Understanding Why Cats Shed: Causes and Solutions

At around 3 to 4 months of age, kittens begin to shed their downy fur and gradually grow in new, sturdy fur. It's a normal part of their development.

Typically, cats between the ages of 4 to 8 months will experience a shedding phase, which is a completely natural physiological process. To help manage this, regular grooming is recommended.

Common Reasons for Cat Hair Loss:

Pathological Hair Loss

External parasites such as mange mites and scabies can cause cats to lose hair, become red and swollen, and experience itching and dandruff. Additionally, parasites like fleas and ticks, which bite and feed on blood, can lead to severe itching, disrupted sleep and appetite, and anxiety in cats, potentially causing dermatitis.

Nutritional Deficiencies and Imbalances

Changes in cat food or excessive consumption of certain treats, along with an unbalanced diet, can lead to rough, lackluster fur and excessive shedding over time. Insufficient intake of protein and vitamins can also cause hair loss. Moreover, excessive salt in a cat's diet can strain the kidneys and lead to dry, brittle fur and shedding.

Physiological Hair Loss

Shedding of Neonatal Fur

Newborn kittens have sparse fur on their bodies. As they grow, around the 4 to 6month mark, they undergo their first shedding phase. They will lose the thin neonatal fur and grow in soft, sturdy fur. This process can be somewhat lengthy.

Seasonal Moulting

Each spring from March to May and autumn from September to November, cats will moult to better adapt to seasonal climate changes.

Diets Leading to Hair Loss

Salt is a nogo in a cat's diet. If the cat food is too salty or if they consume an excessive amount of salt, it can put a strain on the kidneys, leading to dry, brittle fur and shedding. Many people test their cat food for saltiness before purchasing it. A veterinarian once told me that malnutrition in cats can also lead to dry, brittle fur and hair breakage and loss.

Understanding the reasons for a cat's hair loss can help us determine whether it's necessary to seek veterinary care. If the shedding is normal, it's usually just a matter of dealing with the loose fur.

Below are some tips on how to manage cat hair loss:

Use a Vacuum Cleaner for Home Cleaning

For those with cats at home, it's better to use a vacuum cleaner than a broom to clean up dust, as it saves a lot of effort.

Use a Lint Roller

There are products on the market designed to remove lint from clothing, which can also be used to clean cat fur that sticks to your clothes.