If you have cats, you have cat hair—everywhere! And while it’s normal to spot fur tumbleweeds rolling across the floor, there are times when those tufts can signal a potential problem.
Berkeley Veterinary Center is a Certified Cat Friendly practice, and we pride ourselves on providing exceptional, compassionate care that addresses the unique needs of cats. We want our cat parents to know that your cat’s coat can occasionally offer helpful clues. Read on for reasons why your vacuum might be filling up with fur faster than usual.
Cat Shedding Season
Your cat may shed more than usual during the spring, to lighten up her coat before summer, and again in the fall before her winter coat grows in. Some cats shed quite a bit year round because they live indoors where the climate is controlled. Seasonal shedding, while a minor inconvenience, is a sign that her body is doing exactly what it is supposed to do!
Anxiety in Cats
No doubt you’ve noticed the fur flying when you bring your cat to the vet for a checkup. Excessive shedding is a normal reaction when cats are in situations they find stressful. But if your cat’s excessive shedding doesn’t have an obvious cause, and it’s accompanied by other symptoms like tummy upset, hiding, or potty accidents, it’s time for a vet visit to rule out illnesses and create a plan for helping her feel more at ease.
Allergies in Cats
Hair loss is one of the most common signs of allergies in cats. Cats with allergies will often overgroom and scratch at their skin, and their allergies can lead to atopic dermatitis, which also causes hair loss and skin sores. Cats can be allergic to substances in their environment (like pollen, mold, and other pet dander), food, and fleas. If you suspect your cat has allergies, it’s important to schedule a visit for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Common Feline Skin Diseases
Other common feline skin diseases, such as bacterial infections, fungal infections (such as ringworm), and mite infestations can lead to hair loss in cats, making an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment critical for your cat’s wellbeing.
Keep Your Cat’s Coat Healthy Between Visits
Regular grooming not only improves the look and feel of your cat’s crowning glory, it’s also a valuable bonding experience and gives you a chance to inspect your cat’s skin for anything unusual. Plus, more fur on the comb means less on your furniture and less in her tummy. Hairballs aren’t just inconvenient to clean up, they can cause intestinal blockages requiring emergency surgery.
If your cat seems to be shedding more than usual, please contact us for an appointment. She could be experiencing uncomfortable allergies or another condition that needs treatment.
Tags: allergies in cats, anxiety in cats, cat shedding season, common feline skin diseases, pet dander