Many pet owners find cat fur to be a pain in the neck, however if cat shedding in your home is out of hand, we have a hunch you might be ripping your hair out! Whether it's the sofas, your beloved blanket, or the sharp dress you've been saving for that crucial meeting, shed hair does seem to attach to everything. We'll discuss the reasons behind cat shedding in this post, as well as methods on how to prevent cats from shedding.
The reasons why cat shedding
Season
While higher fur shedding is common for cats at specific calendar year periods, it can catch pet parents off guard. All cats shed in the spring and fall, though you may observe that outdoor cats shed more dramatically than their indoor counterparts during these seasons.
Breed
You could be taken aback by how much your new cat sheds if you're used to other breeds. However, it's typical for some breeds to shed more than others, particularly those with long hair and thick coats. This makes sense when you consider that cats with much more fur per inch will shed more.
Parasites
Any factor that aggravates the skin has the potential to increase shedding. Parasites are the most prevalent and annoying things. All three parasites—fleas, lice, and mites—can itch, resulting in more frequent grooming and shedding. A fungal infection called ringworm affects the hairs, increasing shedding and occasionally leaving patches of baldness. Although it can be difficult to detect in cats, it is highly contagious and can be transmitted to people, dogs, and other creatures your cat interacts with, so it is essential to take care of this one right away.
Disease
Numerous illnesses drain the body of a lot of energy, which is typically taken away from non-essential processes. The first thing to disappear when a cat has other issues is its coat because it is not thought to be necessary for survival. A cat may shed more than usual if it has kidney disease, the feline flu, hyperthyroidism, or cancer, to name a few illnesses.
Stress
Ever observed how much hair your cat sheds when it visits the vet? Cats might shed much more than usual under stress, both chronic and acute. Cats become anxious when their environment changes even little, such as when furniture is moved or their routine is altered. Consider whether stress can be the blame for your cat's excessive shedding.
Bad diet
It's doubtful that food is the root of excessive shedding if your cat is eating a balanced diet that is appropriate for their age. It's possible that your cat's nutrition hasn't been sufficient for them to produce healthy fur, though, if they've been picky eaters and are leaving portions of their food on the plate or if they were just rescued.
Obesity
Like osteoarthritis, obesity makes it difficult for cats to properly groom themselves. Although this doesn't truly cause greater shedding, it can give the impression that it does because they'll be leaving more fur around the house and ingesting less of it. If there's even a remote chance if the cat is a little "cuddlier" this year, it's recommended to consult a veterinarian and begin a diet to bring them back to a normal weight. Obesity is becoming more prevalent and is quite dangerous.
How to prevent cats from shedding
Maintain Regular Cat Brushing
Regularly brushing your cat can dramatically reduce the number of cat hair that is present. Regular brushing can also lessen the likelihood of your cat developing hairballs because it removes debris, dying hair, and dander, which are all linked to unhealthy skin. It also keeps your cat's hair from becoming matted and unmanageable, where at point you would require the help of a professional hairstylist.
Your cat is already quite dedicated to grooming, but with a hectic schedule that includes lying on the ground in front of you, napping in the sunlight, and hunting down the newest crinkly thing to rest on, they occasionally need a little assistance. But grooming your cat isn't just useful; it's also a terrific method to pay attention to your cat. The majority of cats love to have their fur brushed, but you need to watch out for overstimulating your cat.
Make A Place That Is Fur-Friendly
Cats enjoy lying on items that we don't really want covered by hair, which contributes to the issue of shedding. Giving your cat a surface you don't mind them lying on doesn't exactly reduce the amount of fur they shed, but it does lessen the amount that spreads all around the house.
A cat tree is one of the finest methods to provide your cat its own private space. However, one of the quickest ways you can do this is to add an extra blanket to the spot where your cat prefers to sleep. This blanket is simple to place in the laundry room before guests arrive so you may act as when you have command of the cat, for a few hours, and you can frequently wash or cotton roll it to remove the fur.
Any blankets (or towels) will suffice, especially if it's in a sunny position. However, if your cat likes kneading on blankets, this might be a wonderful treat for them.
Improve the diet of your cat
A bad diet may be one factor in excessive shedding. A dry, fragile coat and hairs which are more inclined to break off now and fall out might result from cats not receiving the proper nourishment. Increasing the amount of omega-6 and omega-3 acid is among the easiest modifications you can make.
But in addition to supplements, you need to think about your cat's regular diet. It was stated that the diet for your cat contained 45% protein and 25% to 35% fat. Since many cat meals, even wet feeds, are fairly low in fat, doing that is rather difficult.
Shave The Cat
It shouldn't be a surprise that getting rid of all the hair is one of the finest ways to lessen shedding. Here, you have a choice between doing it yourself and hiring a pro.
The key is always to use the protection when using the clippers. Using a guard with your clippers can allow you to trim your cat's hair very short without running the risk of cutting your cat. We're not really attempting to shave pet down to their skin; rather, it's more like clipping their hair very short.
In order to provide your cat a rest and prevent your clippers from overheating, I also advise going in small bursts. However, if all of that seems like too much work, you may also hire a pro to shave your cat's fur. You'll need to be smart here, just like when you bathe, and aim to match weekly shaves to the cat's largest sheds mostly in spring and fall.
Stress reduction
A cat may experience significant stress and shed more as a result of major events like moving into a home or adding a new cat or furry family member. Even though you might not be able to change large changes, like purchasing a house, one can help your cat through them.
Even better, some of the strategies for keeping your cat calm will also aid in shedding reduction in other ways. For instance, grooming your cat can both soothe an irritated feline and remove the dead hair while also time.
To control shedding, there is also the tactic of designating a fur-friendly area. This room might also be thought of as a cat's safe haven where they can retreat from any changes made to the house that might be upsetting them.
Conclusion
Overall, each cat and season has their own definition of what is typical for a cat that sheds. But if you believe the cat is shedding excessively, there can be a valid explanation. While there are some natural treatments for excessive cat shedding, such as increasing the diet's essential fatty acids, it's advisable to consult your veterinarian if you observe any signs of irritated skin, bald patches, or other disorders.
