No matter how much you dust, sweep, or vacuum, cat hair tends to stick to everything. The good news is that shedding is normal for cats. However, excessive shedding can point to potential medical issues. Our Orange Park veterinary dermatologist explains what to watch for if you're wondering, "Why does my cat shed so much?"
Why do cats shed?
Shedding allows cats to lose dead hair from their bodies that's not removed through brushing or grooming. This natural process also occurs to allow natural oils to make their way into the skin.
Indoor cats in particular deal with air conditioning in the summer and heaters in the winter, along with artificial lighting. Their internal system may become confused by these, leading to almost constant shedding. Another factor that contributes to shedding is whether your cat is a long-haired or short-haired breed.
Here are a few more typical causes of shedding to keep in mind:
Food: Cats who are not fed a balanced diet may shed more. High-quality, nutritional full meals will help your cat maintain a healthy coat and skin.
Stress: If you've ever wondered, "Do cats shed more when they are stressed?", the answer is yes. Stress can trigger cats to over-groom over under-groom, both of which contribute to increased shedding. Your cat may start to sleep more or less, become antisocial and withdraw to quiet spaces in your home, and lose his appetite. You can help reduce your cat's stress by providing him with a safe and comfortable space in your home.
Age: As cats age, they tend to groom themselves less frequently, which can lead to increased shedding or matted fur.
Pregnancy: Your pregnant female cat will experience hormonal changes that may cause her to lose more hair than she would normally. The good news: this is only temporary, and she should stop shedding excessively once she gives birth to her litter of kittens and her body returns to normal.
When do cats shed the most?
No matter how much a cat sheds generally or in response to the factors mentioned above, most cats shed more heavily in the warm weather, as they lose their heavier winter coats in preparation for warmer summer temperatures. You may also notice your cat sometimes sheds in the Fall as the Summer coat disappears to make way for the winter coat that's coming in.
Seasonal shedding may be less prevalent in short-haired cats and cats with single coats, which do not have an undercoat. Double-coated cats, particularly those with thick, long fur, may experience more significant seasonal shedding, with some losing so much hair that they seem to weigh less than they did in winter.
This is especially true for cats who spend time outdoors and are therefore more used to dramatic variations in temperatures as the seasons change. Indoor cats may not experience this kind of dramatic seasonal shedding since they live in a more temperature-controlled environment. However, you will find they shed continuously throughout the year. Some react more to air-conditioning or indoor heating than others, as described above.
Why is my cat shedding a lot more than usual?
If you're concerned about your cat's hair loss, or have noticed their skin is red or irritated, book an appointment with your veterinarian or veterinary dermatologist. The pattern and distribution of hair loss will be assessed, as well as whether the hair has been shed or broken off. The vet will check the skin for signs of dermatological conditions, infection or parasites. They may also perform lab tests such as hair examinations, skin scrapings, urinalysis and blood work.
Some reasons your cat could be shedding more than usual include:
Parasites: Mites and fleas (especially if your cat is allergic to them) can drive your cat to gnaw and scratch, resulting in increased hair loss. Even though you cannot see these bugs moving around on your cat, their presence can be problematic.
Allergies: Allergies may be at blame if your cat sheds a lot. Cats, like humans, can suffer from changing allergies. This can be difficult to detect because your cat will naturally shed at these times of the year. The key to resolving the problem is understanding what your cat is allergic to. Your cat could also potentially be allergic to something else in the environment, such as dust, scent, or even cleaning agents. Your veterinarian can assist you in determining the source of the allergy and providing a treatment to make your cat more comfortable.
Skin Infection: Bacterial and fungal infections can impact your cat's coat and cause them to shed excessively.
Diseases: Some diseases can cause your cat to shed more than it should. These can include kidney, liver, thyroid, or adrenal gland diseases and some types of cancer.
Behaviorial Disorders: Some behavioral disorders (such as stress listed above) can cause excessive licking and chewing, which can lead to hair loss even if there is no shedding on the cat's part.
If your veterinarian believes that the shedding is caused by a medical problem, they will recommend a treatment plan to address the underlying problem. It is critical to follow their recommendations closely. They may also refer you to our veterinary dermatologist at Animal Friends Dermatology for further diagnostic testing and treatment. When the underlying medical condition is resolved, your cat's shedding should return to normal.
Why should I see my vet about my dog's excessive shedding?
As mentioned, a variety of medical issues can trigger your cat to start shedding more than normal. Ringworm, thyroid disorders, fleas, and other problems might cause your cat's hair to fall out. If you observe any changes in your cat's health, it's usually a good idea to take them to the vet, as these can be early signs of illness or disease. The earlier an illness or health issue is detected and accurately diagnosed, the earlier treatment can begin. This will support better outcomes for your pet's health.
Most of the time, increased shedding is not a big deal, and you may be able to lessen it after you figure out what's causing it. Diet and nutrition can both play a role, so it's critical to evaluate all of the variables.
What can I use to clean up the hair my cat sheds around the house?
A powerful vacuum built for pet-friendly houses can be useful, as can a few lint rollers. Cleaning up cat hair regularly might help limit the amount of it that ends up on your clothes.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.