What to do if the cat sheds?

What is shedding in cats?

This is a natural process during which the old wool is renewed. During the year, it goes on continuously, but if in summer the ratio of growing and formed hairs is 1:1, then in winter it changes to 9:1 in favor of the latter.

Why does a cat shed?

This process can have different reasons:

• genetic factors;

• Change in health status;

• Hormonal changes;

• Food;

• Change in air temperature;

• Change in daylight hours.

When do cats shed?

If the animal has the opportunity to freely go outside, then a pronounced molt, as a rule, is observed in autumn and spring. If the cat does not have access to the street, then it will shed all year round.

What to do if the cat sheds?

The most effective way to combat dead hairs is the systematic care of your pet’s coat. The main thing here is thorough combing. A special rubber glove for hair removal has proven itself well, which effectively removes dead hairs. With its help it is convenient to remove wool from carpets and furniture. Regular bathing may also help.

Regular brushing is also important because it will reduce the amount of hair your cat swallows while licking. And this, in turn, reduces the likelihood that hairballs will accumulate in the pet’s gastrointestinal tract. In addition, combing prevents the appearance of tangles in representatives of long-haired breeds.

In what cases is molting dangerous?

Normally, the hairs fall out evenly, and bald or strongly thinned spots do not form. Therefore, if the hair falls out too much, it may indicate health problems. These can be, for example:

• Pathologies of the hormonal system;

• Fungal and bacterial skin diseases;

• Parasite infestation.

Therefore, if your pet has bald spots, you should immediately consult a veterinarian. It must also be taken into account that, even if the molt proceeds evenly, it may be too intense, and this is an occasion to pay attention to the behavior and well-being of the pet. The reason for this can be both an unbalanced diet and systemic diseases, stress or side effects from the use of drugs. As a result, hair completes its growth cycle faster and falls out earlier. In any case, to identify the cause of this phenomenon, you need to contact a veterinarian.

It is worth considering that the hair consists mainly of protein. Therefore, in order for the coat to be healthy, the cat’s diet must have enough easily digestible proteins. If the diet is unbalanced, this can lead to the fact that the coat is dry, dull and brittle.

22 2017 June

Updated: July 6, 2018