How to Deal with Intense Shedding in Cats 0 14

“Shedding in cats can be seasonal. It is a natural process of changing fur that occurs regularly. It is usually observed in spring and less often in autumn. Shedding can also occur after pregnancy and giving birth,” she said.

Pet owners often face the problem of constant shedding. This is usually a result of insufficient grooming of the pet. “Constant shedding occurs in the absence of regular grooming and bathing. Or if inappropriate products for the cat's skin and fur are used during grooming. For example, dog products are not always suitable for cats. Additionally, cats are more sensitive to essential oils that dogs tolerate well,” the expert explained.

It is also important to consider the climatic conditions in which the cat lives. Excessive shedding can be caused by dry air in the apartment. This problem is especially relevant in winter when heating is on and in summer when air conditioning is running, she added.

The expert dispelled several myths related to shedding in cats. For example, many believe that shaving will help cope with excessive hair loss. However, this is not the case. Shaving will only exacerbate the problem. The cat will continue to lose hair, and the shaved hairs will have sharp edges, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues if swallowed.

Another common myth is that it is enough to brush the cat with a slicker brush to reduce the amount of fur. “The cat will lose as much fur as you brush out. Healthy, growing fur will stick to the matured fur. Therefore, it is important to wash the cat well and remove dead fur with special care,” she clarified.

Another myth concerns the frequency of washing the cat. Many owners believe that it is sufficient to visit a groomer once every six months. Some even think that the cat can maintain the cleanliness of its fur on its own. “Skin cells in cats renew every month, so the animal needs to be washed regularly,” added Nadezhda Rumyantseva.

During the active shedding period, the expert recommends washing the cat every 7-14 days, depending on the breed. Before washing, it is important to thoroughly brush the cat, remove tangles, perform a peel with fruit acids, then wash with a deep-cleaning shampoo, and then use a care shampoo and conditioner. After that, a compressor should be used to remove any remaining fur. Subsequently, washing should be repeated every one to two months. With this approach, the cat will always look well-groomed, and natural fur loss will become almost unnoticeable.