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Why does the cat’s fur climb a lot, why does the cat’s fur climb in tufts?
All domestic cats lose some hair every day – this is a natural process. But if the cat’s fur climbs in clumps, the owner begins to worry. Why is this happening and how to help a furry pet? Veterinarians name quite a few reasons for excessive shedding. Fortunately, most of these factors are preventable.
The fur of the cat climbs
Long-haired cat breeds shed all year round. Intensive molt of shorthaired occurs in spring and autumn. This is a physiological phenomenon – new hairs grow back and old ones fall out. Cats swallow some of the hair while they lick themselves. The rest is scattered around the apartment. But if the hair falls out in clumps, and bald spots form on the animal’s skin, this may be a sign of a disease.
The main causes of excessive shedding are:
- Dermatitis. Dry skin, sores, itching and hair loss can be caused by fleas, ticks, and worms.
- Allergy. Skin irritation causes the cat to itch a lot. This destroys fragile follicles and leads to hair loss. Allergies in cats are caused by certain types of food, plant pollen, basement mold, household chemicals.
- Lichen. This is a serious fungal disease that is contagious to humans. Skin infected with fungus becomes thinner and cannot hold hair.
- Hormonal Disorders. If your pet sheds heavily and eats poorly, is very thirsty, or has an upset stomach, it may have diabetes or thyroid dysfunction.
- Stressful situation.
- Metabolic disorders due to pregnancy or lactation.
All of these problems must be diagnosed by a physician.
What to do when a cat’s fur is getting too much
Proper care eliminates most of the factors that are hazardous to the coat. If the cat sheds heavily, you should:
- Examine the skin and coat. Redness, swelling, cuts are signs of illness and should be treated with a doctor. You can get rid of fleas and ticks yourself.
- Balance the animal’s diet. Give preference to natural products, enrich the diet with vitamins.
- Brush your pet regularly, especially if it belongs to a long-haired breed.
- Monitor the temperature in the apartment, avoid overheating.
- Bathe your cat every 1,5 months.
If the animal continues to lose a lot of hair, it must be referred to a veterinarian.
Analyzes and allergy tests will help to find out what causes the cat’s fur to climb. The sooner the examination begins, the sooner the veterinarian will select methods to help the sick animal.