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Ahh, spring. The days are getting longer, the weather’s getting warmer, and your home is getting… hairier? If you share your home with a cat, you know that as the weather warms up, you’ll see an increase of kitty fur being shed all over your home. From your couch cushions to your favourite sweater, there’s no escaping it.
While shedding is part of daily life with cats, certain times of year bring an extra flurry of fur, and spring is one of those times when cats transition between their winter and summer coats. With the right care and preparation, you can support your feline friend through this natural process while keeping your home (and sanity) in check.
Read this: Cat Tail Language: 8 Fascinating Tales Your Cat’s Tail Tells
Why Cats Shed: The Seasonal Coat Cycle
Shedding isn’t just an inconvenience for cat owners – it’s essential to feline health. A cat’s coat protects their skin from UV rays, regulates temperature, and provides insulation from cold and heat. As the seasons shift, cats naturally swap out their coats. In spring, winter’s heavy, insulating undercoat is released in favour of a lighter summer coat.
This cycle is triggered primarily by daylight changes and temperature shifts. Indoor cats may shed more consistently throughout the year due to artificial lighting and controlled climate, but outdoor cats often have more distinct shedding seasons. On average, shedding season lasts six to eight weeks.
Related: Outdoor vs Indoor Pets: Pros, Cons, and Safety Tips
Recognizing Shedding Season Symptoms
During peak shedding, you’ll notice:
- Tufts of fur around the house and on furniture.
- More frequent grooming by your cat.
- Increased formation of hairballs from swallowed fur.
- Occasional skin sensitivity, dandruff, or mild itching.
Since producing a new coat requires energy, some cats also experience mild fatigue or reduced appetite. These are usually normal, but if you see bald patches, excessive scratching, sores, or lethargy, it’s wise to consult your veterinarian to rule out allergies, parasites, or other health conditions.
Grooming: The Cornerstone of Shedding Care
If there’s one golden rule of managing shedding, it’s brush, brush, brush. Regular brushing removes loose hair before it ends up on your carpet – or in your cat’s stomach.
- Short-haired cats: Use a rubber grooming mitt or fine-toothed comb 2–3 times a week.
- Long-haired cats (Maine Coons, Ragdolls, Persians): Invest in an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool and brush daily during shedding season.
- Pro tip: Brushing outdoors or near a humidifier reduces the spread of airborne fur and static cling.
Regular grooming doesn’t just keep your home cleaner, it stimulates blood circulation, distributes natural oils for a shinier coat, and reduces tangling or matting.
Nutrition: Fuelling a Healthy Coat
A shiny, healthy coat starts from within. During shedding season, your cat’s body needs extra resources to grow strong new fur. You can support them by:
- Feeding a high-quality, protein-rich diet labelled “complete and balanced.”
- Adding omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil or flaxseed) to reduce inflammation and strengthen hair follicles.
- Staying hydrated: Cats naturally have a low thirst drive, so encourage fluid intake with multiple water bowls or a water fountain. Wet food also boosts hydration, which improves skin elasticity and coat health.
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Helping with Hairballs
Increased grooming during shedding means more ingested fur. While most hair passes through the digestive tract, it can sometimes form hairballs—messy for both cats and owners. To help with this:
- Provide cat grass to support digestion.
- Offer fibre-rich treats or a spoonful of plain pumpkin purée.
- Use hairball control food formulas if your cat struggles often.
If hairballs are frequent, large, or accompanied by coughing or loss of appetite, check with your vet to rule out blockages.
Home Management Hacks for Fur Control
Even with the best grooming, you’ll still find fur around your home. A few practical strategies make cleanup easier:
- Use a vacuum designed for pet hair, ideally with HEPA filters.
- Keep lint rollers handy in the car, office, and by the door.
- Run a robot vacuum daily to stay ahead of “fur tumbleweeds.”
- Try damp rubber gloves to lift hair from fabric surfaces.
- Wash throws, pillow covers and bedding regularly to prevent buildup.
Accepting that some fur will always be part of your décor helps you stress less… and enjoy cuddling with your cat more!
Stress, Shedding, and Emotional Well-being
Stress can worsen shedding. Major household changes, new pets, or loud environments may cause cats to over-groom or lose more fur. To ease the process and reduce stress:
- Keep grooming sessions short, positive, and paired with treats or playtime.
- Provide cozy, safe resting spots away from household chaos.
- Stick to familiar routines to reduce anxiety.
The grooming process can also become a bonding ritual between you and your cat, strengthening trust and affection.
Bathing: Yes or No?
Most cats don’t need regular baths, but during peak shedding, a gentle bath with cat-safe shampoo can loosen dead fur. Only attempt this if your cat tolerates it. Forcing your kitty to endure a stressful bath can backfire and increase shedding. Alternatively, try waterless grooming wipes or leave-in sprays to freshen up the coat.
When Does Shedding Signal a Problem
Seasonal shedding is normal, but excessive or unusual hair loss can indicate:
- Parasites (fleas, mites, ticks).
- Allergies (environmental or food-related).
- Hormonal imbalances (such as thyroid conditions).
- Skin infections or fungal issues (ringworm).
If your cat has persistent bald patches, sores, or if their shedding is extreme outside the usual seasonal pattern, schedule a vet visit.
Learn more: Flea Treatment for Cats and Dogs – Top tips for if your pet gets fleas
Embracing the Fur
Shedding is a sign of a healthy, functioning coat cycle. While it can feel overwhelming, especially during seasonal changes, it’s also part of what makes cats the graceful, self-sufficient groomers they are. With consistent brushing, a nutrient-rich diet, and some clever home-cleaning strategies, you can minimize the chaos of fur season and keep your kitty comfortable.
And remember, every stray shed hair on your clothes or couch is just another reminder of the love and bond you share with your feline friend. After all, love sometimes comes wrapped in fur.
Read next: Be Money Wise and Protect Your Finances with Pet Insurance
Yours In Not-So-Average Pet Advice,
The Petinsurance.co.za Team
#NotYourAveragePetAdvice
