Why Is My Cat Shedding So Much, and How Can I Help?

A sofa covered in fur, a black shirt that has turned gray: many cat parents know this well.

Cat hair loss happens in every home. Most of the time it is natural shedding, but sometimes it is a sign that your cat is not feeling well.

In this article, we look at what causes heavy shedding in cats, what is normal, when to see the vet, and how to care for your cat for a beautiful coat.

What kind of shedding is normal?

Cats shed old hair so new hair can grow in. If your cat is shedding but has no bald patches, and the hair is not falling out in matching patches on both sides, it is usually just normal shedding.

In cold countries, cats often shed heavily twice a year, in late spring and late fall. Indoor cats tend to shed a little at a time all year round.

Another thing worth knowing: cats spend about 30–50% of their day grooming themselves. So licking their coat is perfectly normal.

What causes heavy shedding in cats: signs it’s time to see a vet

If you notice any of these signs, talk to your vet.

• Thinning patches or bald spots especially round ones, or short broken hairs
• Intense itching, scratching, or licking the same spot again and again
• Red skin, scabs, flakes, or bumps
• A dull, dry, or unusually greasy coat
• Licking until the fur has gaps or the skin has sores

Causes vets often check for include parasites such as fleas, allergies, ringworm, infections, and hormone problems.

Fleas: tiny but very itchy

Flea bites are very itchy. Some cats are allergic to flea saliva and can get red, scabby bumps.

To deal with fleas, you need to take care of both your cat and the whole home, for example by vacuuming the sofa and carpets thoroughly.

Ringworm in cats can spread to people

Ringworm often causes round patches of hair loss, short broken hairs, and flaky skin.

This fungus can also spread to people. If you see suspicious signs, take your cat to the vet soon.

Stress can make cats overgroom and lose hair

Some cats lick their coat to comfort themselves when they are stressed.

Stress often comes from changes at home, such as moving house, a new pet, losing a companion, or a change in their parent’s daily routine.

But before deciding your cat is stressed, the vet will always check for physical causes first.

Ways to help your cat relax

• Make changes at home gradually, not all at once
• Provide shelves or a cat tree so they can climb up high
• Play with your cat using toys every day
• Keep items with familiar smells nearby

Brushing: a simple habit that really pays off

Brushing removes loose hair, old skin flakes, and dust. It also helps spread natural oils along the hair.

• Long-haired cats: brush every day, especially behind the ears, under the armpits, and on the back of the legs, so the fur doesn’t tangle.
• Short-haired cats: can be brushed less often.

Another bonus: less fur around the house, and your cat swallows less hair too.

If your cat is overweight or has joint pain that makes grooming hard, talk to your vet.

Hairballs: they come with shedding

A cat’s tongue has tiny backward-facing barbs, so when they groom, the loose hair gets swallowed.

Most of the hair passes out in their poop, but some stays in the stomach and forms a hairball.

Bringing up a hairball about once every one to two weeks is common.¹

See a vet promptly if

• Your cat is lethargic or has not eaten for more than 1 day
• They keep retching but nothing comes up

These signs may mean a hairball is blocking the digestive tract, or it could be a breathing problem such as asthma.

How to help with hairballs

• Brush regularly
• Feed food with enough fiber
• Encourage your cat to drink more, for example by placing water in several spots or adding wet food

What to feed a shedding cat: food, skin, and coat

Health and diet affect the shine and feel of a cat’s coat from the inside.²

Cats on an unbalanced diet often have a dull, dry coat and shed a lot.

Good-quality protein

Protein is important for growing new hair. Poor nutrition, especially a lack of protein, may slow hair regrowth.³

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids

Essential fatty acids are part of the skin’s protective layer. The body cannot make them, so they must come from food.

• Omega-6: without enough, skin and coat may become abnormal. Cats also need arachidonic acid directly from food, because unlike dogs, they cannot make it themselves.
• Omega-3 (EPA, DHA): found mainly in fish oil and seafood.

If you want to add omega-3 to your cat’s diet, Deserve Salmon Oil is another way to support skin and coat care.

Importantly, ask your vet about the amount first, because giving too much may cause weight gain or diarrhea.

Water: don’t overlook it

Water helps the digestive system work well and helps swallowed hair move through the gut more easily.

If your cat isn’t a keen drinker, read our article on encouraging cats to drink water.

Summary

• Shedding is normal if there are no bald patches, red skin, or intense itching
• If there are bald spots, itching, red skin, or licking that leaves gaps in the fur, talk to your vet
• Regular brushing means less fur in the house and less hair swallowed
• Complete food, good protein, essential fatty acids, and enough water help your cat’s skin and coat look good from the inside
• Care for your cat’s feelings too, because stress can also cause hair loss

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

References: Cornell Feline Health Center, VCA Animal Hospitals, Merck Veterinary Manual