Before we begin, it's important to know that cat shedding is natural and normal. Almost all types of cats shed, except the hairless breeds. And the amount of hair they shed varies from one cat to another.
In some cases, cats shed more than usual. However, you don't have to worry about it unless there is a medical issue.
The good part is that you can control your cat's shedding. If it's too much, there are ways to stop. And that's what we will be discussing in this article. We will explain the common reasons for too much cat shedding and share some effective ways to stop it.
Why Is My Cat Shedding So Much?
Your cat could shed more than usual. Sometimes, the reason behind it is normal, but it could also be serious.
Here are some common reasons for too much shedding.
Seasonal Change
Cats shed more than usual because of seasonal changes. Typically, it happens once or twice a year when the shedding becomes significant.
It's completely normal, and cats do this to regulate their temperature according to the season. They need time to adapt, and it's good for their health.
Cats shed when it is springtime. They lose their hair to stay comfortable in warm weather and bear extreme temperatures. Similarly, cats also shed in Autumn. They need to prepare for the cold weather, and shedding promotes the growth of thicker hair.
Parasites and Fungal Infections
If the cat is dealing with parasites and fungal infections, it sheds more. In an attempt to scratch the body, the hairs come out. In severe cases, you might see bald patches on the affected area.
Moreover, cats also develop allergies due to food, insect bites, or environmental factors. They affect the skin's health and may cause too much shedding.
Cat Disease
In certain diseases, cats lose their hair. For instance, hormonal imbalances, kidney/liver/thyroid diseases, and cancer could be the reasons behind hair shedding.
Nutrients Deficiency
If the cat is suffering from a nutrient deficiency, it could start shedding hair more than usual. Several nutrients are necessary for a cat's health, and they affect the skin and hair.
Cat Age
With age, cats start shedding more hair. Cats over 10 years of age deal with multiple health conditions. Secondly, their skin becomes more elastic and thinner over time. It is also another reason for excessive shedding.
When a cat gets old, it can't groom itself well. Its reason could be dental issues or arthritis. In these cases, the hair health is badly affected.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are common yet often overlooked reasons for excessive shedding. If your cat is under stress and feeling uncomfortable, it could start shedding more than usual.
How to Stop a Cat from Shedding?
If you are certain that your cat is shedding too much, you can try out a few things to reduce it. Here's what you can do.
Vet Check for Disease
The first thing you need to do is ensure that your cat is not suffering from any diseases. For that, visit a veterinarian. It will help in the diagnosis or give you peace of mind. You will be able to focus in the right direction.
The vet might prescribe any medicine to treat the condition or recommend some ways to solve the issue.
Improve Diet and Hydration
Your cat gets the essential nutrients from the food. If it is suffering from malnutrition or lacking a specific nutrient, you need to supplement it with a balanced diet. Which means the food should provide everything the cat needs.
Some nutrients you can focus on are Protein and essential fatty acids, such as Omega-3. These can improve skin and hair health to reduce shedding. You can also consider some supplements after consulting a vet.
Hydration plays an important role in a cat's skin health. If the cat is not drinking enough water, the result could be dry and flaky skin, which promotes shedding.
Make sure your cat has access to fresh water whenever it needs it. It should be available in ample quantities. In the summer, keep a supply of cool water.
Groom Regularly
Many hair problems can be avoided with regular grooming. It keeps the hair and skin clean. It untangles the hair and prevents matting. This way, not only does it promote hair health, but it also keeps the cat comfortable.
Regular grooming is needed. It is an effective way to control shedding. Use a suitable brush that suits the cat's fur type. Also, consider a professional grooming service once in a while.
Reduce Stress
You can control a cat's shedding by reducing stress. Cats often become stressed when there is a change, such as moving to a new house, experiencing excessive noise, a shift in their environment, or the arrival of a new family member. They need time to adapt to the changes, but in the meantime, they get stressed and shed more.
Your cat needs extra attention when it's stressed. To reduce it, you can try grooming, provide your cat with places to relax, get new toys, etc. In most cases, you can reduce the stress by taking care of your cat. However, if it remains out of control, consult a veterinarian.
Manage the Environment
Your cat needs a comfortable, safe, and clean environment. The comfort factor keeps the cat happy, while the cleanliness reduces the chances of allergies, parasites, and skin issues. They need a calm space to stay relaxed.
Make sure the temperature is comfortable. Cats can't adjust to temperatures quickly like humans. They could suffer from overheating or cold. Your cat's place should be comfortable enough. You can have a raised and comfortable pet. Maintain a clean litter box and ensure easy access to food and water.
How to Prevent Cat Hair from Getting Everywhere?
Cats do shed, and it's perfectly normal. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to keep the house clean and prevent cat hair from getting everywhere. It's difficult but doable, and if you do it properly, you can avoid multiple health issues.
Set a Grooming Routine
When you groom your cat, you remove the hair that is about to shed. The brush removes the weak hair on the skin. This way, the hair will not spread everywhere.
Groom your cat regularly. It has numerous benefits, one of which is reduced shedding. You can collect the hair in the area where you are grooming, which is much easier than collecting it from every corner of the house.
Keep Cats Away from Bedroom
You also need to limit your cat's access. Ensure it does not enter your bedroom or other areas. Keep it in its specific location where you have set up the mat, litter box, etc.
It will not let the cat spread hair everywhere. You will only have a specific area to clean.
Use a Robot Vacuum to Collect Cat Hair
Cleaning a cat's hair in the house is difficult, but not if you have a robot vacuum cleaner. It will automatically clean the floor, carpets, and every corner of the house. Even if you are away, it will be on its job.
eufy X10 Pro Omni is a robot vacuum cleaner designed for homes with pets. It ensures fur-free floors in just one pass. It can clean almost any surface, be it a hard floor or carpet.
It's a carpet cleaning expert that uses a multi-directional roller brush. It can pick up pet hair, crumbs, and fine debris. It can detangle pet hair on its own. Not only is it a vacuum cleaner, but it is also an air filter to remove airborne particles.
If you want to take cleaning to an advanced level, the eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E28 would be the best. Its extremely powerful suction of 20,000 Pa does not leave any hair or debris on the surface.
It's equipped with a HydroJet system that automatically cleans the mop to ensure deep cleaning. It picks up your pet's hair and detangles it on its own. It does not require any maintenance during the job. It can automatically fill the water, wash itself, dispense detergent, dry itself, etc. Thus, once you plug it in, you don't have to worry about pet hair, dust, stains, or odor in your house.
All Cats Shed–Make Sure It Isn't Too Much
Cat shedding is normal. All cats shed, and there is nothing to worry about unless there is a medical condition or disease.
In most cases, even if your cat is shedding more than usual, you can reduce the hair fall. We have shared some effective techniques that can stop too much shedding and promote the cat's health.
Moreover, as a cat owner, you also need to keep your house clean and get rid of fur and hair. And that's where you need a robot vacuum cleaner to do everything for you. It makes the life of cat/pet owners a lot easier.
