What you should know about Cat's Shedding

Are you tired of finding cat hair all over your house? Is your furry friend leaving a trail of shedding fur wherever it goes? If so, you're not alone. But every cat lover must accept cat shedding because it is a normal, natural event in kitties' lives. Even humans have periods of hair growth and shedding. Shedding can be a major nuisance for pet owners, so here we will cover everything from understanding why cats shed to implementing effective grooming techniques that will minimize it.

Why do cats shed

Cat shedding is a natural process that allows cats to get rid of old or damaged hair and replace it with new one. Dead hair can cause skin irritation and thus needs to be removed. If you do not remove it for them, they will release it alone. So, shedding helps keep kitties' coats healthy and regulates their body temperature. But why do cats shed so much?

Cats in the wild generally shed their coats twice a year: in the spring to shed the heavy winter undercoat and in the fall to prepare for the "grow-in" of the next winter's undercoat. However, since we have domesticated cats and subjected them to air conditioning in summer and artificial heat in winter, their systems have been confused enough to put them into a constant shedding state.

Hair shedding is considered a sign of health in the cat because sick cats do not shed. It happens for different reasons, but basically, it depends on the time your kitty spends outdoors or whether your cat is purely an indoor pet. The shedding is largely influenced by daylight, called “photoperiod”. The number of hours a cat is exposed to sunlight in a day (photoperiod) triggers the shedding process. Also, shedding varies considerably with the breed and husbandry practices (i.e. bathing, grooming, activities, etc.).

Indoor cats shed at any time of the year. The amount of hair shed is less than that of outdoor cats due to the artificial light inside the house, but it also depends on the control of the constant temperature in your home.

Outdoor cats shed in the spring and fall when the days lengthen and there is more sunlight. You will not see much, if any, shedding of your outdoor cat during the winter months because they naturally will hold on to all their fur to use as thermal protection from the cold conditions.

Cat breeds that don't shed

Two cat breeds are often touted as shedding a minimal amount - the Cornish Rex that has short, curly fur that lies close to her body, and the Devon Rex that is similar and has curly fur that can be in a very thin coat across the cat's body. Because of their short and fine fur, their shedding is not usually noticeable, but these cat breeds also shed.

The only cats that do not shed fur are purebred hairless cats, such as the Sphynx. This unusual cat is not hairless. She has a fine down on her body, rather like the fuzz on a peach. Some people say the skin of a Sphynx feels like suede or chamois. This breed is rare and needs special care, but it is a great choice for people with allergies.

How to deal with  shedding in cats

Shedding in cats can be controlled with frequent brushing and combing. Daily brushing and combing remove loose and dead hair and help keep a cat’s skin and coat healthy. Cats with healthy fur coats tend to shed a bit less.

Start brushing your cat slowly, keep the sessions short and positive, and always stop before your cat protests. Using food treats can help make the situation pleasant and help your cat learn to enjoy it. As your cat learns to enjoy the sessions, you can make them longer. Brushing helps remove dead hair, and therefore the cat will be less likely to shed in your home.

When you comb your cat, comb her carefully in the hair growth direction to smooth the coat and remove any minor knots or tangles. If the coat has a particularly stubborn knot or tangle, you may have to trim it with scissors. For longhaired cats, begin with a wide-tooth comb and follow up with a fine-tooth comb. To avoid injury, consult a veterinarian if your cat's coat has severe matting.

Whether purebred or mixed breed, a key to good brushing lies in the length of a cat’s coat. A cat with a very short, single coat similar to the Siamese, Burmese and Cornish rex needs very little brushing. The dense-coated shorthaired cats like American shorthairs, British shorthairs, and Scottish folds require a monthly brushing session. Semi-longhaired cats resembling Maine coons should be combed and bathed even more regularly. Cats with long, flowing coats resembling the Persian should be combed and have their faces cleaned at least every other day, and they should be bathed weekly or bi-weekly.

Combing and brushing have so many advantages:

• more frequently you brush your cat and remove dead and loose hair from her body yourself, she will not shed;
• they will reduce the occurrence of hairballs, especially in the longer-haired breeds;
• keep cat's coat smooth and free from mats - little clumps of fur that sometimes form;
• it is a wonderful form of interaction for both you and your cat and can be a wonderful bonding occupation;
• allow you to keep an eye on your cat's coat and skin for potential problems, such as parasites, skin conditions, etc.

Other ways to reduce the shedding in cats is to keep them healthy and feed quality food. You should feed your kitty with nutritionally complete and balanced cat food with all the nutrients required for healthy skin and hair coat. Some products can be applied to your cat’s hair coat to reduce daily shedding. There are vitamins derived from fish oils available at pet shops and veterinarians, which can also help. They provide omega-3 fatty acids that strengthen the coat. Also available are topical sprays, which alter and reduce the shedding cycle.

If the heavy shedding is consistent throughout the year, the cats may have a food sensitivity or a dust allergy. In extreme cases, when your cat is actually sick from excessive hairballs, some veterinarians recommend shaving the cat three to four times a year. But In both cases, you should consult your veterinarian to determine the cause of such shedding. 

How to prevent shedding by creating a cat-friendly environment

While it's impossible to prevent shedding in cats completely, there are steps you can take to minimize it and create a more hair-free environment in your home. Here are some tips:

1. Regular vacuuming: Invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner with a pet hair attachment and vacuum your home regularly, paying special attention to areas where your cat spends the most time, such as its favorite sleeping spots or the furniture it likes to lounge on. Vacuuming helps remove loose fur and dander from your home, reducing the amount that can accumulate on surfaces.

2. Use washable covers and blankets: If your cat loves to snuggle up on the couch or your bed, consider using washable covers and blankets to protect your furniture and bedding from fur shedding. These covers can easily be removed and laundered, keeping your home clean and free of cat hair.

3. Provide designated scratching areas: Cats naturally shed fur when they scratch, so providing designated scratching areas can help contain shedding. Invest in a sturdy scratching post or cat tree with sisal posts and place it in an area where your cat spends a lot of time. Encourage your cat to use the scratching post by sprinkling it with catnip or using interactive toys.

4. Regular bathing: While most cats are self-groomers and do not require frequent baths, occasional bathing can help remove excess fur and reduce shedding. Use a cat-friendly shampoo and follow proper bathing techniques to ensure a stress-free experience for your cat.

5. Control the temperature and humidity: Extreme temperatures and low humidity can lead to dry skin and excessive shedding. Keep your home at a comfortable temperature, and consider using a humidifier during dry winter months to maintain a healthy humidity level.

Remember, shedding is a natural process for cats, so it's important to embrace it and focus on managing it rather than trying to eliminate it completely.