Why Is My Cat Shedding So Much?

Why is my cat shedding so much? Unfortunately, this is a question that many cat owners want answers to.

In this article, we'll discuss the most common reasons why cats shed excessively, as well as how to deal with each one.

Part 1: Why Do Cats Shed [Normal Circumstances]

Cats shed their hair for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is to remove dead hair. When a cat grooms itself, it not only cleans its fur, but also massages its skin and releases natural oils. The oils keep the fur healthy and protect the skin from dirt and parasites.

Cats also shed their hair to regulate their body temperature. As a result, they have a thicker coat of fur in the winter to keep them warm. In the summer, they shed their winter coat to stay cool.

Another question that pops into mind is, do cats shed their claws? Cats use their claws for many purposes, including climbing, stretching, scratching, and defending themselves. While cats do shed their claws periodically, they do not do so entirely or regularly as our fingernails do. Thus, cats' claws usually remain sharp and intact.

Part 2: Why Is My Cat Shedding So Much?

Your cat's shedding may be due to various reasons, including allergies, poor nutrition, or even stress. However, if you're noticing that your cat is shedding more than usual, it's essential to take them to the vet to rule out any health problems.

Let's have a look at the reasons:

1. Allergies

Like people, cats can have pollen, dust, and dander allergies. If your cat is allergic to something in their environment, they may start shedding more frequently in an attempt to get rid of the irritants.

2.Pregnancy

If your female cat is pregnant, she may start shedding more as her body prepares for childbirth. Don't be alarmed if this happens to your cat since this is a natural process.

3. Ringworm

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that can affect cats. If your cat has ringworm, it may start shedding more as its body tries to eliminate the fungus. Treatment for ringworm typically involves oral antifungal medication.

4. Dehydration

Dehydration can cause your cat to shed more because its body is trying to conserve moisture. Make sure your cat has plenty of fresh water to drink, and keep an eye out for other signs of dehydration, such as lethargy or sunken eyes.

Find out why your cat dislike water: Reasons Why Cats Dislike Water

5. Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease is a common cause of shedding in cats. If your cat has an overactive or underactive thyroid, it may start to shed more due to the hormonal imbalance.

6. Stress & Anxiety

Cats can suffer from stress and anxiety just like people. If your cat is feeling stressed, they may start shedding more as their body attempts to cope with the stress. Try to create a calm environment for your cat and provide them with plenty of toys and playtime.

7. Old Age

As cats age, they may start to shed more due to changes in their hormones and metabolism. Again, it’s quite normal. However, if your cat is shedding excessively, it's always a good idea to take them to the vet to rule out any other health problems.

8. Obesity

Obesity can cause your cat to shed more because their body is trying to conserve energy. If your cat is overweight, help them lose weight by feeding them a healthy diet and providing plenty of exercise.

9. Season

Cats typically shed more in the spring and fall as they adjust to changes in the temperature.

10. Poor Quality Diet

If your cat eats a poor diet, they may start shedding more due to nutritional deficiencies. So make sure your cat eats a healthy diet with all the necessary nutrients and vitamins.

Part 3: How to Stop My Cat from Shedding

If you’re looking for ways on how to stop a cat from shedding, then look no further - we have the solution:

1. Call the vet to check your cat's health:

If your cat is shedding a lot, it may be a sign of underlying health issues. Call your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes and get advice on the best way to proceed.

2. Keep your cat hydrated:

Make sure your cat has plenty of fresh water to drink throughout the day. Dehydration can cause shedding, so keep your cat hydrated to help minimize shedding.

3. Do regular brushing for your cat:

Regular brushing helps remove dead hair and distribute natural oils throughout the coat. This can help reduce shedding and keep your cat's coat healthy and looking its best. Try to brush your cat at least once a week, more if possible.

4. Change your cat's diet and its feeding schedule:

Certain foods can cause cat shedding. Talk to your veterinarian about changing your cat's diet to one higher in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. You may also want to try feeding your cat smaller meals more often throughout the day instead of one large meal.

To make this easier, we recommend getting an automatic pet feeder like the WOpet automatic cat feeder.

This top-of-the-line automatic feeder is designed to schedule meal times for your cat. You can program up to 6 meal plans per day, and your pet won't feel lonely when the food portion is dispensed since it allows you to record a 10s message to call your cat. And don't worry, this cat feeder is so easy to clean.

5. Purchase an air purifier at home:

An air purifier can help remove some hair floating around your home and reduce shedding. For allergy or asthma sufferers, this could be particularly beneficial.

The Final Word

Other causes of excessive shedding include stress, allergies, and parasites. If you cannot determine the cause of your cat's shedding, or if the shedding is accompanied by other symptoms, such as itching or hair loss, please consult your veterinarian.

Here is a quiz about cats, come and check if you are a cat expert!

Check it out with Quiz Questions about Cats>