Why Is My Cat Shedding So Much?

Although cats tend to shed in the summer, the warm weather isn’t why cats shed so much and lose hair. We dig deeper to learn if shedding is normal, how much shedding is “too much” shedding, causes for increased shedding, and why cats shed in the first place.

Is Cat Shedding Normal?
Cat shedding is very normal, and while all cats shed, some breeds shed more than others. Indoor cats tend to shed minimally throughout the year, while outdoor cats experience heavy shedding cycles in late spring and late fall.

How Much Shedding is “Too Much” Shedding
Although shedding is completely normal for cats, excessive hair loss can signify an underlying health issue. So how can you tell?

Increase in Shedding: Firstly, you know your cat better than anyone and their seasonal changes in shedding. The first sign that your cat may be shedding too much is if you notice more hair collection than usual.
Excess Grooming: Did you know that cats groom themselves up to half the time they’re awake? It seems like an absurd amount of time, but it’s true. If you notice your kitty licking or scratching themselves more than usual, to the point that they’re more interested in grooming than other favored activities such as eating, then something may be up.
Alopecia or Persistent Hair Loss: If you notice that your cat’s coat is thinning out or develop missing patches, this may be an indication of an underlying medical problem, and you should seek out medical advice from your vet.

Why Is My Cat Shedding So Much?
Causes for Increased Shedding
For the most part, excess shedding isn’t severe, and most are treatable with veterinary attention. The five major causes of excess hair loss are:

Allergies
Skin, food, or environmental allergies may cause cats to itch and scratch a lot, leading to hair loss. When a cat scratches and grooms more than usual, it can lose hair and even develop a secondary skin infection. Although allergies aren’t curable, they’re manageable with medication and diet.

Pesky Parasites
Parasites such as fleas, mites, lice, and ticks may lead to excessive itching from bites causing bald spots and sores. If you suspect your cat has fleas, talk to your vet about safe and effective treatment.

Ringworm
Ringworm is not an actual worm but a fungal infection that causes a scaly ring of missing hair. It’s painless but very contagious between cats, dogs, and humans alike. Your veterinarian can prescribe special shampoos and creams to treat ringworm.

Metabolic Disease
Metabolic disorders such as kidney disease and hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss in cats. These disorders are not curable, but when caught early, they can be treatable for some time.

Stress or Boredom
When cats are extra-stressed, they may obsessively groom themselves, leading to bald patches or skin irritation. Treatment for psychogenic alopecia focuses on stress reduction and enrichment.

Why Is My Cat Shedding So Much?
How Can I Help?
Although shedding is inevitable, most excess shedding in cats is treatable, and there are simple ways to control the mess. Frequent brushing helps remove dead hair and fur, dramatically reducing the amount of loose hair and cat dander floating around the home. You can also look into your cat’s diet as a way to control shedding. Diets high in whole animal protein and an appropriate balance of essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids will help keep your cat’s coat and skin healthy.