When Is Cat Shedding Season? A Guide to Timelines, Durations, and Solutions

Lately, my cat has been shedding an incredible amount of fur... If you're feeling this, it might be "cat shedding season."

During shedding season, so much fur comes out that even if you clean, cat hair can still be seen floating in the air. Not only that, but your cat might lick up the loose fur and start throwing up hairballs more frequently.

Shedding season requires attention from both cat owners and their cats.

This time, I'd like to provide a detailed explanation of cat shedding season, including its timing, duration, and effective measures against shedding.

What is "shedding season" for cats, when they shed a lot of fur?

A cat's fur has a double-layered structure consisting of a topcoat and an undercoat.

The topcoat is hard, thick, and is the outermost layer of fur visible. It has a low density, which gives it good ventilation.

The undercoat is fine, fluffy, and cotton-like, growing densely beneath the topcoat. It provides high insulation, protecting the cat from the cold.

In other words, "shedding season" is when cats shed their undercoat to stay cool during warm seasons and reduce their topcoat while increasing their undercoat to keep warm during cold seasons, thus regulating their body temperature according to the season.

A cat's shedding season is like a "wardrobe change" for humans. The downside is that shedding increases dramatically during this period... but by taking the right measures, we can get through it successfully!

When does a cat's shedding season start and end?

Cats typically have two shedding seasons a year: around March in early spring and around November before winter. It seems they adapt well to temperature changes by shedding and regrowing their fur around March when it gets warmer and around November when it gets colder.

Come to think of it, cats look a bit chubbier in winter. This is likely because their fluffy undercoat provides insulation.

And then, as spring approaches, the undercoat that has grown in falls out all at once, flying everywhere... The amount of shedding is greater in spring's shedding season than in winter's.

How long does a cat's shedding season last?

How long does the troublesome shedding season last for cats? A cat's hair growth cycle is approximately 60 to 90 days. Therefore, the shedding season is thought to last for up to about 90 days.

Do indoor-only cats also have a shedding season?

A cat's shedding season is said to be influenced by the length of daylight hours. Depending on the region and living environment, there may be differences in when shedding season begins.

There is also a theory that indoor-only cats do not have a shedding season. For cats living in an environment where they rarely get sunlight and the room temperature is controlled by air conditioning, there might not be a clear distinction in their shedding season.

Shedding season対策

During a cat's shedding season, the amount of loose hair increases. If left unchecked, cat hair will float all over the room.

However, that's not the only problem with shedding season. If your cat ingests a large amount of fur while grooming, the risk of "hairball disease," which damages the stomach and intestines, also increases.

Let's learn about effective shedding対策 to safely get through the shedding season.

Frequent brushing

Brushing allows you to remove loose hair before it scatters. Ideally, brush once a day, and for long-haired cats, twice a day is effective.

The Furminator and rubber brushes are well-regarded for their effectiveness in removing hair. You just need to gently stroke along the direction of the fur, making it easy to continue daily. Finishing with a comb or bristle brush can remove even fine hairs.

Brush gently and carefully from the head down to the back and rump. Your cat might dislike having their legs and belly brushed, so try to gradually get them used to it.

Refresh with a shampoo

If your cat tolerates baths, shampooing can be effective. Shampoo after you've removed most of the loose hair by brushing. For long-haired cats, once a month is a guideline, and for short-haired cats, once during shedding season.

If your cat absolutely hates shampooing, wipe them down with a tightly wrung damp towel. If their fur is tangled and matted, don't force it; consult a grooming salon.

Dress them in cat clothes

If your cat is ingesting a lot of fur during shedding season, or if you have visitors and are concerned about shedding, try dressing your cat in cat clothes. Many cats dislike clothes, but once they get used to them, they will wear them without fuss.

Clean, clean, clean!

During shedding season, the entire room is covered in loose fur. You might find loose fur accumulated in unexpected places, such as on top of the cat tree or behind the TV. If you immediately vacuum, the loose fur will scatter, so it's recommended to clean with a lint roller or wet wipes.

There are various convenient goods available, such as rubber glove types and sponge types, so take a look at a pet store. Robot vacuums and air purifiers, modern conveniences, also come in handy.

Pay attention to your cat's health

During shedding season, your cat might start to vomit frequently. This is because they ingest more hair than usual, increasing the number of times they throw up hairballs.

During such a shedding season, "hairball disease" is a concern. Ingested hair is not digested and forms a mass in the stomach, which can damage the stomach and intestines. This is especially critical for long-haired cats, senior cats, and cats with a habit of excessive grooming.

Along with frequent brushing, consult with a veterinarian and consider providing hairball control food or cat grass.

Summary

The two shedding seasons a year are important for cats. While cleaning might be a hassle, let's get through it with good countermeasures.

To prevent loose fur from scattering everywhere and to keep your cat from licking it up, try to brush them as often as possible. When you think of it as increasing time for bonding, shedding season can seem a bit lovely.

To ensure both cats and owners have a comfortable shedding season, try to keep these small measures in mind.

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