How to stop a cat from shedding

Get a a comb or hair brush and comb the cat's hair regularly. When choosing a model, take into account the size of the cat and the frequency of metal teeth. Use a comb for daily combing, but it is recommended to use a down comb less often.

Cat shedding year-round, nothing helps. What is the reason and how to deal with it?

Lumps of hair under the couch, in the air and even on your clothes are commonplace for many cat owners. On the one hand molting is a sign of health for your cat as he grows new fur. But how can you tell the difference between normal and excessive molting? In this article, we'll discuss the causes of year-round molting, how to deal with them, and what warning signs to look out for.

It should be understood that molting is a quite normal process, which is necessary to change the length and thickness of the coat in accordance with environmental factors: in winter it becomes more fluffy and thick, and in summer it becomes thinner and lighter. Each hair undergoes several growth stages:

Some cats molt more, others less. There is no universal rule for determining whether a pet molts normally or excessively. Also, because of cats' obsession with grooming, molting problems can be difficult to detect.

The hair growth cycle depends on two environmental factors – temperature and sunlight. Obviously, the effect of these factors depends on the cat's lifestyle, whether it is a house cat or an outdoor cat. Outdoor cats tend to molt more intensively twice a year, when the length of day and temperature changes are more pronounced. Domestic cats, on the other hand, molt with equal intensity year-round.

Causes of increased molting

There are situations when a cat not only molts all year round, but also in large quantities. Fortunately, in most cases such molting is not dangerous, and together with a veterinarian it can be put under control. There are 5 main causes of excessive molting:

• Allergies cause the cat to have excessive itching, active hair loss and the development of secondary bacterial infections. Cats can be allergic to many things, including environmental allergens (pollen, dust, dander), certain foods (chicken, beef), etc.
• Fleas, mites and other parasites can cause severe skin irritation, resulting in increased shedding and hair loss. You can get rid of parasites with a variety of remedies, and periodic prophylaxis.
• Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes hairless ring-shaped skin lesions. Despite its appearance, ringworm is painless. However, it is highly contagious not only to cats, but also to dogs and humans. As with any other fungal infection, treatment of ringworm is lengthy. The veterinarian will prescribe ointments, creams and shampoos. In more severe cases, oral antifungal medications are also recommended.
• Cats may also have a metabolic disorder, resulting in skin and coat changes and molting abnormalities. The two most common metabolic conditions are kidney disease and an underactive thyroid gland.
• There is a condition called psychogenic alopecia. This is hair loss due to a psychological imbalance. Namely, when cats are overly stressed or bored, they lick themselves excessively, resulting in skin irritation and focal hair loss. Managing this condition will require identifying and eliminating the stress trigger or, in cases caused by boredom, enriching the environment.

So when a cat molts a lot, you need to rule out any medical problems by consulting a veterinarian.

Do cats shed often?

To begin with, let's think about why cats need fur. And immediately the question arises – how do sphynx cats adapt to everyday conditions. But first, let's go in order. For a long time, representatives of the family of small carnivores lived in the wild. Naturally, they needed a covering to keep them warm, as well as camouflage from other animals. Another function of the coat is to protect against damage. Speaking of a pet, we can observe that the coat of a cat can be different from the coat of its congeners. For this reason, there are distinguished such varieties of felines:

• Short-haired (Siamese, Bombay, Asian, tabby, chartreuse);
• Long-haired (Persian, Siberian, Maine Coon, Norwegian);
• Medium haired – this group usually includes some types of exotic pets;
• Hairless (sphynx cats).

By nature, a cat molts twice a year. In the fall, after molting, we may notice that the amount of hair on the animal's body will increase. The second peak is in the spring and the hair cover may decrease considerably. This is due to the need to prepare for winter or summer. But if you notice molting in another period of the year, permanent or excessive hair loss in the main periods, it is worth paying attention to.

Of course, long-haired cats shed more heavily. If quite a lot of hair remains on the comb, you need to pay attention to the diet and possible avitaminosis in the autumn-spring period. The shedding is normal. If there are any deviations from the norm and the cat's molting process does not meet the natural rhythms, watch your pet. He may actually benefit from prophylactic treatment. But, before you give your cat medication, try to look for other signs of avitaminosis and adjust his diet first. Depending on the time of year, age, your pet carnivore can benefit from certain foods in the menu. In this way, the supply of necessary micronutrients will be replenished. Interestingly, in nature, the integrity of the hairs is preserved by the fatty grease that is secreted by the skin. But also, as in humans, a cat under the influence of the sun produces vitamin D. And while in humans it stays in the skin, in an animal it gets into the body during hygiene procedures.

The main causes of molting

In addition to the usual molting twice a year, there are other factors affecting the hair of the pet. They also need to know and take into account not only after you notice the hair in the house, but also for prevention. For example, a balanced diet can sometimes help you avoid trouble. This does not mean that the cat will not shed at all. Of course, in order to keep the apartment clean, you need to additionally comb out the pet during the hair change period. But we will talk about this later, now it is important to understand what to do so that the cat does not molt.

To answer this question we will study the possible causes of molting:

• Seasonal manifests itself in the spring and fall. This is a natural mechanism, but in pets molting is observed in a smaller volume. Also, the warmer your climate, the less your pet's fur grows. Even members of the same breed will have different hair lengths if they live in remote latitudes;
• Cats can also shed year-round if they don't have constant access to the outdoors. This does not mean that you have to change your habits and let a fully domesticated cat out for a walk. You can observe a similar manifestation of the natural process if the apartment stays the same temperature all the time. If it is not very cold in winter, the hair will not grow much. But other possible factors should be taken into account;
• Changes related to hormone levels. It can take quite a long time to determine them medically. Therefore, it is better to observe the pet. Such manifestations often occur in pets if the cat has been neutered. A few weeks after the procedure, molting may be observed. What to do to affect the hair loss, we will tell in a separate chapter;
• The process of nursing kittens, childbirth. During this period the cat not only experiences stress, but also a period of restoring hormonal balance. The balance is achieved naturally;
• Speaking about the causes of molting, it is necessary to know that nutrition plays an essential role. Especially vitamins and trace elements affect the appearance of the coat. Therefore, the diet should be balanced and include meat and dairy products;
• In some cases, it is recommended to thoroughly check the pet for worms. Ascarids can affect the balance of vitamins, trace elements and the metabolic process (metabolism). If you suspect this problem in your cat, contact your veterinarian, who will determine the type of parasite and choose the correct medication;
• Allergic dermatitis, pathogenic fungi, fleas.

What can I do to stop a cat from shedding?

Seasonal shedding is inevitable, but you can get rid of the hair (special shampoo, combing) should be available at your local drugstore.

Cut it very short! And in general the shedding is a natural phenomenon, it is good that you do not have a big dog!

What about your cat? If she just suddenly began to "rash" hair, then she did not have enough vitamins. A multivitamin with trace minerals and calcium for cats is a good idea. If you get single bald spots, get tested for fungus and allergies (the vet will tell you what kind), and if it's a regular molt you can do nothing, just comb 1-2 times a day, you can wipe with a damp cloth if it's a short-haired breed. It will molt and it won't get hairy. But, actually, if a cat or dog lives in an apartment all the time, it can shed all year long. Next time get a bald cat or a darker color. A dark colored cat molts just as much, but the hair is not as noticeable on furniture and clothes.

but you don't have to do anything about it) it's nature's choice))) or just get a sphynx cat)) she never lazes she has no fur at all)

buy her vitamins for hair, our "chuchundra" Felix helps

There is a cream called TOUCH-ME, just click and go! :))))
In general, try to give her vitamins and scratch more often.
Sasha, it doesn't help your chuchundra much :((

What should I do to stop my cat from shedding?

Proper feeding, vitamins – have already advised you.
I'll only give you one version – why cats shed in winter in apartments. It's elementary hot for them, they have winter coats, and the apartment is in the tropics, and it's also very dry, so to get rid of this misfortune they need to walk around in a cool place, for example on the balcony. It worked for my cat.

Daily brushing is the easiest way.
If it's not just a moulting problem, but a hair loss due to illness or vitamin deficiencies, you should visit a veterinary department at a pet store.)

comb it out.

Also not to eat, not to poop. I comb every day (Persian), but during the molting it does not give the desired result.

Moulting, when it is hot, it is normal. Now the heat is on. You can give vitamins just for the coat. I gave mine "Petvital" firm Canina German. It has very good effect.

All domestic cats are constantly shedding (by the way, many increase shedding with the beginning of the heating season)… . especially with thick undercoat like yours … so you can hardly make her not molt at all)
In general, the condition of the coat reflects the state of health … so the causes of increased molting can be a variety of: the proper diet, lack of vitamins, various diseases, stress, etc… You see what can be in your case …
comb more often, give maltpaste (or at least grass), and maybe some supplements like brewer's yeast or specials for wool.

Recommendations for cleaning clothes from wool

Especially unpleasant if the wool is sticky to your clothes. You need to go to work, and all your pants or sweater are covered with cat fur.

• If you need to get rid of the hair quickly, run a wet palm over your clothes.
• Other remedies include reusable sticky rollers or brushes that clean with water.
• Try cleaning your outfit with disposable sticky rollers, they cling even to small hairs.
• You can also wash clothes with laundry conditioner or spray clothes with antistatic.
• Do not hang clothes where the cat can lie down. Store outfits in a closet or special covers.

Conclusion

Remember, it's not the cat's fault for molting. It is a natural process in the animal's body. Do not scold your pet under any circumstances.

If you are allergic to fur, then refuse to buy a fluffy kitten or choose anti-allergenic breeds.

How to reduce molting in cats

Contributor(s): Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and treating companion animals. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked in the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Number of sources used in this article: 10. You will find a list of them at the bottom of the page.

Moulting in cats depends on several factors. Among other things, it is influenced by the cat's nutrition, health, and the change of seasons. For example, cats grow a thicker coat in winter and start molting when warmer weather returns. Moulting cannot be completely prevented, but the volume of shedding hair can be reduced with proper nutrition and proper grooming. Combing out loose hair will reduce the formation of unsightly tangles as well as hair clumps in the cat's stomach. Improving your pet's diet will also improve the condition of his skin and coat.

Grooming Procedures to Reduce Moulting

• For combing cats with short to medium-length coats, a soft-bristle brush will do the trick. Metal combs and specialized combs for cats are best for long-haired cats. At the same time, the brush you use should not tangle the hair and pull it.
• To comb out the shedding undercoat, use a flat comb that allows penetration all the way down to the skin.
• Complete the combing process by giving your pet a quick wipe with a chamois or cloth.
• Avoid touching areas such as the muzzle and ears with the comb, and take care in the sensitive belly area. [2] X Reliable source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
• If your cat doesn't tolerate using a brush or comb, try using grooming gloves. It will be much more like stroking your pet. At the same time, the mittens are especially handy because they allow you to remove loose hair and throw it away immediately. [3] X Source of Information
• Another alternative is a miniature vacuum cleaner for grooming cats. However, the noise it makes can scare the cat. You will probably have to turn it on in another room for the first few days or weeks and gradually bring it closer and closer to the cat until it gets used to the device and lets you use it on it. You can use a treat to create positive associations with this vacuum cleaner for the cat.

Preventing Severe Moulting

If the molting is severe, also visit the veterinarian so that the 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 the 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 as dirty as possible. Do not bathe too often, especially during the cold season. Regular water procedures have no effect on shedding.

5. Treat your pet to timely dehelminthization. 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 pass quickly and easily.

Peculiarities of molting of different breeds

1. The "bare" breeds: Sphynx, Bambino, Elf, Minsky have almost no molting or it is weak due to the lack of thick hair and undercoat.

2. Weak shedding is also characteristic of breeds that do not have undercoat: Siamese, Oriental, Abyssinian cats. However, they are prone to skin diseases.

3. Strong shedding is encountered in breeds with soft undercoat: British, Siberian and Persian cats.

Regardless of breed or intensity of hair loss, all cats need regular grooming:

And the coat in the closet: 5 ways to survive cat molting

In the spring and fall, a cat person's home becomes especially cozy. Of course it is: it is literally covered with the hair of your favorite pet. And while someone cheerfully celebrates the Cat Day in social networks, a true cat lover arms himself with a mop, a scotch, a vacuum cleaner and waits for the seasonal molt. How do you defeat it and save your home from the fate of a furry sock? Here are our favorite ways.

1. Save the cat
The first thing to do is to put the vacuum cleaner aside and calmly realize: Unless you get down to the source of the hair, any effort to clean the house when the cat is shedding will be pointless. So stop feeling sorry for yourself and feel sorry for the cat. It's not easy to change your cat's coat twice a year. If you help your pet with this activity, molting will go faster and easier. So, a cat shedding a lot: what to do?

Combing out
Daily brushing will noticeably reduce the amount of hair in the house, and the pet will help to renew the coat faster. The type of comb is not as important as many people think. It should be a feather duster, a rubber glove or a normal man's comb, but the most important thing is that it works for your cat and successfully removes both dead hair and undercoat. For cats with a thick undercoat the most effective solution today is a furminator, a special tool, a trimmer, designed by professional groomers.

Advice for kitten owners: Kittens do not shed until they are seven to nine months old, but that is no reason to forget the comb. Make simple massage movements with a comb, and the animal will get used to calmly bear combing since childhood. Otherwise you risk to raise a pet that will quite vigorously fend off attempts on his person.

Take care of his health
A cat will diligently lick its fur in any case. You can easily imagine how much hair will get into her stomach when you see the huge balls of hair after scratching Barsika. So don't forget to feed your cat malt paste and green grass during the shedding season – it'll help flush the hairballs out of his gastrointestinal tract without damaging his health.

What should you do to keep your cat from shedding?

Take a closer look at your cat, perhaps he's been scratching and licking more than usual? The hair loss is not diffuse throughout the body, but is there a specific area of alopecia (skin devoid of hair)?

Have you and your family members suffered from any skin problems since your cat began actively shedding, such as itching, red spots, rashes on the inside of your hands, feet, or face?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then immediately take your cat to a dermatologist at the vet.

If you answered "no" to all the questions and the hair is shedding diffusely and for a long time, then you can really say that your cat has an abnormal molting.

There are several "assumptions" Why animals can have an increased molting out of season. "Suggestions" Because it is impossible to accurately identify and prove the causes of pathological molting in cats and dogs.

It is clear that hair growth is disturbed, the renewal process is too fast, so the hair loss increases.

Firstly, there are some breeds of cats that are predisposed to year-round molting. These are cats with thick short hair, with well-developed undercoat, such breeds include, for example, "British".

Secondly, pay attention to your cat's environment. Perhaps it is too hot and dry in your apartment during the cold season? Does your cat like to sit on the radiator? But it is cold outside and the living conditions should be a little more natural. Create more humidity in the apartment by means of humidifiers and flowers. Forbid the cat to lie on the radiator, make (if possible) the radiator temperature lower.

Thirdly (according to some sources) , the hair renewal process is influenced by the lengthening of the day due to artificial light sources. That is, ideally, if it is dark outside the window, it should be dark in the apartment. This is difficult to do in an apartment environment.