But why do some cats seem to shed more than others? And when should you be concerned?
First, remember that your local Idaho Falls Veterinarian is only one phone call away and if you’re ever not sure it’s always a good idea to give us a call.
So let’s talk cat shedding!
Do cats shed all the time?
Yes! Cats shed year-round!
It may surprise you, but humans do as well! Shedding is a normal process that removes old hair and allows space for new growth. As always, there can be some variation in how much each cat sheds but all felines do a little shedding the entire year.
Is there a shedding season?
Yes! Cats tend to shed more as the seasons change. But in our climate-controlled world, things can a little confusing. Still, most cats start to shed their heavy winter coat as the days start to grow longer which signals that the warmer months are on their way. This is when it’s extra important to brush your cat not only to keep your house clean but also to keep their coat looking clean and tidy.
It’s also an activity that most cats love and a great way to spend time with your feline friend!
How can I stop my cat from shedding so much?
Barring any medical issues, we always suggest that our clients start by brushing their cat more! That’s the one thing that’s going to make the biggest difference! But if you’re looking to get a bit more creative, check out this article for a few other ideas on how to reduce cat shedding.
What else can cause cats to shed more?
There are several things to consider if you notice your cat shedding a bit more than usual. Let’s look at a few of them.
Poor Diet
Cats that aren’t getting all their required nutrients may have dull coats with brittle hairs. This can lead to more shedding. In most cases, commercial cat food has a balanced nutritional profile but your cat may need a different type of food based on their life stage.
If you’re not sure what diet makes the most sense for your cat, we’re happy to discuss your cat’s specific needs.
Stress
Stress and anxiety can cause cats to shed much more than usual. Many cats are also deeply connected to their routine so even small changes in their day-to-day could have an impact on their stress. Other times it’s not so hard to figure out. Maybe you’ve adopted a new pet or have a house guest. Or perhaps you’ve recently moved.
Whatever the cause, it can lead to stress for your feline friend which means more hair around the house for you! How you manage your cat’s stress will depend on your specific situation. If the cause is only temporary consider spending some extra time brushing or playing with your cat. Not only is brushing a great way to give your cat some extra attention, but it will also help take care of extra hair!
Age
Older cats might not groom as eagerly as they once did or they might find it a little more comfortable as they age. Not only that, but a cat’s coat tends to lose some of its luster as they age which can lead to more shedding. Once again, brushing can always help and sometimes your cat just needs a little bit of helping keeping up with their grooming routine.
Obesity
Unfortunately, some cats may become so obese that they can no longer groom themselves. Simply put, they can’t reach the same spots that they once could. While these cats could also use some extra brushing to keep up with their coat, even more important though is to help these cats lose weight. We’ve got a handful of tips for managing weight in cats that you can check out here.
How Can I Help My Cat’s Coat Look Better?
One of the best things you can do is incorporate regular brushing! We really can’t say it enough! And we aren’t the only ones saying this! Brushing is a fun activity for most cats and can help your cat’s coat look great all year round!
Still Not Sure?
Increased shedding in cats can have a variety of causes and as we said at the start of this article it’s always a good idea to schedule an appointment if you’re not sure. So don’t hesitate to give us a call today and let’s talk about your cat’s shedding!
