Why Is My Cat Shedding So Much? Everything About Cat Shedding

Having a feline friend is like a cupid at home, sprinkling stars in the form of hair all over the house. One of the main concerns about having a cat is when it starts shedding so much of its hair and fur. There can be many reasons for it though it is very common if your cat is shedding hair unless it becomes too much.

If you notice hair and fur all over the place, like on your furniture cloth or on the floor, then it is not normal. Shedding too much hair is a sign of some underlying issue, which can be a simple seasonal change, but it can also be a health-related problem.

So if you are asking yourself, 'Why is my cat shedding so much?' then here today, you will find out every reason for shedding so you can manage it or take action if it is a serious issue.

Difference between Cat fur and Cat Hair:

Cat hair and cat fur are both used often, sometimes interchangeably. However, there is a difference between fur and hair. Fur is simply more a form of dense-packed hair, while hair is what we know as an individual strand that, when got together, makes the fur.

So you don't get confused, if you use cat fur or cat hair the doctor will get it and will understand your cat's problem.

Knowing Normal Cat Shedding

Fur or hair shedding is common among Cats. There is dead hair in the coats of cats that they shed, which allows new hair to grow in its place. Shedding is a normal biological process without any harm to the cat and all because to keep a healthy coat. However, to understand it better, there are types of shedding based on several factors, which include.

● Breeds: Some cat breeds shed more than a typical cat will do. It mainly includes those breeds that have more than one coat or double-coated cats that shed more than a normal cat.

● Age: Age is another significant factor, as older cats, especially senior cats, shed more than regular cats. It is mainly because when cats get older their grooming reduces over time. So if you have an older or a senior cat then shedding hair is typical in its case.

● Diet and nutrition: Certain diets can increase the shedding of hair in cats. If your cat started shedding excessive hair then it may be a change in diet.

● Health conditions: Sometimes lousy health conditions can also be the cause of hair shedding in cats. In such cases, it is necessary to consult your Vet.

● Environmental factors: Seasonal change can cause a cat to shed hair. It is, in fact, very common among cats to shed hair for every new season.

Why is my cat shedding more than usual?

If your cat is shedding more than usual then you have to know some recent changes in your cat's environmental health routine. In fact, sometimes it is harmless and can stop after some days, though if it still persists, then consult your Vet.

Causes of Excessive Shedding in cats:

If your cat is going through excessive hair shedding then the first recommendation will be to consult your Vet. However these are some of the common reasons why your cat is shedding too much.

1. Seasonal Shedding

One of the most common causes of shedding is seasonal change. Shedding often increases when there is a change in seasons. Most of the cats shed their coats at the end of winter to prepare for summer. This type of shedding is primarily common in outdoor cats, or if you are living in a colder climate, your cat can go through it as well.

2. Poor diet:

Cats require some nutrition to keep their body, especially their coat, healthy. In fact, a healthy coat means a healthy cat, but if your cat's coat is not healthy, then it means it will shed excessively. Most of the time, it is the deficiency of nutrients like Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins.

Make sure your cat's diet completes all the required nutrients, including protein sources and essential fatty acids. Especially consider adding extra supplements of fish oil as it is rich with omega which is best for coat health.

3. Stress and Anxiety

Cats are emotionally sensitive creatures. Sometimes, they do take stress due to some significant change in their environments, like moving to a new home, introducing new pets, and more. These types of circumstances give stress and anxiety to cats which causes them to shed a lot of hair.

What you can do best is to give them a safe and comfortable space, especially using calming pheromone diffusers. Give your attention, love, and support.

4. Parasites and Skin Infections:

There are some parasites that cause skin infections in cats. Some of the common ones, like Fleas, ringworm mites, and fungal infections, cause excessive hair loss. If your cat is going through some excessive hair loss and scratches itself a lot then check for either parasites or some skin infections.

If you find something, immediately consult with a vet. Flies and mites are prent among cats. So it can be that or any other fungal infection. Use the help of a veterinarian and let your cat go through flea treatments. Also, make sure to keep your cat's environment clean.

5. Allergies

Cats can have allergies to many things, like humans. It can be due to food, pollen, dust, or even some household products that can give them allergies. Shedding of hair can be a reaction to allergies, which causes excessive hair shedding.

In case of allergies, all you have to do is consult your Vet for allergy testing. After getting the results, you can continue taking care of your cat according to the Vet recommendations.

6. Excessive Grooming

Some Cat owners like their cats well maintained. So they often take them to a grooming salon. However, excessive grooming can cause a lot of stress, skin irritation, and allergies, as well as excessive hair loss. When cats are anxious, they lick themselves a lot, which may bald their coat and increase shedding.

7. Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions can also be a cause of excessive hair shedding among cats. It can be any medical condition like hyperthyroidism diabetes can cause hair loss. Moreover, if they are losing weight along with other symptoms, then you need to visit your Vet immediately.

It is essential to diagnose any medical condition early to start its early treatment. In cases like these consult with your Vet as soon as possible so you can also prevent excessive shedding.

Prevention of Excessive Shedding:

If it is not a serious medical issue or any allergies, but still your cat's hair is shedding, then you can do something to stop or reduce it.

Following are some of the ways you can prevent excessive shedding in cats.

Coat Maintenance:

Make sure to brush your cat daily using a proper cat brush. It will help remove any loose hair and also reduce any shedding. If you own a long-haired cat, then you require brushing on a daily basis, while short hair breeds require less brushing.

Good Nutrition:

Keeping a healthy cat coat is all about nutrition. They require some nutrients, like high-quality proteins. Omega Fatty Acids improve the health of cat coats. You can add an extra supplement of Omega Fatty acids to your cat's diet for a healthy and shiny coat.

Hydration

Dehydration is evil for cats; it leads to dry skin, which makes it sensitive, and in the end, they start excessive shedding. Always make sure your cat has more than one source of water at home, and keep refilling with fresh water daily.

Stress Control

Cats take stress but you need to maintain it. All you have to do is provide a more secure environment, keep it comfortable, and give your attention and love.

Vet Checkups

If you see any unusual activity in your cat's behavior, health, or any other situation, always consult with your Vet. Make sure your regular visit vet at least once in two months for checkups.

When to see a Vet if there is excessive shedding?

Shedding is normal; however, at some point, if it doesn't stop or reduce, then you need to visit the Vet. These situations include.

● If you see bald patches or excessive hair loss

● Skin is red or irritated, or there are sores on your cat's skin

● If your cat scratches and licks its skin a lot

● If there is a change in appetite or behavior of your cat.

Conclusion:

Cat shedding excessively is a problem but there is nothing to be worried about. Mostly, it is a seasonal shedding, or cat sheds to maintain its coating and also to grow new hair. However there are conditions you must be aware of that we already explained above. Moreover, for better skin and coating, it is recommended to add Omega fatty acid supplements to your cat's diet.