Cat shedding season: Good management tips for each other

Cat shedding season: Good management tips for each other

People who raise cats might already know this, but those who don’t may be quite surprised the first time they are licked by a cat. Unlike a dog’s tongue, which is very soft, a cat’s tongue has barbs, making it feel like a rough surface, such as steel wool, sweeping across the skin. This can initially be quite shocking. So, why does a cat’s tongue have barbs?

The barbs on a cat’s tongue are essentially there to groom and maintain their fur. The act of licking their own fur is called "grooming." Grooming is an innate behavior for cats, and they groom themselves daily to take care of their coat. However, during this process, they naturally ingest their own fur, which can easily lead to intestinal blockages (hairballs).
In fact, wild cats often eat grass to help facilitate the expulsion of hairballs. If you pay attention, you’ll notice that many cats enjoy plants like catnip, barley grass, perilla leaves, and various herbs.

Cat Shedding Season

Just as people change their clothing with the seasons, cats experience significant fur changes to regulate their body temperature during shedding seasons. This seasonal shedding happens as the weather shifts, though the exact timing can vary depending on the climate and temperature.

In Korea, cats typically shed their fur during the transitional seasons: from April to June in spring, and from October to December in autumn. When spring arrives and temperatures rise, cats shed their thick and dense winter coat, making way for lighter fur. Conversely, in autumn, their lighter summer coat is replaced with a thicker, more insulating layer of fur to keep them warm during the colder months.

 

Cat Shedding Management

As mentioned earlier, hairballs are usually expelled through the cat's feces. However, during shedding seasons, the excessive amount of loose fur can lead to a larger intake of hair. If these hairballs grow too large and cannot be expelled, they may remain in the body, potentially causing constipation, gastritis, vomiting, loss of appetite, or even severe complications that could lead to death in extreme cases.
Additionally, the increased shedding during these periods often results in floating fur that can trigger allergies in humans. This makes it essential for pet owners to provide extra care, as a cat's grooming alone is insufficient to manage the shedding. Proper intervention and care by the owner are crucial during these times to ensure both the cat's health and the owner's comfort.

1. Brushing

During shedding seasons, it’s crucial to brush your cat daily using a cat-specific brush. Regular brushing, even outside of shedding seasons, is highly beneficial for your cat’s overall health. Brushing removes dead fur, helping to prevent hairballs and reduce loose fur around the home. Additionally, it promotes the healthy growth of new fur.
While daily brushing is ideal, it’s essential to consider your cat’s breed and health condition. For cats with sensitive skin or those prone to stress, brushing every 3–7 days is a good compromise.

When brushing, keep the sessions short and consistent to avoid overwhelming your cat. After each session, reward them with treats, playtime, or affection to create a positive association with brushing. This ensures they view the experience as enjoyable and stress-free.

2. Bathing

Cats naturally manage their fur through grooming, so frequent baths are unnecessary. In fact, bathing too often can cause stress and skin irritation, potentially leading to skin problems. Generally, it’s recommended to bathe your cat every 3–6 months. However, giving your cat a bath during shedding seasons can be particularly helpful for removing dead fur.
After bathing, it’s crucial to thoroughly dry your cat’s fur to prevent skin issues and maintain healthy fur. Use a soft towel and, if your cat tolerates it, a low-heat hairdryer to ensure their coat is completely dry. Proper drying not only avoids skin problems but also promotes a healthy and shiny coat.

3. Supplements or Food for Coat Health

Providing supplements or specialized food designed to support coat health can greatly benefit your cat. These products enhance skin elasticity and promote healing and regeneration, which helps reduce shedding and ensures that new fur grows in healthy and shiny.
If your cat strongly dislikes brushing or bathing, consider feeding them hairball-control food or encouraging adequate hydration to facilitate the natural elimination of hairballs. Additionally, offering cat grass (catnip, wheatgrass, or other fiber-rich plants) can help increase fiber intake, which supports digestion and further aids in hairball management. Regularly incorporating these dietary measures can improve your cat’s overall fur and skin health while minimizing shedding-related issues.

4. Frequent Cleaning

During shedding seasons, loose fur tends to scatter everywhere, making frequent cleaning a must. Vacuuming more often and regularly ventilating your home can help manage fur buildup. Additionally, using an air purifier can reduce airborne fur, and maintaining proper indoor humidity can prevent fur from becoming excessively airborne, as dry environments exacerbate shedding.

From personal experience, consistent brushing and cleaning during shedding seasons have proven highly effective. By keeping your environment clean, you not only support your cat’s health but also protect your own, ensuring a harmonious and healthy living space for both. Wishing you and your furry friend many happy, fur-filled moments together. Thank you!