Have you noticed that your cat has been shedding a lot of hair lately?
Maybe it has something to do with the shedding season.
So this time,
We'll answer your questions, such as "What is shedding?" and "Why does hair fall out?"
Cat Shedding Season
First, let's learn the basics of shedding season.
This is the period when a cat's hair gradually falls out and is replaced by new hair.
It occurs in March when the temperature gradually rises and in November when the temperature drops. By shedding new fur as the seasons change, they are able to adapt to the changes in temperature.
Also, during the shedding season that occurs around March, slightly stiffer hair will grow.
To make them more comfortable in the summer, their fur is low in density, allowing for increased breathability to help them stay cooler as much as possible.
On the other hand, during the shedding season around November, their coats grow thick and soft. This increases the density of their coat to help them get through the cold winter.
Once the cold season is over, the hair will start falling out again as summer approaches... and the cycle repeats. However, if your cat is kept indoors all the time, there may be no shedding period.
If the room temperature is kept constant by the air conditioner, the cat will not sense the temperature change and will decide that there is no need for it to shed. However, this does not mean that the cat will not shed its fur at all; it will continue to shed little by little throughout the year.
For owners, increased shedding can be a bit of a nuisance, but it's a necessary cycle for cats.
It's a normal physiological phenomenon, so if it's normal, there's no need to worry.
How to care for cat fur
During the shedding season, cats lose hair one after another, and if left unattended, it can end up flying all over the room. Long-haired cats are also at risk of swallowing hair while grooming, which can lead to hairballs. This can lead to irritation of the internal organs, so care must be taken.
To reduce hair loss indoors and to keep your cat healthy, brush it regularly.
All you need for brushing are a regular brush or a comb with straight teeth. You can get a special brushing item at a pet store.
The trick to brushing is to brush gently in the direction of the hair growth.
Going against the flow will pull the hair, which may cause pain. Brushing will teach your cat that brushing hurts, so refrain from pulling too hard. It is recommended to start with the neck, then work your way down to the back, hips, and buttocks. If you start on the stomach or limbs straight away, your cat may get startled and dislike the brushing. Watch your cat's behavior and gradually increase the area you brush.
If you notice any hairballs, gently loosen them with your hands instead of using a brush. If you can't remove them, it's best to have a professional groom your cat. If your cat really hates being brushed, you can also use a glove-type brush. You can remove the hair with just a gentle stroke, so it's worth trying even for cats that run away at the sight of a brush.
If you take too long, your dog will get tired of grooming, so it's a good idea to split it into sections, such as "just the back today." Shaving your dog's head is a bad idea, as it can directly expose their skin to the heat and UV rays, and can be frustrating for them because they can't groom themselves.
Brush thoroughly to keep the hair in good condition.
Be careful as it may be stressful!
While hair loss during shedding is not a problem, it is possible that stress is the cause of hair loss, as grooming is one of the behaviors that cats show when they are stressed.
If stress builds up, cats may begin to groom themselves obsessively, causing excessive hair loss. If you notice a large amount of hair falling out even when it's not the change of seasons, observe your cat's behavior. If your cat is grooming itself differently than usual, it may be experiencing stress.
Try to find out what causes stress, such as the cat's environment or interactions with other cats.
If the skin appears to be broken, see your vet.
summary
Shedding season is an essential time for cats, so it's important to get along with them well. Brush your cat frequently to ensure that both you and your cat are comfortable. Brushing your cat gently and carefully can also have a relaxing effect on your cat. However, some cats may be excessively grooming due to stress. Keep an eye on your cat's behavior on a regular basis to see if they are shedding more hair even when it's not shedding season, or if they are behaving differently than usual.Cat goods and accessories
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