type of breed of cat you have makes the difference between how much shedding you should expect. Or, how much of the year they are likely to shed for.
Cats that are from a colder climate typically have longer fur. And, you would expect them to shed slightly more than a short-haired cat.
Examples of cats that are known to shed a lot include a Maine Coon (click here to see why Why are Maine Coon cats are so big) cat or even a Bobcat.
How can you reduce the shedding?
If your cat is left to shed naturally without you getting involved it is unknown exactly how much shedded fur will be dropped around your house.
Therefore, there is a simple way of controlling this and helping to reduce the amount of shed that you see.
If you simply use a shedding brush (click here to see my best shedding and de-matting tools) , you can get rid of a lot of the shedded fur and control this in your own time rather than walking around the house and picking up clumps of hair everywhere.
Related questions:
I’m going to cover some frequently asked questions related to cat shedding. If you feel that you have additional questions in your mind that I’m not answered feel free to leave a comment below.
Does giving your cat a bath help with shedding? No, it is not a good idea to give your cat a bath to help with shedding. Although you will notice some of their shedded fur being removed.
The reason I say no is because cats typically do not like being bathed. And, this can cause them a high level of anxiety. And to make matters worse, if you bath a cat solely to remove shedded fur, you won’t really see a massive benefit from it.
Therefore for the sake of lacklustre results, it’s better not to put your cat through the pain of having this.As discussed previously in the article it’s better to use a shedding brush which will be 100 times more effective.
How to Remove Matted Hair from a Persian Cat (2019 Guide)
If your Persian cat has issues with her fur matting (click here to see why these De-matting Combs are the best) you may be stressed trying to find a solution. Let me give you some valuable tips to get around this.
What causes matted fur in Persian Cats? Matted fur is when clumps of cat fur appear to be stuck or grouped together. This becomes unmanageable by your cat and gets from bad to worse. This is typically caused by neglect or lack of grooming.
The problem with matted fur is, it leads to discomfort for your cat because it’s unable to groom itself properly. You may find it trying to bite or pull at the clumps of fur, confused, and generally unhappy. Let me explain which type of Persians are likely to get this, and how you can deal with it.
What Type of Persian cats Are susceptible to this?
Older cats are susceptible to this. Simply because they are not as agile as they were in their younger days. They may find it hard to clean and groom all areas of their body.
This is also similar to an obese cat. They may find it hard to move around and clean and groom their entire body due to the excessive weight they are carrying.
Cats that are not feeling well may also neglect grooming. They could be suffering from dental-related problems or even arthritis.
For indoor cats, specifically the ones with short hair, you may find that they get this build-up from dust or dander. For your information, dander is little flecks of skin that build-up and cause matting in the fur.
How to remove the matting from your cat’s fur
In this section, I’m going to discuss how you can remove the matting in your cat’s fur.
Important Preparation
Firstly you need to prepare the area so that you can attempt to remove the matting. This is relatively simple in concept, but sometimes in practice, it can be a little bit challenging. Your cat may move around and cause resistance. So, be patient.
You need to use some talcum powder. Gently massage this into the affected matted area. You need to gently stroke and hold your cat, then attempt to work the talcum powder into matted area.
If your cat causes resistance, instead of trying to force it, take your time. Gently pet your cat and make them feel reassured and then try again shortly after when they’re a bit more relaxed.
Cutting the matt way
Using some sharp, but round-nosed scissors, attempt to cut the mat away. However, you have to be careful while you are doing this. Because you do not want to cut unmatted clumps of their fur away.
The idea is to locate the matting then gently ease the round nose scissors, in line with their skin, and glide it up towards the matted area.
Make sure you cut the mat and not the skin of your cat. So, you need to be very careful. Once you gently snip the matted area, move it along about half an inch and repeat the process until the matting has gone.
Combing through the matted area
Once you have cut through the chunks of matted fur, that is causing the biggest problem, you need to get hold of either a flea comb or a specifically designed de-matting comb.
The idea is to use your left hand to grab hold of the base of the fur. This is to ensure, when you’re combing it, you do not cause discomfort to your cat or pull her fur away from her skin.
Gently comb away from your left hand so that you gently comb out the matted fur. Bit by bit. If you do this correctly you should find that the matting starts to free up making your cat happier.
How do you prevent these mats coming in the first place?
The best way to deal with this is prevention. So, for that reason, in this section, I’m going to give you some tips on how you can prevent this happening.
Regular Brushing & Bathing
Firstly, it is important to maintain your Persian cat’s hair by brushing it. This needs to be done on a regular basis.
It is a good idea to bathe her at least every 2 to 3 months, just to maintain their lovely fur. However, when you are bathing her, it’s important that you use specific cat safe products that are designed for them. Do not use a standard conditioner or any product you personally use.
You can get specific products that are tailor-made for cats. For example, cleaning products for cats with white coats, products that provide extra shine, etc.
In addition to this, it is a good idea to have a selection of brushes and combs. Make sure to include a de-matting brush link.
The idea is to get ahead of the problem and to keep them regularly brushed and tangle-free, are you with me?
Should your cat be grooming itself?
Yes, all cats should be instinctively grooming themselves. You should not have to prompt them to do this. They should be doing this as standard. Grooming is not just for vanity. It is important to keep their fur coat in good health and avoid tangles and matting.
If your cat neglects grooming, you need to be concerned
If you find that your cat is not grooming itself and you are finding that its fur is getting matted up. It’s an indication that there is an issue. It could be a health-related problem or it could be linked to other things such as obesity.
If you have any doubts, the best thing to do is to check with your vet. See if there could be an underlying issue that you cannot see.
When is it a good idea to seek professional help?
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to deal with all matted or tangled fur. In some extreme cases, you may have to shave down your cat’s fur (click here to see if cats like their fur shaved) to get rid of the problem. This is something that you should not attempt at all.
If it’s more than a few clumps of matting I personally wouldn’t attempt to do it myself. In fact, if you feel uncomfortable with any of this, even a few clumps, the best advice is to contact a professional groomer or your vet. Get some advice about how you can get this done.
A professional groomer will know the correct conditioning products you should use, how to do it correctly and to keep your cat in the best comfort.
Related questions:
In this section, I’m going to go answer some related questions to de-matting your cat’s fur to help you. If you feel that there are some questions missing, that you feel that you need answering, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Why is my cat pulling her fur out? Chances are she is feeling anxious or has some psychological problem. Grooming is expected, however, if you are seeing excessive grooming, such as pulling at her fur.
Or, anything like that, or seems erratic behavior, then there’s a good chance that she is feeling anxious or have some kind of psychological problem.
If that’s the case, and you are not sure how to deal with it. Then, the best thing to do is to contact your vet to verify if your suspicions are correct and establish a way forward.
Why do older cats stop grooming themselves? As cats get older they can get tired very easily. Meaning they may stop grooming (Click here to see why your cats fur may seem separated).
However, another big issue that can cause this to happen is arthritis (or other health issues). As your cat gets older, her joints age.
Her joints can start to cause some severe pain. Even to move in basic positions. Especially, in difficult to reach areas, like trying to groom their lower back area. So, there is a very good chance that this could be the case.
Why are Maine Coon cats so big?
Maine Coon’s are lovely big cats that are very popular (Click here to see the coziest cat beds for Maine Coons). But many people have always wondered and theorized on why they are so big in comparison to the average cat. Let me explain…
Why are Maine Coon Cats so big? The theory has it that it is because of the temperature of their natural habitat. It is believed that they are naturally bigger to reduce the rate at which it loses body heat. But this has never been proven or confirmed.
Now you know why people believe they are so big, let us now look at the effects of their size and how they are bred to this big size.
What are Maine Coon cats?
Maine coons (Click here to see the difference between the Maine Coon, Siberian & Norweigan Frest Cats) are one of the largest cats that you’ll find.
They are natives to the American state of Maine. They are also the state cat. Where they originated from is still a mystery to this day.
Does the size of the Maine Coon affect their sale price?
Maine coons, as you may or may not know, are quite expensive. You can easily expect to pay upwards of $1,200, or even more. The question is why are they so expensive? Could this be because they’re so big?
The reality is, it’s not their size that makes them so expensive, The real issue is the costs associated with breeding them. Let me explain…
High-Quality Food
Firstly, breeders have to feed the female Maine Coon and the kittens on high-quality food that is quite expensive. This is to make sure that they end up with the best kittens at the end of the process.
Not only this but they have to maintain the male cat who can also be quite difficult to deal with.
Dealing with a difficult Male Maine Coon
In particular, the male cat cannot be neutered, for obvious reasons, so he is likely to spray and mark his territory in the breeders’ house.
This will cost money to clean up and will make the room quite smelly. It’s actually quite inconvenient for the breeder. Unfortunately, these costs are passed on to you, the customer.
All of this maintenance, food and other related costs, which I will explain in more detail later on in the article, inflate the cost of these Maine Coon cats.
How do breeders breed the Maine coons to such a big size?
Breeding the Maine Coons to this size is a long process. It all starts off with handpicking the best male and female. This is to make sure that they have the best chance of delivering high-quality kittens.
They have to make sure that they have a female that has good teeth, genes (meaning they’ve got no parents that may have known health conditions) fur and snout.
If the breeder does not have a male Maine Coon to breed, they will have to pay for a high-quality male Maine Coon as well which is also adding to their expense but will ensure they get a big healthy kitten at the end.
Pre-checks
Health checks will need to be done to ensure that both the male and female are in good health before breeding. After this due diligence, the breeder has to make sure that only the selected male and female spend time together. Just in case an un-vetted male tries to intervene, are you with me?
Bear in mind that these are not outdoor cats. So the majority of their time will be kept indoors. Again, this is to make sure that they kept to a high quality and reduce the chances of them mixing with bad company.
Checking for a Pregnant Maine Coon
After this process, if the breeder is lucky and he believes that the female is now pregnant. He will have to take the female Maine Coon to the vet’s to verify the pregnancy.
Be mindful that there is a chance that when he gets this check, she may not actually be pregnant at this time. However, he will still be responsible for actually paying for this test.
Unfortunately for the breeder, this test may need to be done a few times before he actually has a successful pregnant female.
Once a pregnancy has been established the breeder then has to make sure that he feeds the pregnant female high-quality food. This food will keep her energy levels high.
This is important to have a successful and healthy pregnancy and healthy kittens.
Looking after the Maine Coon Kitten to help them grow big and strong
Once the kittens are born the job does not end there. The breeder has to continue to feed the kitten, as well as the mother. This is to make sure that they are in good health.
Also, there is a chance that one of the kittens may actually be quite weak. If this is the case, as this is actually a valuable product for the breeder, they have to make sure that a kitten has immediate attention.
The best way to do this is to actually manually feeding the kitten. To make sure that they get all of the valuable nutrients that they need.
Finally, they will need to get documents to prove the health condition of the kittens. This is to make sure they sell well. This document will be passed on to the buyer.
How big are these Maine coons in comparison to other breeds?
An average cat, in comparison to a Maine Coon, is quite small. However, the Siberian cats, especially the females, are almost the same size as the Maine coons.
However, the male Maine Coon is slightly larger than the Siberian.
Is the male Maine Coon bigger than the female?
Yes, but let me give you an example of some of the sizes. So you can get an idea of the difference…
The male Maine Coon
The male Maine Coon can grow up to 25 pounds in weight and 16 inches tall. Its actual length (snout to tail) can be up to 40 inches.
The female Maine Coon
The female Maine Coon is slimmer than the male as you may expect. She grows up to 18 lbs in weight. However, the actual length is very similar to the male.
But, with regards to her actual height, she is a bit shorter than the male growing up to 16 inches.
Do Maine coons need to eat a lot because they are so big?
Many people believe because Maine coons are so much bigger than the average cat they must eat loads and loads of food to maintain their size.
This is a big Myth!
However, this is a big myth. They are just naturally big and in fact, obesity is a big problem for Maine coons. This could be partially due to the fact that a lot of keepers believe they need to overfeed them to maintain their size.
In reality, they need a good balance of protein, vitamins, and carbohydrates to keep them happy just like any other cat.
But how much should these Maine coons actually eat?
For a kitten, you’d expect them to consume anything from 30 to 45% of their intake as protein. As an adult, you can scale this back. They will have up to 40% protein.
Typically cats eat regularly with small amounts. Meaning, they don’t really have big hearty meals throughout the day. You can expect him to be eating up to 20 small meals during a day.
Each of these small meals could be anything as small as 25 to 30 calories each time. This is to help them Digest The Food correctly and keep them healthy.
To give you an idea of the type of food that they can consume, I’ll give you an example…
For example, a piece of dry cat Kibble may be about 3 calories. So, you can expect an average small meal for a cat to be about 10 to 15 pieces of this kibble.
However, bear in mind that you do still need to feed them other things such as meat and fish to keep their food balance correct. As well as other vitamins. But this needs to be fed to them in moderation obviously.
Another thing to consider, Maine Coon cats take a long time to reach their full maturity. Therefore, you should be feeding them kitten sized portions for at least the first 8 to 9 months.
Related questions:
Q: How long do Maine coons live for?
You can expect a Maine Coon to live anywhere from 10 to 12 years. Obviously, this can fluctuate either way, depending on how well they are looked after.
There are some known health conditions for them but with constant screening, good maintenance and keeping up their health checks, you can help to reduce the risk of these problems.
Can a Maine Coon be Black? (+ Photos & Vid)
If you are one of the many Main Coon cat lovers out there, maybe you have thought or wondered if you can get a black version. Is that even possible? Let me explain…
Can a Maine Coon be black? Yes, there are also different variations of black such as an all black coal type and smokey black variations that have traces of white on their undercoat. They are just as loving and popular as the other types.
Now that you know this is possible, let me explain how sunlight can affect their coat and health, what other types are available, how you can check that you have a genuine Main Coon and so much more.
Do black Maine coons like direct sunlight?
No, not really. It can cause them to get overheated. In addition to this, it can cause their black fur coat to go a slightly brownish discoloration.
One thing I would advise, always have fresh water available. So that they can drink and cool herself down if required.
What types of black Maine Coon cats are there?
can maine coon be black
There are a number of different variations of the black Maine Coon. You can have the coal-colored variation. They have all black fur, think of this as the classic.
Then there is the smokey variation. This one can be deceiving. On the surface, they may appear to be totally black. But, when you look at their undercoat you will notice a white coloration on their fur.
How can you tell if your cat is really a Maine Coon?
Unless you have purchased your cat from an established and official breeder sometimes it is very difficult to find out if you actually have a Maine Coon or not.
You will find that many cat lovers mistakenly identify their cat as a Maine Coon. This is because it may have the distinctive shaggy fur but unfortunately there is a lot more to it than that, are you with me?
For that reason, to help you identify if you do genuinely have a Maine Coon, I will list some of the known traits so that you can see if your cat falls into all of these categories.
Strong physical body
Maine coons have very strong bodies and fairly muscular in comparison to other cat breeds (click here to see a comparison between a Maine Coon, Siberian and Norwegian Cat breeds). They have an almost rectangular muscular frame. However, this is just one of the indications that you may have a Maine Coon.
Shaggy fur
One of the main traits of a Maine Coon is it’s really long shaggy fur. This is what gets some people confused. They see some shaggy fur, but later find out they have a mix-breed and not a genuine Maine Coon.
A true Maine Coon should have medium to long shaggy fur and this is quite distinctive. However, it’s not the only thing that confirms its breed.
A long Maine
Another distinctive trait for a Maine Coon is a long Maine. It has this around its neck. This is noticeable because it is usually longer than the other hairs around its body. In the winter time, you can expect this to get longer and thicker.
Long Tails
They generally have long thick furry tails. They usually carry this tail with great pride. They are usually always happy to display this to their rival cats.
Large eyes and big personalities
Another distinctive trait of the Maine Coon is their large eyes. You can definitely notice these, especially when you compare them to other breeds such as a Siamese cat.
In addition to this, they have a lovely personality and very playful. You will often find that they love to bring you little presents that they may pick up from outside or within the house.
Why do some black cats have a brownish Look?
There are a couple of reasons why a black cat may have brownish looking fur, let me explain…
Firstly this could be because of the direct sunlight. The sun is quite powerful and can easily bleach her fur. With time it can start to fade and form into a kind of rusty looking brown color.
On a more serious note, there could be a potential underlying health condition. This could be diagnosed as a lack of enzyme tyrosine. This is responsible for providing melanin in the pigmentation of your cat.
This melanin is also what makes your cat’s fur black. Lack of melanin in the pigmentation of the cat will mean that your cat could be susceptible to being burnt by the sun. This is because melanin is a natural protection to the sun.
If you suspect that this could be the case then I highly advise that you should consult your vet to make sure.
Related Questions:
How long does it take until a Maine Coon gets its Maine? They won’t grow a full Maine until it is at least a couple of years old. Also. you will probably notice that its tail (its bushy tail) usually doesn’t form until at least 5 months old.
They will grow for at least 4 or 5 years before reaching full size with a full set of fur.
Can a Maine Coon be black and white? Yes, they can be black and white. In fact, there are a number of different color variations.
Do Maine Coon Maine coons “Meow”? No. not really. They have a technique known as “Chirp and Trill”. Sonically is sounds like a combination of a Meow with a sprinkling of purring, are you with me?
Are Main Coons Aggressive? No, they are not generally aggressive. In fact, they make quite a good family pet. However, if they are agitated or have some underlying health issue they may be unexpectedly snappy with you.
Should you get a Male or Female Maine Coon? A female is good for most families. However, it depends on what you need it for. If you want to breed then you will need a male. However, if it’s just for a family pet you will find that the females are more well behaved.
How long can a Maine Coon cat live? You can expect them to live anywhere from 10-12 years according to Wikipedia. In general, they are quite strong cats that are expected to live long. The biggest threat is HCM which is a known heart condition for cats.
Do Maine Coon Cats like to cuddle? Yes, but not all the time. They are not the type of cat to be picked and cuddled all day, every day. In small doses, they do appreciate it. Don’t let me give you the impression that they won’t show love or interest, they will.
However, it will be in their own special way. You can still expect them to follow you around like a lost puppy.
Are Maine Coon Cats smart? Yes, they are smart. In fact, they are quite well known for being smart. This is one of the reasons why they are not known for having behavioral issues. Simply because when you train them they get it really quick and remember the boundaries.
Are Maine Coon cats good family pets? Yes, don’t let their big size frighten or concern you. Yes, they can be as big as 25 pounds in weight, but they are still well behaved and loveable. So, they are a great addition to the family.
Are Maine Coons lap cats? No, they are not really the type to be in your lap all day and night (click here to see if you should leave food out for your cat at night) As discussed earlier, this does not mean that they are not kind loving cats by any means. It just means that they have different ways of showing affection.