Why is my Cat Shedding so Much?

Updated 21/02/2024

Wondering why your feline friend seems to be parting ways with a little bit of extra fur? If you’re thinking “Why is my cat shedding so much?”, we’re about to give you all the hairy details as we explore causes and treatments to keep your kitty’s coat in tip-top shape.

Do all cats shed?

Cats spend a hefty 30-50% of their time grooming to remove dead hair, which helps them maintain a healthy coat and reduces the chance of skin irritation. Some of this fur gets swallowed and coughed up in the form of a hairball, but some of it simply falls off naturally (and most likely finds a home on your couch). So yes, almost all cats shed like this to some degree, with hairless breeds such as the Sphynx, Donskoy, and Peterbald being the exceptions.

Why does my cat shed so much?

While shedding is a simple fact of life for most kitty cats, there are some situations in which more hair is lost than usual.

Long-haired breeds such as Maine Coons, Persians, and Ragdolls tend to shed more than shorter-haired breeds.
Seasonal changes can cause cats to shed more than usual, often during spring and fall.
Stress, fear, and anxiety can cause cats to lick and chew their fur excessively, causing them to lose hair.
Poor nutrition and low-quality food can also lead to excessive cat shedding.
Pregnancy and hormonal changes can lead to an increase in shedding.
Cats that have trouble grooming due to age, weight, or any other medical condition will shed more fur than usual.

There are also a number of medical conditions that can cause cats to shed excessively.

Parasites like mites, lice, and fleas can cause itching leading to hair loss and other nasty symptoms.
Allergies to food, flea bites pollens, and certain products can cause skin issues and hair loss.
Bacterial and fungal infections can also affect your cat’s coat.
Illnesses such as diabetes hyperthyroidism can lead to coat changes.
Arthritis and other painful conditions can make it more difficult for cats to self-groom, increasing the chance of shedding.

In situations where a medical condition is causing the hair loss, it will usually be accompanied by several other symptoms, such as:

A thin, dull coat
Bald spots
Irritated or red skin
Rashes
Oily fur
A bad smell coming from your cat’s coat

If you notice any of the above symptoms, take your cat to the vet right away. They will do a physical examination to determine the cause of the hair loss, and may also carry out blood and skin tests.

How to stop a cat shedding

As shedding is completely natural for our furry friends, there is no “cure”. However, if your purr pal is shedding excessively, your vet will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment depending on what the cause is. They may recommend one or more of the following:

Establish a daily grooming routine to help your furry feline get rid of loose hair, and make sure the experience is positive and rewarding. Always introduce any new routine slowly, and with plenty of praise and treats.
Feed your cat a high-quality, balanced diet filled with all the nutrients they need to be happy and healthy, and make sure they’re drinking enough water. Your vet may even prescribe a specific type of food designed to support your cat’s skin and coat health.
It’s also possible to buy supplements for skin and coat health but always check with your vet before giving these to your cat.
Treat your cat for fleas, ticks, and parasites all year round. Remember that other medical treatments may also be necessary depending on the cause of the hair loss.
Reduce stress where possible, especially if you’re planning to go away. Cats can be particularly sensitive to changes in their environment, which is why they’re far happier being cared for by an in-house cat sitter who will give them all the love and attention they need while you’re away.
Give your fur baby their own space where they can retreat when things get too much. Not only should this help to reduce their stress, but it’ll also make cleaning up their fur a bit easier!
Keep your home as clean and fur-free as possible.
Some people recommend trimming the fur of particularly fluffy kitties, but it’s important to take them to the groomer unless you know exactly what you’re doing.

While what’s a “normal” amount for one cat to lose may differ greatly from another, we hope we’ve shed some light on why your cat’s losing so much fur. Remember that there are numerous explanations for a cat’s hair loss and the best course of treatment for excessive shedding in cats will be the one your vet advises.

Meet our veterinary expert, Lizzie

This article has been checked by veterinarian Lizzie Youens BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lizzie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011, and has been working in first opinion companion animal practice. She has worked in a variety of clinics across the UK, from large hospitals to small branch practices. She enjoys doing a mixture of medicine, surgery and emergency work. Lizzie currently works in a small rural practice where she enjoys working in a close-knit community.