Ever wonder why does my cat shed so much? Shedding is ordinary in felines. While they shed every day, hair loss occurs in excess during shedding seasons, especially in spring and fall. However, excessive shedding can be a matter of concern. Too much shedding can be in response to some medical conditions. Felines can shed unusually more due to inappropriate diet, allergies, medication, stress, infections, etc. Though certain breeds are more prone to shedding, other contributing factors are also. In order to help you feline from excessive shedding first you need to know the reason why is my cat shedding so much. Let’s get into it.
Why is My Cat Shedding So Much?
#1 Seasonal shedding
Do cats shed? Yes, shedding is common in felines. However, they shed more than regular shedding seasons. They usually undergo a shedding cycle twice a year. Irrespective of the breed and their coat, felines can experience excess hair loss during spring and fall, typical of pets’ hair loss seasons. They let old hair fall off and grow new ones in peak seasons, resulting in exceptional shedding.
#2 Allergies
Though felines tend to shed heavily during particular seasons, irregular hair loss in other seasons can cause allergies. Your cat may be suffering from allergies resulting in too much hair loss. Pollution, pollen, or food-borne allergies can be significant reasons. Such allergies result in hair loss and are also associated with skin problems like itchiness, rashes, skin infections, etc., in kittens.
#3 Parasite
The prevalence of parasites such as mites, fleas, ticks, ringworm, roundworm, etc., can lead to cat excessive shedding. These can be huge trouble as they cause excess hair loss accompanied by intense itchiness and skin bumps.
#4 Stress and Anxiety
Is your cat shedding more than usual? Stress and anxiety are also major contributing factors to hair loss in pets. Stress causes nervousness in felines leading to muscle tension in hair follicles resulting in hair loss conditions. Similar consequences are seen in felines dealing with anxiety. Anxiety in cats leads to a mental condition that prompts them to overgroom themselves, followed by excessive hair loss and baldness.
#5 Age
Aged cats tend to shed more as their coat quality changes with age. Their coat becomes stiff and less supple as it causes hair to form clumps. Older cats cannot groom themselves more frequently, resulting in excess shedding.
How Much Is Shedding Normal?
You know when do cats shed the most? You furry friends shed all the time. You can expect your feline to shed immensely on a seasonal basis. Even weather and climatic changes can result in hair loss in cats. More or less, felines go through normal shedding every time they develop new hair growth. The same goes with different breeds.
All cats have their routine of hair loss depending on their hair coat. Some cats like the Maine Coons, Persian and American Shorthair shed extra, while other breeds like the Sphynx, Siberian, Siamese, etc., shed comparatively less. Therefore, some shedding is normal. This becomes a matter of concern if noticeable changes like thinning of hair, unusually excess shedding, etc., are observed.
How to Reduce Cat Shedding?
Looking for the simple ways about how to stop cat shedding? We are here to help yo
#1 Regular Brushing
Brushing your cat regularly can make a huge difference. This would smoothen not only the coat but also reduce clumped hairballs. Brushing also removes dust and dirt from hair and minimizes dander. Additionally, a regular brushing routine will contribute to healthy skin by reducing dead and matted hair. You can also get help from professionals to groom your cat.
#2 Balanced Diet
Damaged scalp and loose hair follicles are often a result of poor diet. Upgrading its diet with best cat food for shedding which can help it control hari fall. Consider your feline’s nutritional requirements when choosing their food. Adding omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to their diet can reduce hair loss.
#3 Warm Water Bath
A routine bath can be an excellent way to control cat shedding fur in clumps. Giving your cat a warm water bath would deeply clean their coat by removing dander and dead and loose hair. It would also nourish their skin and scalp and release stress. Use animal friendly cleaning formulas to keep their skin hydrated.
How to choose the best grooming tools for cats?
#1 Slicker Brush
Slicker cat brush for shedding are an essential tool for grooming. These brushes are ideal for felines with hair from medium to curly. Slicker brushes have short wire-like teeth for better grooming.
#2 Flea Comb
As the name suggests, flea combs are best used to remove fleas, ticks, mites, and dander from a cat’s fur coat. As the teeth of a flea shampoos and comb are very close together, this ensures proper coat cleaning and prevents flea production.
#3 Rubber Gloves
Rubber gloves can be used as an alternative to a comb. You can use these gloves to comb and gently stroke your kitty. These gloves have tiny bristles that make combing convenient and entangle your pet’s fur coat. It also helps remove dirt, dust, and loose hair.
#4 De-shedding Comb
Deshedding combs are perfect for long-haired cats. These combs come with a stainless steel blade that helps reduce coat shed and minimizes tangles and hair matting. It can be used occasionally to groom cats.
Conclusion
Shedding is a natural characteristic in all felines. No matter the quality, texture, thickness of fur, appearance, or skin type, hair loss is a highly ordinary phenomenon. Finding your cat’s hair all over your place is also expected. It only becomes a concern when the kitty sheds abnormally without having new hair growth. It is always recommended to monitor a cat’s behavioral patterns to predict any unwanted circumstances which can be underlying causes of hair loss to avoid the same. Necessary grooming and dietary changes can help tackle the situation.