SHEDDING IN CATS
   917-468-2938  www.nycacc.org/safetynet.htm

Shedding is the result of the natural turn-over of a cat’s coat. In some cats, particularly those that spend time outdoors, shedding is related to the light-dark cycle. Spring shedding is needed to lose the thick winter cover, and fall shedding occurs in preparation for growing a new warm coat. Other cats shed year-round. Indoor cats tend to shed year-round because we leave our lights on in the home until late, and on irregular cycles so the cat’s system is tricked into thinking the seasons are always changing, thus the loss of the natural rhythm of the seasonal shedding seen in outdoor cats.

So, what can you do to minimize the fur tumbleweeds floating around your home? Brushing and combing your cat on a regular basis is the most important control method. It will also decrease hairball frequency, help you keep an eye on your cat’s skin and coat for potential problems such as skin infections and bald areas, and is a fun and relaxing activity for both you and your cat. It is never too early to start brushing, but is important to start sessions slowly, and give your cat treats to reinforce calm behavior during grooming.

The style of brush will depend on your cat’s coat. For example, short-coated breeds may do best with soft brushes and a flea comb, which has short fine teeth that are close together. The flea comb may not be needed for fleas, but is a great tool to pull out dead hair. Long-coated breeds that tend to get matted (thick clumps of knotted of fur) may do better with wire “slicker” brushes and a comb with widely spaced teeth. If matting is severe, consult your veterinarian, as they may recommend clipping your cat as a less traumatic way to remove all of those knots. A longhaired cat that resists brushing may benefit from being professionally groomed several times a year.

BRUSHING PRODUCTS: The Shedding Blade or The FURMinator Pet Brush –find in pet supply stores or in mail order or on-line pet supply catalogs.   

There are many products marketed to decrease the amount of shedding. These include fish oil-based vitamins and a number of different sprays and creams that you apply to the skin. None of these products work miracles, and so are used to supplement regular brushing. Proper nutrition can help to keep skin and hair healthy and this keeps the hair cycle normalized, minimizing shed hair. Proper overall oil, vitamin, mineral and amino acid (protein subunits) balance in the diet is important for normal skin, nails and hair so feed a high quality diet. Omega fatty acids help keep skin inflammation at bay, and a cat that is less dry and irritated will scratch less, and thus less hair will be groomed and scratched/chewed off.
If the heavy shedding is consistent throughout the year, the cats may have food sensitivity or a dust allergy. In extreme cases of shedding, when your cat is actually sick from excessive hair balls, some veterinarians recommend shaving the cat three to four times a year.  In both cases you should consult with your veterinarian to determine the cause of such shedding.

In summary, shedding is a natural process that all cat owners must eventually come to terms with. Frequent brushing is the most important way to control shedding, and a good vacuum and lint brush will keep you from looking like a tumbleweed yourself!