Understanding Shedding/Molting
Cats are such a joy to be around. They provide us with mental stimulation, love and adoration, as well as… hairballs, a smelly litter box, and the odd tumbleweed of cat hair. Let’s focus a bit more on the tumbleweeds.
If you own a cat, you likely know what we are talking about – especially if it’s a long-haired cat. Fur tumbleweeds are just a biproduct of cat ownership, but where do they come from? More importantly, why does it seem like there’s a fur explosion in your home during different seasons?
The process is called molting, or more commonly, shedding, where the body either grows in more fur, or sheds off the surplus, to help with a number of things. Shedding is an important part of survival in the wild and it hasn’t gone away since cats moved indoors.
Why Do Cats Shed?
Shedding helps cats achieve a handful of goals. The most obvious one is temperature regulation. By growing more fur in advance of the winter, and shedding it off just before summer arrives, cats can regulate their body temperature better during these harsher seasons.
For some cats, especially the longer-haired breeds, hair might grow between their toe pads to help provide a bit more warmth/cushioning in the snow. Longer ear hairs might show up to keep that thin skin warmer, and tails might get bushier to help trap more body heat when they curl up to sleep. These extra layers are great in the cold, but not so much when it’s hot out.
Another reason cats shed is to replace dead or damaged fur. Over time, a cat’s fur might change due to environment, age, or a number of other reasons. Molting, or shedding, helps replace that fur. Since the process is cyclical, cats can rest assured there is another round of fur on the way in case they run into trouble.
According to some researchers, cats tend to shed in response to changes in daylight, which signal the coming seasons. So, make sure you keep your hand over the top of your coffee mug in the spring and fall – otherwise you might see a cat hair float down and into the cup, seemingly out of nowhere!
Managing a Shedding/Molting Cat
If you aren’t a big fan of all the extra hair, there are some things you can do in anticipation of shedding season, though you likely won’t be able to mitigate all of it. On the plus side, if cat hairs don’t bother you, you are good to go!
Special note: Long-haired cat owners should be combing their cats during these seasons regardless of whether they are bothered by the hair or not. These cats can easily get matted fur (where it clumps together into hard shapes) which uncomfortable and sometimes painful.
Nutrition Matters: A healthy diet can help reduce shedding – but you should consult your vet to find the right food for your feline friend's specific needs. Cats have very fussy digestive systems and cannot just change foods without a plan in place.
Regular Grooming: Combing your cat regularly helps remove loose hair and reduces the chances of it ending up on your couch. Plus, it's a great bonding activity! Just make sure you go in with the right expectations. You can never comb a cat “clean”. Simply comb them until they lose interest then try again another day.
Invest in a Good Vacuum: A good vacuum can make the difference around your home. Shedding cat hair adds up over time and you will be shocked at just how much your vacuum will pick up!
Frequent Washing: We don’t want you to go out and wash your cat, but we do suggest frequently washing their bedding and other areas/items they frequent. Over time, shedding hair can build up and compound into something a lot harder to clean.
Lint Rollers: A lint roller by the front or back door is one like having a secret weapon up your sleeve as a cat owner. Before you hit the town, give your outfit a quick once over with the sticky tape and you are all set!
Final Thoughts
While pet shedding can be frustrating, it’s certainly manageable. With a solid routine of grooming and cleaning, you can keep your cat, and home, comfortable for all. Long-haired cat owners should spend a little extra time and energy trying to keep cat hair off the floor and in other places. It can really start to build up, especially if you have more than one. And don’t forget that lint roller!