How Long Do Cats Shed in the Spring?
As spring fast approaches, not only is there less of a chill in the air and more sunshine, but also, you might notice an abundance of cat fur shedding from your 4-legged companion…
Shedding is expected when the warmer weather approaches as your cat sheds some of its winter undercoat in preparation for the change in climate. This is a perfectly healthy process, especially for longer haired cats.
How Does Shedding Work?
Cats have a unique circadian rhythm that aligns with seasonal changes. Cleverly, their bodies are aware of days becoming shorter or longer, depending on the season. When the days draw shorter, their bodies are able to adapt by growing a thicker, more well-suited undercoat. Similarly, as the days stretch longer approaching spring, they begin to shed in preparation.
You’ll find that even if you have an indoor cat, they will also experience seasonal shedding, as spending time near windows will allow their circadian rhythms to sync to the seasons.
How Much Shedding is Normal?
Depending on your cat’s breed, size and age, their shedding rates will differ. As an owner, it’s important to know if your pet’s shedding is normal and when there might be cause for concern.
Firstly, you can know by touch if your cat’s fur is healthy. It should feel fluffy and full, and if they’re beginning the shedding process, fur may come away when you stroke them. Additionally, their fur should feel gentle- not coarse or brittle in any way.
If your furry friend is not shedding at all, this might be worth a trip to the vets, and could indicate an underlying, bigger issue. On the other hand, if your cat is shedding excessively to the point of bald spots or patches, this could again, be problematic.
How Long Should My Cat Shed?
Shedding time can vary, but usually lasts from a few weeks to months. If your cat sheds constantly, this could be a tell that their circadian rhythm is off. This can be caused by a range of things, but often it’s that they’re not getting sufficient natural sunlight. It’s always advisable to visit your vet if you’re unsure about your cat’s abnormal shedding.
Shedding season can be a messy affair for cat owners, so expect to find fluff everywhere, from your furniture to your favourite top! Making the extra effort to brush your companion more often this spring can also help to manage the excess shedding.
If you want to support your cat’s health, consider a raw food diet, which is shown to help with healthier skin and coat, better weight management, and improved digestion. At Kiezebrink, we offer raw cat food and raw meat supplements for your pet. Visit our website to browse our range of products, or get in contact with one of our team members to see how we can help.
