13 Common Causes Of Excessive Shedding In Cats

Shedding is a normal part of cat life, but if your cat is shedding excessively or having trouble stopping the process, there are some things you can do to help.

Shedding is one of the most common reasons for veterinarians to see cats in their offices each year.

It’s also one of the most common reasons people fear for their pet’s health!

But although shedding can be annoying and stressful for both humans and felines alike (who want to keep clean!), it doesn’t have to mean that something is wrong with your pet.

So let’s take a look at some causes of excessive shedding in cats:

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Allergies

Allergies are a common cause of excessive shedding. Cats with allergies may also have red, itchy skin and hair loss.

They’re caused by food allergies or environmental allergies (pollens, dust mites).

In rare cases, certain breeds of cats can be allergic to their own fur!

This is called static electricity buildup and will make your cat’s coat feel dry and rough when you pet him/her on his/her back area where the fur is thickest.

Therefore, cat allergies will cause your cat to shed more than usual in response to the allergies.

Medication Side Effects

Medications can cause hair loss, skin problems, and itching in cats.

Hair loss: Many medications contain ingredients that may be harmful to your cat’s coat.

For example, certain antibiotics can thin out the hair on their body and cause it to become brittle or break off.

The same goes for some heart medications; they may also thin out your cat’s coat.

If you’re concerned about this happening to your pet, talk with their veterinarian about switching to a different medication or finding another one altogether.

Skin problems: Some medications have been known in the past few years as being capable of causing allergies in humans (and other animals like cats).

Due to their potential effects on cats who are allergic/sensitive skin types or have conditions like eczema/dermatitis when taken orally.

This is why there should always be an ingredient list included when buying any over-the-counter drug products meant for consumption by your cat.

Stress or Anxiety

Stress or anxiety can cause hair loss in cats. Cats are sensitive to stress, so if you’re dealing with a new dog or cat.

It’s important to make sure your pets get along well with each other before bringing them home.

While the causes of excessive shedding can vary from cat to cat, there are some common factors that contribute to the problem:

Changing cat food can lead to stress
Changing the cat’s location can lead to stress
The birth of a new baby can cause stress for cats.

Changing the design of your house can cause stress for cats.
A new visiting family member can cause stress for cats.
Changing your cat’s daily routine can cause stress.

Loud noises can cause stress for cats, etc.

Age

The first cause of excessive shedding is age. Older cats tend to shed more than younger ones, and this can be attributed to the fact that they get older and don’t have as much energy left over for grooming.

Cats are most active during spring and summertime when their coats are thinnest.

If you have an older cat, it’s likely that he or she will need some help with grooming.

And if you’re not willing to devote time and effort to giving your pet a good-looking coat (or if you just don’t want him/her), then consider adopting another animal instead!

Old Coat Is Falling Out

Did you know that cats shed more than usual during the spring? During winter? Summer? Or fall?

Cats are known for their ability to shed fur, but their shedding patterns vary depending on season and age.

Some will even regrow their coats after they’re finished with them!

This is because there are several factors that influence how often your cat sheds: temperature, humidity levels in the air (and therefore moisture).

Hormones from pregnancy or birth (if mommy cat has puppies), stress levels from being alone at home all day long without any human interaction…the list goes on and on.

Excessive shedding in cats could also be a sign your cat is dying of old age.

Over-Grooming

Over-grooming is a sign of stress or illness in cats which can lead to excessive shedding.

Cats can be stressed by many things, including moving house or having new pets or babies in the house.

If you notice your cat over-grooming excessively, it’s best to let them know how much you love them and how much they matter to you.

Excessive shedding in cats can also be a sign of cat depression.

Poor Nutrition

It’s important to feed your cat a balanced diet, both for its overall health and for the number of hairs it produces.

Cats need a lot of protein in their diets, but they also need fat and calcium.

A good rule of thumb is that cats should be fed wet food in the morning and dry food at night.

You can also offer small meals throughout the day if you prefer (just make sure they’re small enough so that they don’t feel full).

Talk to a qualified veterinarian to provide a good feeding schedule for your cat as well as the best cat food for your cat.

Read more: 20 Most Important Cat Care Tips.

Pregnancy or Birth

Pregnancy or birth. The cat’s coat is changing as it prepares to give birth, and this can cause excessive shedding.

If you notice your cat’s fur growing back longer than usual, it might be time to take her in for a checkup with the veterinarian.

A new pet in the mix causes stress. When you add another pet into the family (like another cat) during the pregnancy stages of your cat.

There may be some stress on both animals that causes them to shed more than usual

Especially if they’re both male cats or females who have never been together before!

Skin Problems

An underlying skin condition may be the cause of the excessive shedding of your cat.

For example, ringworm is a fungal infection that can cause itchiness and irritation in cats’ skin.

The infection can spread to other areas of your cat’s body and lead to excessive shedding.

Your cat could also have allergies or fleas, which can cause itching as well as an increase in shedding frequency.

If you suspect that your cat has any of these issues, consult your veterinarian immediately.

So they can work together on finding an effective treatment plan that will allow both you and your furry friend relief from their discomfort!

Sunburn or Skin Injury

The sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer in cats. If your cat has a history of exposure to the sun, it is important to check its skin frequently for any signs of damage.

A burnt patch on the nose or paw may indicate that they have been exposed to too much UV light.

If you notice anything unusual about your cat’s appearance, take them to the veterinarian immediately!

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes itchiness and red circular patches of skin which leads to shedding.

Cats are more likely to get it than dogs, but it doesn’t just affect humans or other animals—it can also affect cats as well.

This is one of the most common causes of excessive shedding, so if your cat has any signs of ringworm (itchy areas, red patches), you’ll want to take them to their veterinarian right away for treatment.

Fleas and Other Parasites

Fleas and other parasites are common causes of excessive shedding.

Cats can be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice.

The best way to prevent these pests from causing problems is by using flea shampoos and collars on your cat regularly during springtime.

If you notice that your cat has excessive hair loss or if he’s scratching more than usual when he’s feeling an itch.

Then it may be time to look into the possibility of parasite infections in his system.

Fleas are tiny insects that live on the bodies of mammals such as humans.

They feed off blood through puncture wounds made by their sharp mouthparts which inject chemicals into the host’s skin cells so they can absorb enough blood for survival purposes.

Fleas also lay eggs at regular intervals inside cracks in carpets or floors near where people live/work.

So anyone who enters this space could unknowingly pick up some nasty creatures without even realizing what happened until much later down the road!

Seasonality

Seasonality is a factor that can cause cats to shed. Cats are nocturnal animals, which means they sleep during the day and hunt for food at night.

This means that their coats are typically very short during winter months (in temperate climates), but long and thick in the summertime.

Cats naturally shed their fur as a way to keep their pelts clean and free from debris buildup or parasites.

But when you have a cat who sheds excessively throughout the year, it may be because she’s not getting enough sunlight on her coat during certain seasons of the year.

In places where there’s more rainfall than snowfall (like California), this could result in your cat having too little sunshine available for his own health if he doesn’t get some exposure through either going outside or being let out into sunlight before bedtime each day.

Ways to reduce excessive shedding in cats

Here are some common ways to reduce excessive shedding in cats:

Introduce new cats into the household gradually- a new feline friend can help to reduce the amount of shedding.

Provide a scratching post for your cat to use- this will help to keep them stimulated and happy.
Restrict feeding time to once per day- this will help to reduce the amount of food that is being consumed, and consequently, the amount of hair that is being shed.
Keep your cat hydrated always.

Keep your cat’s environment clean and tidy- this will help to reduce the amount of hair that is being shed.
Use a hairball remedy- this can help to reduce the amount of hair that is being shed.
Avoid drafts- drafts can cause your cat to shed more hair.

Brush your cat regularly- this will help to remove the excess hair, and make them look and feel healthier.
Give your cat plenty of exercises.
Apply a topical hair reduction product to your cat’s skin weekly.