Why do indoor cats shed

You can also find topical sprays, which alter and reduce the shedding cycle. If heavy shedding is consistent throughout the year, the cat may have food sensitivity or a dust allergy. In extreme cases of shedding, when your cat is actually sick from excessive hairballs, some veterinarians recommend shaving the cat three to four times a year.

But In both cases you should consult with your veterinarian to determine the cause of such shedding. Pet Assure is the largest veterinary network in the U. Pet Assure powers DVM Network, a brand built to support our participating veterinary professionals and help them grow their practice. Visit www. Tips to Help with Shedding Cats.

Reading time: 5 minutes. Want to learn how to save on your cat's veterinary care? Click here. Not all cats shed a heavy winter undercoat during the spring, or lose dry hairs in the fall to make room for a heavier winter coat. Indoor-only cats may have a steady shed year-round. Each cat has a unique shedding pattern. Regular brushing can help reduce the amount of fur your cat sheds. They might not immediately thank you for this, but bathing them can also help the coat and skin during a heavier shed.

Also, if you notice that your cat is experiencing more hairballs than normal, please let us know. Even if you notice more hair being dropped on your clothing or furniture, it could be that they are simply undergoing a routine shed.

Cat Care of Vinings is always here for your cat! Search for:. The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties.

All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate. By Don Glass Posted September 27, Media Player Error Update your browser or Flash plugin. Become an Indiana Public Media supporter. Learn More ». Tweets by wfiu. A rubber curry cat shedding brush is also great for lifting loose hair. And, like dogs, most felines enjoy the massage the brush offers. They can also damage delicate skin. Marty Becker, DVM, recommends using a grooming glove for shorthaired cats.

The grooming will attract "a large amount" of hair that would otherwise be shed, he writes. It's a myth that longhaired cats shed more than their shorthaired relatives, Becker says.

You just see more of their hair on your floor and furniture. You'll see less of it, however, if you brush or comb your cat, no matter its hair length, daily, he says. If your cat suddenly begins shedding a lot, it could be an indication of a health problem and necessitate a trip to the vet, the American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals ASPCA says. The ASPCA says a variety of factors can cause cat's hair loss, including allergies, ringworm, fleas, a poor diet, stress, pregnancy, or sunburn.

If your cat is shedding fur in clumps or scratches or bites it skin, you definitely need to go see the vet.