Shed happens

If you have a cat, this will probably sound familiar (unless you have a hairless cat) - your cat has a favorite place to hang out, maybe on the couch, a cat tree, or guest bed, and it gets covered with their hair. Or your cat sits on your lap and your legs get coated with fur. Does it seem like your cat is shedding a lot? Let's look into the story of cats and shedding!

Why do cats shed? 

 According to Catster.com cat shedding is a normal process of removing dead hairs and replacing them with healthy new ones. Purina adds that it also releases natural oils onto your cat's skin. Some cats will shed more than others, and Catster says that longhaired cats tend to shed more than shorter haired cats, but daily paws says that is a myth and that the amount of shedding tends to be similar between long-haired and short-haired cats - it's just that you see it more when it's longer!

When do cats shed?

One thing that influcences shedding cat fur is the season. For outdoor cats, seasonal shedding tends to happen 2 times a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Daily paws says this happens in order to lose their heavier winter coat in the summer, and then in the fall to prepare for their winter coat to grow in. They say this is influenced by the amount of sun in a day, but note that cats that stay indoors might be in a constant state of shedding due to the temperature controls that heat and cool the inside of our homes. I know my indoor cats seem to always be losing fur, but there is an uptick in the amount of shedding in the fall and spring! This sort of increased seasonal shedding is normal and not something to worry about. 

Since you spend the most time with your cat, you will be the best judge of what is a normal amount of shedding for your cat, it may be just that you have a cat that sheds a lot, and that it is normal, but there could be times when your cat is shedding more than normal that could be a cause for concern. 

One thing that could cause your cat to shed more is allergies. Like humans, they could have allergies to pollen, dust or mold or they could be allergic to something they eat. In this case, along with excess shedding, your cat may be scratching more often and you might be able to see that their skin is irritated. In this case, a trip to the vet is called for to see if they have an allergy and find a treatment plan for it. 

Parasites like fleas and mites can also cause irritation and shedding in a cat, and catster.com notes that many cats are allergic to flea saliva so you might notice excess scratching in the case of fleas as well. Fleas are small, and you may not see them in your cats fur. Using a fine toothed comb to comb your cat's fur can sometimes help determine if your cat has fleas.

Another cause of shedding could be ringworm, which is a fungus that can be passed from humans to cats and can cause patches of fur loss and thickened skin. Catster.com says other bacterial or fungal infections could also cause hair loss, so if you see signs of an infection, it's time to see your vet so that they can test to see what is the cause of your cat's patchy fur and skin. 

Cats could also have excessive shedding due to thyroid disease. Catster.com says this usually happens in cats over 10 years old, and would probably require a blood test to diagnose. They say other endocrine issues can also cause excessive hair loss, so if your cat is losing more fur than usual, a vet can help to see if it could be a deeper issue. 

 One other time than a cat sheds more than usual according to catster.com is during pregnacy. A pregnant cat, or one who has just given birth and is lactating, will shed a lot of hair from their bellies in order to make it easier for the kittens to nurse. So, if your cat is pregnant, it's normal for her to have extra shedding from her belly and you don't need to worry about this type of shedding. Her fur will grow back once she weans her kittens!

 You can take some steps to help reduce the amount of cat fur that accumulates in your house. One recommendation is to brush them often with rubber brush or grooming glove so that you can collect loose fur before it deposits itself on your couch. Another thing that might reduce the amount of fur that your cat sheds is to make sure your cat gets plenty of protein and add foods rich in omega 3 oils to support coat health. 

For the most part, cat shedding is normal and healthy for your cat (if messy in your home), but if you notice your cat shedding much more than usual, or see bald spots or itchiness, it's time to talk to your vet to see if there is more going on!