Why Do Cats Lose Hair?

Written by M. J. Cunha

Friday, 21 August 2009 11:30

Why Do Cats Lose Hair?

This is a frequently asked question by cat owners, who feel that their cat's hair is all over the place, clothes, beds, couches, carpets. In some periods of the year, it seems just too much. The cat must be getting bald!

The change of hair in cats is a normal and continuous process. It provides protection from extreme temperatures, not only from cold, but also from heat. One of the factors that most influence the hair loss in felines is the number of hours of daylight, also called the photoperiod, to which the animals are subjected daily. That´s why for cats that live outdoors the hair loss tends to be more intense in Spring and in the Fall. For cats that live permanently indoors, the hair loss never gets so intense. The coat is softer, due to the many hours of artificial light to which these animals are subjected throughout the year.

To avoid having too much cat hair around the house so it becomes uncomfortable to the whole family, you can establish a maintenance routine that includes:

Brushing your cat regularly will help remove the dead hair.

Offer your cat a good diet, with high levels of quality protein. This is essential to maintain a healthy and shiny hair, avoiding food allergies and metabolic imbalances. Giving your cat a good quality dry food, even if more expensive, will save you time and money later, buying rolls and stickers to remove the hair from clothing and furniture.

Having a happy and exercised cat also helps. Play with your cat and improvise ways to keep it lively. Stress, also due to inactivity, may be a cause of for the poor coat condition.
Do not allow your cat to become overweight. With appropriate diet and exercise, make sure it remains in good shape. An obese cat have difficulties grooming itself properly.

An excessive hair loss requires a veterinarian examination because it may be due to specific clinical causes such as chronic renal failure, endocrine diseases (Addison's, Cushing´s, or hyperthyroidism), parasitism (fleas, ticks, mites), or allergies.

Last Updated on Friday, 21 August 2009 16:04