How much hair should my cat be shedding?

If you love cats, you’ve probably grown to love cat hair! But how much hair should your cat be shedding, and does this vary throughout the year? Here’s what you need to know.

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Most cats shed their fur – although how much depends on a range of factors. Knowing what's normal for your cat can help you decide if their shedding is a concern.

Why is my cat shedding so much?

Most cats shed a small amount of fur every day. Usually, they’ll ingest some of this loose hair when grooming, or it’ll be removed when you brush them. The rest will normally end up being dropped around your house and garden, if they’re outside cats.

When brushing your cat, take note of how much loose hair is collected in the brush each time. This gives you an indication of what’s normal for your cat, making it easier to tell if they’re shedding more.

Excessive shedding can be down to a few issues.

• Seasonal changes: Most cats shed more during spring and autumn, but this isn’t usually a cause for concern.
• External parasites: Fleas and ticks can cause irritation and itching, which may cause increased shedding.
• Poor nutrition: A lack of essential nutrients can affect your cat’s coat.
• Infections: Bacterial and fungal skin infections like ringworm can cause hair loss. These can sometimes be contagious, so it’s important to ask your vet for advice.
• Allergies: Reactions to pollen, mould, food or dust mites may make your cat’s skin itchy, leading to more shedding.
• Stress: Anxiety and stress can mean your cat sheds more than usual. It can also cause overgrooming, where cats obsessively groom themselves, which can cause hair loss. Some cats may also chew or pull at their fur.
• Aging: Older cats tend to shed more, and may not be able to groom themselves as effectively.
• Medication: The side effects of some medications may include hair loss.

Signs to look out for

Usually, any shed fur will be replaced by new, healthy fur. Watch out for any bald patches, which can indicate new hair isn’t growing back like it should. Red or irritated patches can also be a sign of irritation, allergies or overgrooming.

If you're worried about your cat’s hair shedding, it’s always best to speak to your vet for advice. If you have cat insurance with Petplan you can also access our free video chat feature, Pet Expert Chat, to connect with professionals, 24/7. Simply log in to your My Petplan account and go to the My Support area. 

Do cats shed more in summer?

As the seasons change, you might notice your cat shedding more. Most cats shed some hair all year round but will shed a lot more during spring and autumn, as the temperature changes. During spring, they’ll shed their thicker winter coat and during autumn, they’ll shed their summer coat.

For indoor cats or those that spend a lot of time inside, these seasonal changes might not be so noticeable. Instead, your cat might shed a similar amount of hair, all year round.

How to deal with your cat’s shedding

Cats spend a lot of time grooming themselves, but they still won’t remove all the shed hairs. The best way to keep your cat’s coat in great condition – and to deal with stray cat hairs around the house – is to groom them regularly. This helps remove dead hairs from your cat’s coat and prevents mats or tangles from forming.

Ideally, long-haired breeds should be groomed every day, semi-long-haired cats twice a week, and short-haired breeds once a week. While brushing your cat, keep an eye out for any issues like redness, dandruff and irritation, or external parasites such as fleas or ticks.

Do some cat breeds shed more than others?

All cats with hair shed to some degree, but some definitely more than others. Long-haired breeds such as Ragdolls, Persians, Siberians and Maine Coons often shed a lot. These breeds need regular grooming sessions to remove dead hair and prevent mats or tangles.

Short-haired breeds such as the Burmese and Russian Blue typically shed a lot less than long-haired breeds. The Selkirk Rex, Devon Rex, and LaPerm have unique, curly coats that tend to shed a lot less than other short-haired breeds. 

Cats that don’t shed hair

The only cats that don’t shed are hairless breeds, such as the Spynhx. Even though these breeds don’t need their coats brushed, they do require regular baths to remove natural oils, dirt and sweat. Hairless breeds are sometimes described as hypoallergenic, but they can still trigger allergies through their saliva, skin cells (dander) and urine. While they might suit some people, they’re not automatically a better choice for allergy sufferers.