How to reduce cat shedding

You've just given your cat a good pet, they've chilled in their favourite spot on the sofa, or they've rubbed against your leg for a bit, and what do you notice? A trail of cat hair left behind like a calling card.

Shedding (or moulting) is natural for cats, so most of the time, you don't have to worry. But excessive shedding can mean your cat is struggling with something.

Sometimes it's just a response to seasonal changes. Other times, it's a stress response. Or it can indicate an issue with your cat's health. 

Shedding can happen for lots of reasons, which is why you should understand what it means and why it's happening. So, if your cat is shedding a lot, we're here.

Let's discuss why cats shed, when it's excessive and what too much of it could mean.

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What's cat shedding, and why does it happen?

All cats shed. Yes, even "hairless cats", like Sphynx cats, still shed a little bit. It's a natural process where a cat rids themselves of dead or damaged hair, as well as surface skin cells.

Getting rid of older hair allows a cat to replace it with new, healthy fur. It also helps the body release natural oils into a cat's skin, which keeps it moisturised and healthy.

Cats shed year-round, but it can peak when the season changes to adapt to temperature and weather.

Why’s my cat shedding so much?

Excessive, heavy shedding can mean your cat is dealing with a problem. But it's not always the case.

Reasons for shedding that aren't a health problem:

• Breed - Some breeds just seem to shed a lot.

• Season - Cats shed more in response to seasonal changes.

Health problems that can cause shedding:

• Allergies - Allergies can cause overgrooming. Your cat could have an allergic reaction to anything from food to environmental allergens, like pollens or house dust mites. Some cats are also allergic to flea saliva.

• Bacterial infection - Bacteria can cause skin issues and excessive hair loss. This is usually secondary to an underlying issue like an allergy.  Bacterial infection contributes to your cat overgrooming and losing hair.

• Diet and nutrition issues - Poor diet and nutrition impact coat quality, which can lead to excessive shedding and poor coat quality.

• Disease - Sometimes, diseases like kidney, liver or thyroid problems can cause shedding and changes in coat condition.

• Fungal infection - Hairs can fall off if your cat has caught a fungal infection like ringworm (dermatophytosis).

• Hormone issues - Hormone changes may cause cats to lose hair.

• Parasites - Parasites, like fleas and mites, can spark excessive scratching and chewing, leading to hair loss.

• Pregnancy - This causes massive hormone changes in cats, where hair loss can be a symptom.

• Stress - Can cause very sudden, excessive shedding in cats. This can be a response to short-term or chronic stress.

If you notice your cat shedding much more than usual, please speak to your vet. It's your cat's way of communicating that something might be wrong.

Understanding cat seasonal shedding

Cats routinely shed when the temperature changes. It usually happens in spring and autumn.

In spring, cats shed their winter coat, especially their undercoat. This usually happens in April and May and is very noticeable in double-coated breeds like Birmans.

Autumn means cats shed their summer coat, which happens in October or November. This allows them to grow their winter coat.

But central heating means that some cats will just shed at moderate levels all year round.

How to control cat shedding at home

Our article on managing dog shedding will have some advice that applies to cats. But generally, we recommend:

• Grooming your cat regularly, especially during the peak seasons.

• Having cat insurance, so you can see a vet quickly if you have any concerns.

• Improving your cat's diet if it's lacking the right nutrients.

• Supplementation with things like omega 3 fatty acids which promotes healthy skin and fur.

• Visit a vet if your cat has bald patches or sore skin.

Treatment for excessive shedding in cats

If your cat is simply just shedding then there's no specific treatment for this. But if your cat has other symptoms alongside heavy shedding, like poor coat condition, bald patches or sore skin, then it is important to visit the vet.

Depending on their examination, your vet may recommend some further tests to confirm a diagnosis. This may include analysing samples from your cat’s skin and blood tests.

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause but may include anti-parasite treatment, anti–fungal treatment or antibiotics. Anti-inflammatories like steroids may be used to reduce itchiness and the urge to over groom.

If your cat's shedding excessively due to stress, your vet may be able to make some recommendations to tackle this. In some cases, we'd recommend dietary changes, especially if we suspect food allergies.

Cat breeds that don’t shed as much

Sometimes, your choice of cat breed comes down to their coat (and we're not just talking about the pattern).

While hypoallergenic cats don't exist, choosing a low-shedding one is okay if you want a low-maintenance kitty with little cleaning up.

Low-shedding cats include:

• Bengal

• Bombay

• British Shorthair

• Burmese

• Cornish Rex

• Devon Rex

• Russian Blue

• Siamese

• Siberian

• Sphynx

When to seek help for cat shedding

You should seek help if shedding is sudden, excessive and comes with other symptoms. In general, if you think that something is up, always see your vet.

Key warning signs to look out for are:

• A very thin coat

• Bald patches

• Dull, greasy or matted coat

• Fleas or flea dirt in your pet’s coat

• Fur that doesn't grow back (alopecia)

• Other signs of ill health such as changes in appetite, weight or energy levels

• Over or undergrooming

• Scabs, sores or areas of red skin

How cat insurance helps with shedding

Overall, cat shedding is usually nothing to worry about. But occasionally, it can indicate a deeper problem, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms.

It's important to keep a close eye on your cat and maintain a regular grooming routine. This will help you see and address health issues quickly and make sure you make the most of your regular check-ups with the vet.

Of course, cat insurance can help you prepare for skin-related problems. With up to £15,000 vet fee cover, 24/7 video access to a professional through FirstVet and a host of ManyPets Perks, we're there when you need us, and when you don't. 

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