3 Food Choices + 4 Care Steps: Say Goodbye to Cat Hair

Many cats experience a significant shedding period during seasonal changes. This results in a noticeable amount of fur not only around the cat's bed and furniture but also in unexpected places like cups, clothing, and even nostrils...

Some cats take this to an extreme, shedding twice a year, with each shedding phase lasting for half a year, effectively meaning they are shedding hair throughout the entire year.

So, what can you do when your cat's shedding is out of control? How can you minimize the amount of fur they lose?

Part 1: Common Causes of Excessive Cat Shedding

1. Seasonal shedding: Cats shed in cycles to adapt to changing seasons. In spring and early summer, they shed their thick winter coat for a lighter summer one, and in late autumn and early winter, they grow a warm winter coat.

2. Hormonal fluctuations: Cats' hormone levels can affect hair growth and shedding. For instance, pregnant or lactating females, and males in heat, may experience increased shedding.

3. Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of protein, vitamins, and minerals can lead to dry, brittle fur and even hair loss in cats.

4. Skin conditions: Skin issues like fleas, mites, and fungal infections can cause itching, redness, and lead to shedding.

5. Emotional stress: Cats under stress, such as from fear or anxiety, may also shed more hair.

6. Breed characteristics: Different breeds have varying shedding levels. Longhaired cats like Persians, Maine Coons, and Chinchilla Persians tend to shed more heavily.

Part 2: Preventing Cat Shedding

● Three HairBoosting Foods

1. Fish Oil

Rich in Omega3 essential fatty acids, fish oil nourishes the skin and coat, reducing shedding. It also has antiinflammatory properties, helping to prevent dermatitis and reduce secondary bacterial infections from skin conditions.

2. Lecithin

Lecithin promotes cell metabolism and acts as an antioxidant, benefiting the skin and coat while enhancing the cat's immune system. Products often come in egg lecithin and soy lecithin, with egg lecithin being more absorbable and soy lecithin being more costeffective but less absorbable. Many pet owners opt to feed their cats egg yolks, which is fine, but it's not as nutritionally comprehensive. It's best to complement it with fish oil and vitamins. Petspecific concentrated lecithin often includes fish oil, vitamins, and minerals for better hair health.

3. Vitamins

Vitamins A, Bcomplex, C, and E can improve the quality of a cat's fur. During periods of heavy shedding, pet owners can supplement their cats with a product like Golden葆 (a multivitamin tablet) to ensure a variety of vitamins are being consumed. Additionally, consider purchasing specialized haircare food or canned food, but always check for palatability, safety, and nutritional balance when shopping.

PS: There are also many products on the market designed to reduce shedding, such as shampoos and conditioners specifically for pets. Just be mindful of the frequency and the type of products used.

● Four Steps for Daily Care

1. Regular grooming: Regularly brushing your cat's fur can remove loose fur, reduce shedding, and stimulate new hair growth.

2. Environmental management: Provide a comfortable and quiet living space for your cat to avoid stress and anxiety, which can contribute to shedding.

3. Increased companionship: While cats are often independent, they still need affection. Spend quality time playing with your cat, cleaning them, or giving gentle pets to show them they are loved.

4. Occasional bathing: While overbathing can strip the natural oils from a cat's skin, occasional baths with a gentle pet shampoo can help clean the skin, reduce dandruff, and dead fur. It's generally recommended to bathe cats every few months.

Of course, just like humans shed hair, cats cannot avoid shedding entirely. It's a normal physiological process, and as long as it's not excessive, it usually doesn't significantly impact the lives of cats or their owners. However, if your cat is experiencing unusually severe localized hair loss, along with symptoms like itching, redness, and excessive dandruff, it could be a sign of a skin condition, and it's important to seek veterinary care.