Vet experts answer common questions about cat shedding or moulting

As any cat owner will know, it’s usually quite easy to tell where a cat has been. Just follow the trail of fur!

While it can mean a bit of extra vacuuming for us, it’s completely normal for cats to lose some of their fur. This process is called shedding or moulting. All cats shed or moult their fur. It’s a natural part of the hair growth cycle. 

Registered Veterinary Nurse Helen Crofts explains why cats lose their fur. 

Reasons why cat shed their fur

1. To remove any dead or damaged hair. This means that healthier hair can grow back in its place, keeping their coat thick and shiny. 
2. To prevent matting. Shedding old hair stops it from getting tangled and matted with the rest of their fur. This can particularly be a problem for long-haired cats.
3. To regulate body temperature. Cats shed more heavily at particular times of the year to keep themselves warm or cool.

Cats often try to speed the shedding process along by grooming. Licking their fur with their rough tongues helps to remove any old hairs that are still clinging on. This allows the new fur to grow.

You can give them a helping hand too by stroking or brushing them to remove excess hair. 

When do cats shed?

Cats typically shed or moult all year round. But there are cat moulting seasons. They shed more heavily in the spring and autumn months. This is due to changes in daylight and temperature, which trigger seasonal coat changes. 

Shedding their thick winter coat in spring makes way for a thinner summer coat. Then shedding their thinner summer coat in autumn makes way for the thicker winter coat again. This helps them to regulate their body temperature, staying cool in summer and warm in winter. 

Why is my cat shedding so much? 

It’s normal for shed or moult quite a lot, especially during seasonal changes in spring and autumn. The only time you should be concerned about your cat’s fur falling out is if you notice:

• bald patches or thinning fur
• red, irritated or flaky skin
• excessive grooming or scratching

These could be caused by allergies, parasites such as fleas, stress or underlying health issues. Speak to your vet to find out the cause. 

Why is my cat not shedding?

All cats will shed or moult their fur, but some may shed less than others. Reasons why your cat may not be shedding very much include:

1. They’re a low-shedding breed. Certain breeds of cat have very short fur, or hardly any fur at all. These breeds will shed much less than other cats, but no breed of cat is entirely non-shedding. They will still shed fine fur or dander, but it may be harder to spot. Examples of low-shedding breeds include Sphynx, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Russian Blue, Oriental Shorthair and Bengal cats. Find out more about pedigree cats. 
2. They’re good a grooming. If your cat grooms themself regularly, they may be removing all their loose fur before it sheds around the home. Cats will often swallow their fur as they groom. Most of this fur is digested and comes out in their poo. But sometimes it can build up in their stomach or throat and be coughed up as hairballs.
3. They have a health issue. Some health issues can affect hair growth in cats. If you notice that your cat isn’t shedding much and their coat looks dull or patchy, speak to your vet.

Do indoor cats shed hair?

Indoor cats do shed their fur. But they may shed more consistently throughout the year rather than seasonally. This is because they are less exposed to natural light cycles and seasonal temperature changes. Find out more about indoor cats.

Is it normal for cats to shed when you pet them?

Stroking or petting your cat helps to loosen and remove dead or damaged fur. It’s normal for some of their fur to come away when you pet them. You’re simply helping to speed up the shedding process. 

How to control cat shedding

It’s not possible to prevent cat shedding. It’s a natural process for cats and is important for keeping their coat healthy. But there is one simple tip to help reduce the amount of fur they leave around your home. 

Brushing your cat regularly will help to remove loose fur before it falls out. You can then collect up the excess fur and dispose of it in the bin. Or even put it outside for wildlife to use in their nests! Short-haired cats will need to be brushed around once a week. Long-haired cats will need a daily groom to prevent matted fur. Find out more about grooming your cat.