How long does it take for cats to molt?

3. You have bought a new perfume or put an air freshener in the rooms. A nice scent or candles create a cozy atmosphere at home, but irritate the receptors and can cause cat allergies.

Cats' shedding: Causes and duration

The moult in cats is a natural process of change of hair cover in animals. The individual hairs of a cat's coat grow cyclically, and two stages can be distinguished: growth and rest. During the growth stage, a new hair is actively forming and growing in the hair follicle. During the resting stage, the hair finishes growing, but continues to be held in the hair follicle. On average, the ratio of growing to dead hair in the hair follicle is 50/50, but in the winter season the amount of hair in the dormant stage can reach 90%.

• Length of daylight hours,
• ambient temperature,
• nutrition,
• general health of the cat,
• hormones and genetic factors.

Baby molting

When is the first molt in cats? It usually happens between 5 and 8 months of age. How long does this molt last and why does the cat molt? The molting period in cats can last from two weeks or more, and is associated with the first molt as the kitten changes the baby hair to the adult hair. The soft hair gradually falls out, and in its place grows tougher hair. When cats begin to molt, it means that after a while you will notice how much your cat's fur has changed both externally and to the touch.

Seasonal molting in cats is quite normal. The time of molting in cats is usually spring and fall. It usually repeats twice a year. It is during these periods that cats usually begin to lose their hair. However, domestic cats can molt at almost any time during the year. If a cat did not change its coat in the spring, but did in the summer, you should not worry about it. How long does molting last in cats? The molt usually lasts from two weeks to two months. If you notice that the molt is taking too long, that's a reason to see your veterinarian.

Hair Growth Cycle

Each phase lasts a different amount of time, and each hair is in a different phase. Most hair is in the active anagen phase (in humans, ~90% of follicles are in the anagen phase, 1% are in the catagen phase, and 9% are in the telogen phase). At the end of the telogen phase, the bindings holding the hair in place weaken and the hair falls out. Cats have between 60,000 and 120,000 hairs per square inch (2.5 cm), which are constantly in a growth cycle, meaning that on any given day there is a lot of hair entering the environment. There is no data on how much hair cats lose per day, but humans lose 50 to 100 hairs daily.

Long-haired cats lose no more than short-haired cats. It may seem like there is more hair because its length makes it more noticeable.

When is molting not normal?

Moulting is normal and part of the coat renewal cycle. But there is also excessive, abnormal shedding. There are a number of causes, including stress, parasites (fleas, ticks), pyoderma (skin infection), fungal infections (ringworm, Malassezia), hyperthyroidism and allergies (contact, food, inhalation). If you notice areas of severe hair loss or excessive hair in the house, it is important to see a veterinarian to determine what the cause is.

There is no way to stop shedding in a cat, but there are ways to reduce its impact.

Regular brushing.

Daily brushing can significantly reduce the amount of hair in the house by removing loose hair from the coat. There is a huge selection of grooming tools available, including brushes, combs and gloves. A pet groomer will be able to recommend products to remove loose hairs from the coat.

Reduce stress

Despite their reputation for being aloof, cats are sensitive animals, and stress can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including hair loss due to excessive grooming, which for some cats may serve as self-soothing. Stress can occur for a number of reasons, including territorial issues between cats, changes in routines, a new member in the house (child, partner, pet) or even illness.

Maintain order.

In families with more than one cat, make sure each cat has access to its own resources (food bowls, litter trays, and lie downs).

Plan daily play therapy

But you can provide a stimulating environment with cat trees and interactive cat toys.

In some cases, medication may need to be prescribed to reduce stress.

Diet

A complete and balanced diet is essential for a healthy body, skin and coat. Look for foods fortified with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. A 2018 study found that fermented fish oil containing DHA and EPA helps stimulate follicle growth in rats, which may help reduce shedding. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing nutraceuticals into your cat's diet.

When does the first molt in kittens occur?

First, let's understand when kittens begin to molt. Newborns' bodies are covered with thin and very soft baby fluff. It can not be attributed to either the undercoat or the fluff. This fur cover is unique and characteristic only for babies.

The change from baby down to a stiffer and denser adult coat occurs at 5-8 months of age. In addition to the structure of the hair, the color of the coat and its pattern may change.

If you are interested in a particular color – do not rush to buy a purebred kitten, and wait until he grows into an adult coat.

When cats begin to molt

After the loss of the baby fluff, the intensive renewal of the coat occurs according to a certain schedule. Depending on the frequency of hair changes, molting is divided into seasonal and out-of-season.

Seasonal

In the wild, the coat is renewed 2 times a year, influenced by temperature conditions and changes in daylight hours. In spring it becomes shorter and less dense, and closer to winter it becomes longer and denser. The former protects the body from overheating and the latter from the cold.

If the cat is domestic, he may feel the change in weather when he is free to walk. The amount of hair falling out depends on the breed. Sphynxes and Rexes shed quite imperceptibly, but Maine Coons and Persians shed very intensively.

Out of season

Domesticated pets molt on their own schedule. It may seem like they do it all year round. With a thick and long coat, hairy "tumbleweeds" constantly accumulate at home. This is due to the fact that the living conditions of animals do not change much.

In the absence of access to the outdoors, molting is not due to the change of seasons, but to various physiological and pathological reasons. The former are natural and harmless, while the latter can lead to complications and require treatment.

For physiological reasons

In most cases, the temperature in the room is stable. The animal does not need to prepare for the heat and cold, but his body still forces the periodic renewal of the coat. Intensive loss of coats may provoke the following reasons:

1. Puberty. Its onset is often accompanied by a change of children's down to the adult "coat.
2. Dryness of the air. It increases during the heating season. It is possible to normalize the situation with the help of a humidifier.
3. Moving. If the cat lived for some time in a summer house, it will face other temperature conditions after returning to the city apartment. Going out doesn't play a role here.
4. Old age. In old age, the coat becomes weaker and duller. Its life span is shortened.
5. Pregnancy and lactation. At the end of lactation, almost all kittens begin to molt. The most abundant hair loss is on the abdomen and in the nipple area.
6. Unbalanced diet. Lack of nutrients can provoke the dulling and brittleness of hair. The situation is normalized with a change of diet. The risk group includes pets eating home-cooked food.

Actions in the case of a pathological condition

Under normal conditions, the seasonal molting process is characterized by an even loss of dead hairs. But if a cat molts heavily, the cause of this is most often a disorder in the body. Frequent causes of severe hair loss in a cat, are:

The appearance of areas of alopecia in a cat is a reason to immediately go to the veterinarian for help. Factors triggering increased hair loss in pets include internal diseases, stress, unbalanced diet or use of medications. Against the background of the above causes, the hair growth cycle is shortened, so it leaves the follicle earlier.

The basic building block of hair is the protein component. If the diet is deficient in easily digestible proteins, hair problems occur. With an unbalanced diet, a cat's coat looks dry, frizzy and dull.

It is the quality of the coat that serves as a kind of indicator of the condition of the cat. If the animal molts a lot, you should not wait for the end of the process, but follow some rules. First of all, you need to conduct regular inspections, at least at home.

If there are blood-sucking insects, it is important to treat in a timely manner. Another important rule is to control the quality of the cat's diet. A heavily shedding cat is clearly deficient in essential minerals and vitamins. A healthy cat's diet should include water-soluble B vitamins, salmon oil, polyunsaturated fatty acids, sulfur, and methionine. Making an abrupt transition from one type of food to another is also fraught with the development of increased hair loss in the pet.

If the cat is on a natural diet, various supplements should be present in its diet. In the case that the cat eats dry pelleted food, it is necessary to monitor its quality.

The cause of severe hair loss in a cat is also helminth infections . The development of worms in the intestinal tract of the pet, leads to serious consequences. The condition of the hair signals a problem in the digestive system. In order to prevent the development of helminth infections, regular anti-parasitic treatments should be carried out, regardless of whether the cat has free access to the outdoors or not.

Causes of shedding in cats

Diseases and metabolism . Hair loss can be due to the animal's metabolic disorders, allergies, dermatological diseases.

Childbirth and feeding of kittens . Usually, after the pet finishes feeding kittens, she begins molting, which is associated with hormonal changes. During this period, it is especially important that the cat eat properly and get all the necessary vitamins, as the body is still weakened and can not always cope with the stress, and even the growth of the coat.

Climate . The same dry and warm environment of a cat can be the reason why the cat is shedding. Many members of the feline family love heat, but fairly drastic temperature changes and high humidity can also cause hair loss.

Stress . Too abrupt a change of habitat, a change of owner, the appearance of other animals in the house can cause stress in cats, which are quite conservative. The problem is solved with the use of pheromones and homeopathic remedies.

Parasites . Parasites such as: fleas, hypodermic mites, dermestid also cause hair loss in cats, which is often accompanied by severe itching, weight loss and anxiety.

Help for the cat during the molting period

1. Stock up on everything you need for combing out excess hair: combs, down combs and brushes. The tool of choice will depend on the length of the cat's fur.

2. Take care of a special product that will help to dislodge lumps of hair from the body.

3. If the cat sheds a lot of hair, supplement B vitamins, dietary sulfur, salmon oil, methionine or change the food to something suitable for the type and age of the cat's coat.

4. Monitor for parasites and take regular prophylaxis. Use timely drops, collars, pills or a special spray to eliminate the possibility of parasites in your pet.

5. Make sure that your pet's diet is complete and balanced. You should feed your cat a complete diet with added vitamins and minerals. Do not allow sudden changes in diet.

Trichobezoar prevention

The occurrence of trichobezoar is a common consequence of molting. Cats lick themselves daily and ingest huge amounts of hair. Trichobezoar is a foreign body in the animal's stomach, consisting of hair clumped together in clumps. The hair can come out on its own with the feces. Sometimes animals induce vomiting to get rid of the lumps in the stomach. However, more often the hair clogs the gastrointestinal tract and prevents the digestive system from working properly.

The diagnosis can only be confirmed by a doctor by first performing an X-ray with contrast or ultrasound of the cat. In advanced cases, surgery under general anesthesia is required. The surgeon removes the hair clumps, which will not come out naturally.

To prevent the formation of trichobezoar, do not forget about prevention during molting:

1. As mentioned above, comb your cat daily, removing loose hairs.

2. Put a pot of fresh grass at home. The Four Paws online store sells fresh grass and seeds for growing.

3. For preventative care, give your cat paste и hair removal treats.. Once in the stomach, malt paste coats and softens the hairballs, helping to eliminate them naturally from the cat's body. The products come in different flavors, so cats enjoy eating them. It can be given alone or together with food. In addition, the manufacturer adds vitamins and prebiotics. Treats for hair removal works on a similar principle.

Prevention of heavy shedding

If the molting is severe, also visit the veterinarian, so that a specialist can rule out the development of pathologies in the animal's body. Adhere to the recommendations for caring for your furry friend above:

1. Comb his or her hair daily with a Comb, Coat comb or a furminator. If the cat does not like a comb with metal teeth, try combing the hair with a silicone glove.

2. Take your house cats for walks on the balcony or in an unheated room.

3. Keep an eye on humidity in the room. Dry air is bad for the skin, causing dryness and irritation. For the same reason, do not put house or bed the cat's lodge or bed close to a radiator. If possible, purchase a humidifier.

4. Wash your pet when it gets dirty. Do not bathe too often, especially during the cold season. Regular water procedures have no effect on shedding.

5. Treat your pets with deworming in time. A veterinarian can help you choose an antihelmintic. The procedure can be done at the clinic. Also do not forget about vaccinations. Every three months treat the cat against fleas, and in the season against ticks.

The main thing is to take care of your cat's fur all year round, not only during the molt. Then the process of hair change will be quick and easy.

Why and how do cats molt

Afterwards, molting will become regular. For cats, it is a natural process of preparation for the change of season. Ideally, a cat molts twice a year:

• Before the onset of cold weather. Reduced daylight hours and a significant drop in temperature activate defense mechanisms that involve a change of closet. Cats rapidly grow a new coat, which can protect them from the cold. For example, British cats grow a thick dense undercoat, which is much thicker than in summer;
• Before the heat sets in. Rising temperatures cause the need to prepare for the summer heat. "Winter" fur, as having served its purpose, is no longer needed. Therefore, a lighter version grows.

Cats with free-range cats react the most strongly to the change of seasons. Their bodies are exposed to natural weather conditions and are sensitive to the change of seasons.

Cats living in an apartment without a walk, despite the lack of seasonality in the home climate, also molt. Only the timing of this process is not rigidly tied to the environment. Depending on the breed, molting happens to cats 1-2 times a year.

One should keep in mind that molting can start at any time in mature cats that are not neutered, as a reaction to certain changes in their physiology. This is how the body reacts to a hormonal change during heat or after weaning of kittens from mother's milk. This is no reason to panic, you just need to provide the cat with improved nutrition and vitamins.

How long does the seasonal molt last

If you were frightened by the long first molt in a kitten, you should not worry. This is due to the complex processes of physiological maturation. Molting in cats, which can be called adults, goes to a normal mode. On average, it lasts a couple of months a year. Once in the spring, and another in late fall. There may be slight shifts in timing on the schedule.

Usually, short-haired pets fit into the molting schedule and timing. It's more difficult with the fluffier ones. Persians or Maine Coons take a long time to get rid of their undercoat after shedding their hair. They can't do without your help, that's for sure. If you don't help them with the struggle, the consequences can be serious. From localized tangles to total fur that has fallen apart.

Sometimes molting in cats is unplanned or doesn't stop for a long time.

Top 20 cat breeds that don't shed

We've compiled a list of cat breeds that hardly ever shed, so you can pick the one you like best.

Siamese Cat

The Siamese cat is a popular breed with a mixed reputation. Some people think Siamese are affectionate and loyal. Others – stubborn and willful. However, contrary to popular beliefs, admirers of the breed is only multiplying.

Siamese cat follows its owner on his heels, can express its feelings through the variety of semitone meows and purrs, and subtly feels human moods: it tries to comfort in moments of sadness and does not come close, when the owner is busy doing something.

The breed is of the short-haired type with a smooth close-fitting coat. Therefore, caring for the cat is minimal. It is enough to wipe the cat with a leather chamois and keep an eye on its oral health – Siamese cats are prone to dental problems.

Thai Cat

The Thai cat is another representative of the Siamese type. Characterized by curiosity, a loud voice and selectivity in communication: the animal chooses only one owner and responds to him with canine loyalty throughout life.

Its coat care is low maintenance. Once a week we should smooth it out with a wet hand. Once a month, comb it out with a stiff bristle brush. Then pronounced seasonal shedding is not observed.

The Mekong Bobtail

The Mekong bobtail resembles a Siamese cat in its appearance. However, that is where the similarities with this breed end. Unlike Siamese, the Bobtail is more restrained and unobtrusive, friendly with children and more easily tolerates loneliness.

Prevention of severe molting in cats

With increased molting and a guaranteed absence of skin diseases, you should comb out the cat's hair daily, thus helping it to survive this period more easily. Try to take your cat for walks outdoors frequently, either outdoors or on a well-ventilated balcony. Don't put your cat on a bed near the radiator – it dries the skin and hair. If the house is very dry, buying a humidifier will benefit everyone in the family.

Proper coat care is also an important element in the prevention of heavy shedding. It should be present not only during the hair loss, but also in the period when there is no problem.

For quality grooming of long-haired breeds, the following are used:

A furminator is used once a week for the best removal of loose undercoat. The rest of the time, the animal is combed in the direction of hair growth with a comb or brushes. If there are tangles, they should be removed in time.

It is best to wash the cat only when it is sufficiently dirty. Frequent bathing negatively affects the condition of the coat and unnerves the cat.

Watch your pet's food, timely deworming and vaccinations. If she walks outdoors, pick up parasite protection – collars, sprays, drops.

List of breeds with poor shedding

There are breeds that do not actively shed their hair. Basically, these are artificially bred species.

Naked breeds have virtually no fur, so they have the advantage of virtually no shedding:

• Sphinxes – depending on the variety, the fur may be completely absent or no more than 2 mm long;
• rexes – rex fur is very short and wavy, you can often see skin through it;
• la-perm – coats of these cats are curly, have no undercoat and fall out completely during moulting.

There are also less exotic cat breeds, which have weak shedding under normal conditions.

These include the Siamo-Oriental group – These are breeds that do not have undercoat:

Be careful: These breeds shed poorly, but they are more prone to dermatitis and other skin problems. Therefore, caring for them is not the easiest thing to do.