Do Cats Shed More in the Summer?

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When deciding whether to get a pet or which is the best type of pet to suit your household, there are many factors to consider. If you are considering getting a pet with fur, such as a dog or a cat, then shedding is potentially one of the issues you should think about before making your final decision. Most cats shed, and the amount they shed can vary at different times of the year. Therefore, you may worry whether a cat will shed more in the Summer. Here is an overview of a cat’s shedding habits that should answer any questions you have relating to this topic, including whether your cat will shed more hair in the summer.

Why Do Cats Shed Hair?

Cats shed hair according to the weather, so they grow a thicker coat during the winter months to keep them warm and then shed it in the warmer months to keep them cool. If a cat sheds excessively all year, then it is possibly a sign they are suffering from allergies. The shedding process is triggered by daylight, so they shed more during times with longer daylight hours.

Do All Cat Breeds Shed Hair?

Any cat breed with fur will shed hair. However, the amount they shed depends on the breed. Long-haired cats are more likely to shed more hair. For example, the Norwegian Forest Cat sheds to such an extent that it looks like a different cat during the summer months to what it looks like during winter. Even short-haired cat breeds shed hair, although usually to a lesser extent than long-haired cat breeds. They have an insulating coat beneath their outer coat, and they do not need this when the weather gets warmer. According to Pet Safe, the only cats that do not shed hair are hairless cat breeds.

Do Cats Shed More Hair in the Summer?

Cats shed their winter coats in preparation for the warmer months. Therefore, the time when they shed the most is in the spring, says Hills Pet. Although they will continue to shed throughout the summer, most of the heavy shedding has already taken place in the spring. Therefore, the time when shedding is the greatest issue is in the spring, and it should become less in the summer. By the fall, cats begin to regrow their winter coats, and this keeps them warm over the colder months.

Why Is Shedding Something to Consider?

There are several reasons why cats shedding hair is potentially an issue to cat owners, and it is important to consider these before welcoming a cat into your family. The first is allergies, as cats that shed regularly can often cause a greater problem for their owner if they suffer from cat allergies. Another issue is cleaning. The more a cat sheds, the more cat hair there is around your home. In turn, this means that you will need to spend more time cleaning your home to remove the cat hair. While some people enjoy cleaning, the thought of additional cleaning is enough to deter many people from having a pet. If you do not have an allergy and you do not mind cleaning, then shedding is not necessarily an issue.

Is There a Way to Reduce the Shedding?

If your cat is shedding more in spring and summer, which is perfectly natural, then you may wonder if there is anything that you can do to reduce the amount your cat sheds. The simple answer is that there are steps you can take to reduce shedding. The simplest thing you can do is to increase your cat’s grooming regime. If you usually only groom your cat once a week, then you may need to start brushing your cat daily. Brushing your cat will remove any excess hair, and this will reduce the amount of hair that is shed around your home. An increased grooming regime can also benefit your cat, as excess hair can begin to irritate their skin. Therefore, brushing to remove the hair can help reduce skin irritation for your cat. Another way to reduce shedding is to bathe your cat, as this will get rid of any excess hair that is ready to shed. However, many cat owners find bathing their cats difficult as many breeds are not fond of water.

What if the Shedding Seems Unusually Excessive?

If your cat starts shedding excessively, regardless of the weather, then it is potentially a sign of a problem. You may notice that your cat is shedding a lot all year round, and not just in the spring and summer. It potentially indicates that your cat is suffering from an allergy, and dust or food allergies are particularly common. Excessive shedding is also a symptom of several other health conditions. Therefore, you should seek the advice of a vet if your cat’s shedding seems unusual or excessive. Brushing your cat is especially important if your cat is a long-haired breed. Not only do they shed more excessive hair, but they are also at risk of their coat becoming matted if it is not brushed regularly. A good grooming routine will help to keep your cat’s coat and skin healthy.

The Final verdict: Do Cats Shed More in the Summer?

Except for hairless cat breeds, all cats shed hair. However, the extent to which they shed can vary from one breed to the next. Typically, long-haired cats or those with dense coats shed more than short-haired cats and those with finer coats. Cats grow a thicker coat at the beginning of winter and then shed excess hair in spring in preparation for the warmer months. You can help to reduce the shedding around your home by increasing your cat’s grooming regime. If you are concerned that your cat is shedding excessively, you should seek a vet’s advice.

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