Your cat has always been a loyal companion. Now he or she is shedding fur at an alarming rate.
What should you do?
Cats shed their hair regularly to prevent parasites from growing inside them. This is called molting.
Molting usually happens once every two years. During this time, cats also go through a growth spurt.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for your cat.
If you feed him or her well, provide plenty of exercise, and give your pet a clean environment, then your cat will stay happy and healthy.
If your cat isn’t getting enough food or water, if it doesn’t have access to the outdoors, or if its living conditions are not ideal, then your cat may be experiencing stress.
Stress can cause your cat to lose weight, become ill, and even die.
If your cat has lost more than 20% of his or her body weight in less than three weeks, call your veterinarian immediately.
He or she may need medical treatment.
What Causes Cats To Shed Fur?
There are several reasons why your cat might start shedding fur. Some of these include:
Your cat could be suffering from fleas or ticks. These insects can live on your cat and bite him or her.
Flea bites leave small red spots on your cat’s skin. Ticks can carry diseases that affect your cat’s health.
Your cat could be stressed.
If your cat lives with other animals, such as dogs, birds, or rabbits, then he or she could feel threatened by these animals.
Even if your cat only sees another animal occasionally, he or she could still be feeling threatened.
Your cat could be allergic to something. Allergies can make your cat itch all over.
The itching causes him or her to scratch himself or herself. This scratching leaves behind loose hairs.
Your cat could have a parasite infestation. Parasites can grow inside your cat’s body and cause illness.
They can also attach themselves to your cat’s fur.
How Can I Tell When My Cat Has Started Shedding Fur?
You can tell when your cat has started shedding because his or her coat becomes duller and thinner.
You can also notice patches of missing fur.
Furthermore, you can also look out for signs of parasites. These include:
- A foul odor coming from your cat’s ears, nose, mouth, or anus.
- Redness around your cat’s eyes.
- Small bumps under your cat’s chin.
- Itchy skin.
- Swollen glands.
- Scabs.
- Blood-filled sores.
When Should I Call My Vet About My Cat’s Shedding Fur?
Call your vet if your cat loses more than 30% of his or her normal body weight within six months.
Also contact your vet if your cat starts showing any of the symptoms listed above.
Can My Cat Be Treated For His Or Her Shedding Fur?
Yes! There are many ways to treat your cat’s shedding fur. Here are some suggestions:
- Bathe your cat in warm water mixed with a mild shampoo.
- Use a special brush to remove dead hair from your cat’s mouth.
- Clean your cat’s coat using an enzyme product. Enzymes help break down old hair.
- Feed your cat a diet rich in protein. Protein helps keep your cat’s hair strong.
- Brush your cat daily. Brushing keeps your cat’s teeth clean and removes dead hair.
- Keep your cat indoors during periods of heavy rain. Rainwater can wash away natural oils that protect your cat’s coats.
- Provide your cat with plenty of fresh, clean drinking water.
Are There Any Side Effects From Treating Your Cat’s Shedding Fur?
No. There are no known side effects associated with treating your cat’s shedding fur.
However, you should always consult your veterinarian before starting any new treatments.
How Do I Get Rid Of Hairballs In Cats?
Hairballs are hard lumps of undigested food that form in your cat’s stomach. To get rid of them, follow these steps:
- Make sure your cat is eating well.
- Change your cat’s litter box often.
- Check your cat’s stool regularly.
If you see any signs of diarrhea, call your vet immediately.
What Are Some Other Ways To Prevent Hairball Problems?
Here are some tips to prevent hairballs:
- Give your cat small meals throughout the day.
- Feed your cats raw meat instead of cooked. Raw meat contains enzymes that help digest it.
- Feed your kitty a high-protein diet.
- Mix dry foods into wet foods. Dry foods contain less moisture than wet foods.
- Don’t feed your cat table scraps.
- Never force your cat to eat.
- Keep your pet’s environment clean. Dirty environments can lead to hairballs.
- If your cat eats grass, try feeding him or her a commercial diet containing wheat gluten. Wheat gluten helps reduce the amount of hair in your cat’sand prevents hairballs.
Is It Normal Shedding Or A Medical Issue?
Shedding is a normal part of life for most cats. But excessive shedding may be a sign of medical problems.
Talk to your vet about your cat’s condition.
Does Brushing My Cat’s Fur Cause Excess Shedding?
Brushing your cat’s fur too much can cause your cat to lose its protective coating.
This results in excess shedding. To avoid this, you should only brush your cat once every two weeks.
Conclusion
To conclude, a cat may begin to shed it’s fur when he or she becomes stressed.
The stress could come from being moved to a new home, getting sick, or even just having a bad haircut.
If your cat begins to look thinner, has lost weight, or seems to have trouble grooming itself, it might be time to take your cat to the vet.
Maintaining a healthy diet for your cat and only grooming them once every two weeks will ensure that they do not shed their fur excessively.
I am aiming to shed new light on these amazing pets and hopefully change some people’s opinions on them. Also, let’s talk about wild cats - they’re just as awesome as domestic cats!
So, stay a while and learn more about domestic and wild cats from Windhaven Ocicats.
- Can Cats Be Mute - March 24, 2022
- How To Find A Missing Cat - March 24, 2022
- Can Cats Be Emotional Support Animals - March 24, 2022
