What to do at home

You can diagnose an infestation yourself by searching for fleas in the pet's fur or on surfaces where the cat most often likes to lie, but it is better to entrust it to professionals and show the cat to a veterinarian.

How to reduce the amount of moulting 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 pet's diet, health status, and the change of seasons. For example, cats grow a thicker coat by winter and begin molting when warmer weather returns. Moulting cannot be completely prevented, but the volume of shedding 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. That said, the brush you use should not tangle or pull the hair.
• To comb out the shedding undercoat, use a flat comb that allows you to penetrate into the coat right up to the skin.
• Finish the combing process by giving the pet a quick wipe with a chamois or cloth.
• Avoid touching areas such as the muzzle and ears with a comb and be careful of the sensitive tummy 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. A treat can be used to make the cat relate to the vacuum cleaner in a positive way.

Do cats shed often?

To begin with, let's think about why cats need hair. And immediately the question arises – how do sphynx cats adapt to normal 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, such varieties of felines are distinguished:

• 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. Moulting is normal. If there are any abnormalities and the cat's molting does not follow its natural rhythms, keep an eye on your cat. He may actually benefit from a preventive treatment. But, before giving your pet medication, try to look for other signs of avitaminosis and adjust the diet first. Depending on the time of year, age, your pet carnivore will benefit from certain foods on the menu. In this way, the stock 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 remains 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 that affect the hair of the pet. They also need to be known and taken into account not only after you notice 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 period of hair changes. But we will talk about this later, but now it is important to understand what to do so that the cat does not shed.

The answer to this question will help us to 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 do not 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 at 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 considered;
• Changes related to hormone levels. It may 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;
• Talking about the causes of molting, you should 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 select the correct medication;
• Allergic dermatitis, pathogenic fungi, fleas.

Tools and supplies needed

To perform express shedding at home, the following tools and grooming products will be needed:

• Furminator, a down comb and a comb with a soft lint;
• a massage brush made of silicone for washing;
• Plastic wrap or cling film;
• Shampoo, conditioner and mask tailored to your cat's hair type;
• Hair dryer or a special compressor for grooming.

If your pet is a hard-haired breed or has a very thick undercoat, you should take a stripper instead of a furminator. Also, don't forget to consider the length of the hairs. The longer it is, the longer the teeth of the furrier should be.

A three step procedure

Armed with all the above tools and means, find yourself a helper. Working in pairs, you will be able to wield both hands at once and not be distracted by calming the pet.

The main contraindication to express shedding is hair tangles. If the loose hairs managed to tangle, they must be combed out or cut before all manipulations.

Combing out

The first step is to get rid of the tangles and comb out the dead hair with a feather duster. Special attention should be paid to the belly, chest and pant leg area.

Bathing

After preparing the hair, the cat is put in a bath with warm water. The recommended filling level is ankle-deep.

The pet's body is well wetted and soaped with a cleansing shampoo. Then a nourishing mask is applied to a wet coat and a "bathing effect" is created by wrapping the body in a bag or film. After 10-20 minutes the applied product is thoroughly washed off.

Drying and applying care products

For easy combing apply conditioner and distribute it over the body with a massage brush, stimulating the flow of blood to the hair follicles. Additionally, you can use a non-washing spray enriched with collagen and hyaluronic acid. These substances strengthen hairs and give them a natural shine.

A clean cat is gently blotted with a towel and dried with a compressor hair dryer. In addition to moisture, this device also blows out any remaining fluff.

Fully dried, the animal is thoroughly combed with a furminator or trimming device in the direction of hair growth, moving from the head to the tail. The remaining hairs are removed with a soft lint brush.

Causes of shedding in cats

Diseases and metabolism . Hair loss can be due to the pet'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, change of owner, 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, supplement B vitamins, dietary sulfur, salmon oil, methionine or change the food to something suitable for the type of hair and age of the cat.

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

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. Avoid sudden changes in diet.

Vitamins for cats

Cat owners have the choice of giving imported full-fat premium or higher foods or using natural food. In the former case, vitamins are not needed. They are included in ready-made dry food in the required amounts and optimal ratio.

If the owner uses an unbalanced diet, the pet may have hair problems. The problem is eliminated with the help of complex vitamin and mineral supplements.

Cat lovers prefer to use the following preparations:

Conclusion .

Severe shedding in cats in most cases occurs with an unbalanced diet. The use of pre-prepared premium foods and above often prevents the problem from occurring.

Pets who receive a nutritious diet gain immunity against infectious diseases. Cat owners should understand that an overdose of vitamins is just as dangerous as a deficiency. If changing the food does not eliminate the pathological symptoms, seek the help of a veterinarian.

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Causes of hair loss in cats

Cats need fur to protect them from damage. The seasonal shedding is due to the need to adapt to the ambient temperature. That is why, for example, sphynxes, which do not have a thick undercoat (the opinion that they have no fur at all is deeply mistaken), easily get wounds and scratches.

A cat's fur is its pride, although we, the owners, are even more proud of it. A smooth and shiny coat is an indication of a pet's good health, so it's no surprise that its dulling and loss causes a desire to look into the causes.

Moulting .

Seasonal shedding in cats is completely natural. In the fall, your pet "changes" her coat from summer to winter. During this time, the undercoat becomes thicker, while in the spring, on the contrary, it becomes thinner.

You can judge the beginning of the process by looking at your own clothes. As soon as the cat walks by, your pants or dresses are covered with hair. With long-haired animals when shedding hair may not fall out in separate hairs, but in shreds. To avoid picking it up from upholstered furniture and clothing, it is advisable to purchase a steel comb at a pet store for fur and a bristle brush for undercoat. Recently special combing gloves became popular: cats and cats do not react to them as aggressively as to combs, and it is convenient to remove dead hair.

During the moulting period cats are actively licking their coats. Hair from the tongue enters the stomach and accumulates there, not always coming out naturally. To avoid problems, it is advisable to give the cat special preparations (vitamins, pastes) to help eliminate lumps from the stomach. Special fat supplements containing concentrated fatty acids can be added to the food in spring and fall.

Mr. Cat Advice: What to do if your cat's hair falls out in clumps

The first and most important thing – as soon as you notice that your pet's fur has lost its attractiveness, and wisps of hair start appearing on the floor more often, you should contact your veterinarian. Since the cause of alopecia can be quite serious, up to and including cancer, you should not delay. If there are wounds, ulcers, lesions on the skin of the animal will be taken blood tests, scrapings from the skin. This will quickly make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

It is difficult, almost impossible, to completely get rid of atopic dermatitis, since allergens are contained in the environment, that is, in the air. Only a strict diet and special medications can keep the cat healthy.

It is important to understand that any problems – fading or excessive hair loss – are a "bell" that requires serious attention to the health of the cat.

The norm of molting in cats

The fact that a person changes a cat's living conditions from outdoor to domestic does not mean that molting should disappear altogether. This phenomenon helps the cat's coat to maintain a decent appearance, as well as get rid of dead hair. So a domestic cat that hasn't seen the outdoors will still experience molting.

Normal, healthy molting occurs in pets only in two cases: when the season changes or by breed peculiarities. It is also normal for cats to experience profuse hair loss after giving birth.

Seasonal

Seasonal change of hair in cats is a normal occurrence. Under natural conditions, shedding occurs twice a year – in the fall and spring. It lasts an average of 14 days, and domestic cats are no exception. Owners need to help the cat get rid of excess hair before it piles up into tangles and leads to skin problems. Combing also helps to slightly decrease the amount of hair that the cat spreads around the house.

By breed peculiarities.

Heavy shedding in cats is often just a characteristic of the breed, and it is not related to the season or disease. Some breeds are naturally longer and thicker, so they lose hair more vigorously.

Another explanation: The amount of hair loss in high shedding breeds depends on the size and quality of the undercoat. For example, a seemingly woolier Maine Coon will shed less hair than a plush Briton. This is because the Brit has a thicker undercoat.

Breeds with intensive shedding include Persians, Ragamuffins, Siberians and Neva Masquerades, Ragdolls, British, Bobtails, Maine Coons, Somalis and Teugers.

These breeds molt frequently, sometimes monthly, and this is considered normal. Among common breeds, there are also those that molt in the summer time of the year, for example, when moving to the country house. Therefore, when the animal returns from vacation, your apartment may be filled with hair. It remains to have patience and arm yourself with a special brush for combing.

Causes and symptoms of abnormal shedding

In addition to the healthy molting, cats can be observed and pathological loss of hair, not related to the time of year or the peculiarity of the breed. If the cat molts for a long time and heavily, the owner should pay attention to the health of the animal.

Stress

Stress is often the cause of severe hair loss in cats of any breed. Moving to a new place can provoke intense shedding, as well as a change of habitual food and the arrival of a new family member or pet. The owner's job is to surround the cat with affection and help it get used to the new surroundings as soon as possible. In severe cases, the veterinarian will prescribe a sedative.

Improper nutrition

An unbalanced diet or one-size-fits-all diet (only fish or meat, unsuitable dry food) may lead to molting in a cat regardless of the season.

You should look after your cat's menu to make sure it contains enough vitamins, amino acids, taurine and proteins of various origins. If any of these ingredients are lacking, the cat may start to lose hair more and more. For the same reason, other diseases associated with malnutrition also appear.

Allergy

Allergic dermatitis is a serious threat to many purebred animals. If a cat is shedding a lot and you're sure he's not stressed, his nutrition is fine and there are no signs of other diseases, but his hair is still falling out, he may be suffering from allergic dermatitis.

It is associated with the transition to a new food, the appearance of certain house plants, new perfume owner, and even a change of habitual litter box litter. The only way out is the elimination of the allergen, and the effects are stopped by antihistamines prescribed by the doctor.

The need for molting in animals

Most cats have a coat consisting of two layers: undercoat and fluff. Each of them performs different functions:

1. Undercoat. This layer is always shorter. It resembles down and can only be seen at close inspection. Its main function is thermoregulation. Thanks to the undercoat, the heat produced by the body does not dissipate and warms the cat.
2. Fallow hair. These hairs are stiffer, longer and more elastic. They grow at a slight angle to the skin and protect it from external influences: dust, dirt, water.

Each hair has its own lifespan. Over time, they weaken and fall out of the follicle, but they are immediately replaced by new ones. This peculiarity allows you to keep a warm and clean coat for a lifetime.

In fact, the renewal of old hairs for new ones occurs daily, but more often than not our eye does not notice it. Really intensive hair loss is observed only 1-2 times a year. This is what is commonly referred to as a molt.

When is the first molt in kittens?

To begin with, let's understand when kittens begin to molt. The body of newborns is covered by a thin and very soft baby down. 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 a particular color is important to you – do not rush with the purchase of a pedigree kitten and wait until it has grown a coat.

Why does a cat molt?

Heavy molting in cats and cats is due to one of three reasons: age, season, or pathology.

Age-related molting Is caused by the change of baby down to adult hair. Typically, kittens begin to change their coat from 6-8 months of age. The molting process lasts for 2-3 months. By its end, the pet acquires brighter and contrast hair with a distinctive pattern, which must meet the breed standard.

Between the 14th and 20th months of life, cats may experience facial alopecia, i.e. hair loss around the eyes and between the ears.

The final hair formation is not completed until the cat's 2nd or even 3rd year of life. However, the typical dullness and fluffiness of a cat's fur goes away at once.

Older cats and cats may experience thinning hair and bald spots on the muzzle and around the ears. A pet over the age of 10 sheds heavily due to slowed metabolic processes and lack of tissue nutrition.

Seasonal shedding Is associated with changes in temperature outside the window and the length of daylight hours.

Cats and cats with free access to walks change their coats in the spring and fall. Severe molting occurs from February to March and September to October, and lasts for up to 2 to 3 weeks. During this time, the animal may feel slightly tired, constantly licked and become less contactable. However, the general well-being and appetite is not affected by hair loss.

Cats and cats that stay at home shed all year round. However, with the beginning of the heating season, the pet's hair begins to grow stronger. And due to decreased humidity, hair can become stiff and more brittle.

The natural process of pet molting is accompanied by a strong but even hair loss without baldness. The volume of lost hair depends on the breed peculiarities of the animal: the length of the hair and the density of the undercoat.

What to do if the cat molts

If the cat sheds evenlyremains playful and does not refuse to eat, regulate the microclimate in the room and help the cat to comb out the excessive hair. Regular brushing will speed up hair renewal and stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles – this will help strengthen the hair follicles, so hair will fall out less often.

To get rid of excess hair during seasonal hair changes, you can act like this: