Cat shedding is a natural process for a cat. Despite it being a natural process cat owners are worried about their cats’ hair fall. When a cat sheds much or less, they think, it is an abnormal process that leads to some health issues.

There are various reasons a cat may shed. Shedding is related to cats’ coat type, whether they are long or short, what kind of breed the cat belongs to, changes in seasons, whether it is too hot or cold, etc. Shedding may also be a result of some health issues. Today we will discuss about cat shedding, the reasons behind it, how to reduce shedding and when it is the time to go to the vet.

At first, it is necessary to know that, as a natural process, there is no cure for cat shedding. Although the cat owner faces some real-life problems associated with cat shedding, like-cat leaves its hair everywhere in the house like furniture, sofa, table, carpet, floor, etc. Cleaning them is an extra job for the cat owner. This problem will also increase when the cat shedding too much.  

The reason for cat shedding are as follows

1. Natural Growth Cycle:

As a natural growth cycle cats shed. In this case, the new hair replaces old and damaged hair to keep the feline’s hair healthy.

2. Seasonal Changes:

There is a close relationship between the cats’ shedding and the seasonal changes. To cope with the seasonal change a cat shed. A cat sheds mostly in spring and fall. In spring, a cat loses its hair to adapt to the hot weather and in fall they prepare themselves for the winter by waiting for their growing new coat.

“Another important factor to consider when it comes to shedding is the environment. Cats who spend a lot of time outdoors may shed more than indoor cats, due to factors such as temperature changes and seasonal shedding.” – Jane Harrell, editor-in-chief of the pet parenting website Chewy.

3. Temperature Regulation:

Cat shedding is a common process for outdoor cats where they try to adjust their body temperature by growing hair or shedding. This natural process helps them to cope with the summer or winter season. But for an indoor cat with a controlled temperature, shedding does not happen due to seasonal changes. They shed naturally as they do.

4. Self-Grooming:

When cats groom themselves they lick their hair to remove the loose, damaged, or unhealthy coat. This self-grooming helps cats to grow new hair instead of old to maintain themselves and keep them looking good, happy, and healthy.

5. Health and Diet:

Food with good nutrition helps cats to grow and maintain good and healthy coats. Besides this good nutritious cat food is necessary for the felines’ good health and well-being. Lack of nutrition may be responsible for growing unhealthy coats and shedding much.

6. Breed and Genetics:

Shedding may differ for different cat breeds, like-cat with long hair may shed more than a cat with short hair.

“Cats shed constantly, but some will shed more than others depending on the breed and their unique coat type.” – Dr. Maggie Fischer, veterinarian and co-founder of the Pet Wellness Academy.

7. Health Issues:

Increased shedding may occur for the following health issues-

1. Stress
2. Hormonal changes
3. Allergy
4. Skin infection
5. Pregnancy
6. illness
7. anxiety

how to reduce shedding?

Improve Your Cat’s Hydration:

To keep shedding normal or natural a cat must be well hydrated. A cat should provide sufficient pure drinking water. It is important not only for reducing shed but also to keep your cat active and healthy.

Check Your Cat’s Nutrition:

A balanced and nutritious diet helps a cat to live a healthy life. It is also helpful for cat shedding.

“Nutrition also plays a key role in managing excessive shedding. A balanced diet that includes essential fatty acids can help improve coat health and minimize shedding.” – Dr. Jennifer Coates, veterinarian and founder of the website The Daily Cat.

Reduce Your Cat’s Stress:

A stressful environment may lead to cat shedding. Ensuring a proper environment for a cat by providing them with all the necessary things they need to live and making them active and happy in their daily life can reduce cat shedding.

Daily Grooming:

Grooming your cat properly may control shedding. Keep your cat neat and clean, regular baths, and brushing the cat regularly can reduce shedding. In the case of brushing the cat, special attention should be paid to choosing its brush.  The brush can be selected according to the length of the cat’s hair. A vet can be used to find out what special type of brush is needed for a particular type of cat. There are different type of brushes available in the market made for various kinds of cats. A good brush discards the excess and loose hair of the cat. It also helps in clearing the damaged hair.  For the most part, cats enjoy brushing their fur.

“Regular grooming, such as brushing and bathing, can help minimize shedding, while also promoting healthy skin and coat.” – Michael Fleck, certified master cat groomer and founder of Whiskers to Tails Cat Grooming Academy.

In the case of self-grooming the cat also reduces shedding. The loose hairs are swallowed by the cat during grooming. They are then digested in the cat’s stomach. But it should be kept in mind, that sometimes hair cannot be digested and can create hairballs.  

Give the cat a proper place for sleeping:

In the cat’s sleeping place, you can collect a lot of shedding. So, it would be a little easier to clean.

Keep the home neat & clean:

Vacuum and wash often to keep the home clean and fur-free.

When to go to the vet:

“Excessive shedding can sometimes be a sign of underlying medical issues such as allergies, hormonal imbalances, or skin infections.” – Dr. Sarah Wooten, veterinarian and certified veterinary journalist.

Any changes in the cat’s behavior, increase or decrease shedding, changes in grooming habits, weakness, etc. indicate that it’s time to go to the vet. Besides this, if your cat displays obvious symptoms, such as hair loss, excessive tangles, inflamed skin, etc., it’s best to take them to the vet immediately.

Conclusion

So, in the end, we can say that as a natural process, it cannot be stopped cat shedding.  To know about the cat’s health, we need to know about cat shedding. (Why it happen and what to do?) The reason behind the cat shedding and the way on how it can be reduced can make a cat lover’s life easier.