Hair loss in cats can occur at different times and frequencies due to many reasons. Periods of heat, seasonal transitions, vitamin deficiencies and some malnutrition problems can be shown as the main causes of hair loss. On the other hand, hair loss can also be observed due to different ailments or diseases.

 

Note: Hair loss alone cannot be considered a symptom of any disease.

Nevertheless, in addition to hair loss; If symptoms such as weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhoea or constipation are also observed, it is imperative that pet owners seek veterinary support without wasting any time. Because when such symptoms coincide with the same time period, unfortunately, they can be the harbingers of many fatal and serious diseases.

 

Why Does Hair Loss Occur in Cats?

 





Hair loss in cats is a normal condition. This situation can also be called general hair loss in humans. However, it is essential to be careful and meticulous. Therefore, it would be appropriate to mention some points that every pet owner should know. We can list these points and the causes of hair loss as follows:

 

Stress and anxiety (depression)

Defence attack

Consumption of stale food

Unconscious food selection

Excessive consumption of wet food

Allergic conditions

Various parasites

Internal and/or external interference problems

Fungus formation

Lice or flea problems

Loss due to excessive itching

Hormone disorders

Vitamin deficiency

Lack of feather care

Excessive licking reflexes

Insomnia

Poor quality and unsuitable water content

 

When Do Cats Shed Hair?

The shedding time of cats usually coincides with the time of estrus, also known as the March period. However, it cannot be said that the heat period for every cat occurs in March. Because this is an incomplete belief that has been misinterpreted and not consciously transmitted. Therefore, each cat may go into heat at different time periods and subsequently, hair loss problem may be encountered.

 

 

However, hair change seasons are also one of the highly effective periods at this point. Cats renew their hair by providing hair change at certain intervals. These periods are seasonal transitions. Especially spring and autumn months are exactly the times when the hair loss is intense.

 

 

On the other hand, the causes of hair loss in cats may be due to seasonal transitions as well as being a harbinger of various disorders.

 

 

In such cases, there is no specific time for hair loss and veterinary control is inevitable.

When do cats shed the most?

As we also mentioned above, shedding of cats develops on the basis of different alternatives. Therefore, there is no general shedding time that we can call "the most". However, it is inevitable for every cat to shed seasonally and during the heat period.

 

 

To summarise; hair loss is normal for a healthy cat.

The common times are as follows:

 

 



Periods of estrus (first estrus can be seen at any time after the 6th month)

Seasonal transitions (spring and autumn months)

 

 

How Long Does the Moulting Period Last in Cats?

If the moulting period in cats is due to a seasonal transition, it lasts a maximum of 3 months. This usually covers all of the first and autumn months we mentioned. However, if shedding is a sign of estrus, there is no definite time interval that can be said for the estrus period. Because in general, although the heat in cats passes between 1 and 2 weeks, in some cases this period may be prolonged. Or there may be cats that come into heat again shortly after the end of the first heat.

 

 

Neutering cats is an alternative solution, but it does not give definite results. Because depending on the operation process, stress or anxiety attacks may be observed, which may increase hair loss. In some cats, there is almost no shedding after neutering.

 

 

How to Prevent Hair Loss in Cats?

The best thing that can be done to prevent hair loss in cats is to be attentive to cleaning and care points. However, it is healthier for cat caregivers to know that they cannot reduce hair loss to zero and act in this manner; it is healthier to aim to limit, not end. We can list the measures that can be taken in line with the causes of hair loss in cats as follows:

 

 

Using a suitable and high quality food

Limiting the consumption of wet food

Making efforts to increase water consumption

Using water with appropriate content instead of tap water

Switching to supplementary foods / formulas containing salmon

Regular trimming of the hair at regular intervals

Paying attention to care and cleanliness

To give vitamin support

Not to interrupt veterinary controls