Grooming. Key reasons why cats lose hair

Cats are clean and handsome. In nature, whiskers take care of their fur on their own, but at home you can help them look even more luxurious. We will give 5 tips on how to improve your cat's coat.

Appearance pet- a mirror of his health. If a cat has bad hair, the first thing to do is take the animal to the veterinarian. Dull hairs, too much and sudden shedding, and the appearance of bald spots can be symptoms of serious illnesses. And here you can’t get by with special food, vitamins or bathing.

1. Adjust your cat's diet

A balanced diet will 99% help improve your cat's coat. If you feed an animal natural food, be sure to discuss the menu with your veterinarian. He will tell you which products to add and which to exclude.

If you feed a tailed industrial feed, pick up good food for cats to improve coat. This could be GO complete cat food. It is suitable for both adult animals with different activity levels and kittens.

2. Sow grass for the cat

Set aside a place on the windowsill for a small tray of wheat germ, oats, or a special collection of “Grass for Cats” (sold in pet stores and seed stores). Such an addition to the diet will not immediately improve the cat’s fur, but the “apartment” resident will definitely like it and will affect her appearance over time.

Greens will help remove hairballs from the stomach easily. This will help avoid serious problems with health (sometimes so much hair and undercoat accumulates in the stomach that it requires surgical intervention). Sprouted grass is especially relevant in the cat’s menu during periods of shedding.

What can you do to make your cat have beautiful fur? Brush it regularly. Buy a good comb/brush that matches the length of the hair and the size of the animal. Train yourself and your pet to brush at least every other day. A furminator is also a special “comb” that effectively removes dead hairs from the undercoat. It is enough to use it once a week, during the molting period - 2 times.

The cat has bad fur. What to do? Perhaps this is a seasonal molt and you just need to get through it.

Brushing does more than just improve your cat's coat. This is a simple and enjoyable procedure for most furry pets:

  • prevents the formation of tangles. Mats often appear in long-haired breeds with abundant undercoat; removing them is not always a pleasant procedure for the animal. Therefore, it is better to prevent tangles than to cut them later;
  • reduces the amount of scattered hair on furniture, floors, clothes, as dead hairs are removed with a comb;
  • prevents the stomach from becoming clogged with hairballs. Yes, it is impossible to remove all the dead hair from a cat, but it is possible to reduce what it eats with each wash.

4. Keep your skin healthy

5. Stop bathing your cat often

If a cat has bad fur, it is not enough to know what to do. You need to determine what not to do. For example, do not bathe your cat more than once a year. Why?

  • firstly, it is stress, both for the animal and for you. And stress is bad for everyone;
  • secondly, you wash away the natural protective layer from the fur and skin.

Fluffy takes care of his hygiene on his own. You cannot do without bath procedures in several cases:

If your pet has dirty its paws or other parts of its body, you should not bathe it all. It is enough to wash only the dirty part of the body.

There are medicated shampoos and special care products that can improve a cat's coat. Use them only after consulting a veterinarian or groomer.

What do you do to make your cat have beautiful fur? What cat food do you choose to improve their fur? Share your tips in the comments!

A cat's fur is not only soft and silky to the touch, it protects her from external influence environment, protects the skin from injury and acts as an indicator of health. Nutrition, illness and grooming affect the condition of your pet's coat and skin.

Health is in the balance

The cat's breed determines the length of its coat: whether it is short, medium, or long, as well as the texture of the coat, that is, whether it is rough, wiry, or soft to the touch. Everyone has healthy cats it shines and has no tangles.

Dull and brittle fur may indicate illness. See your veterinarian if your cat's hair breaks easily or falls out excessively, leaving bald spots. Remember: a cat should not lick its fur until bald spots appear!

Leather

Just like humans, a cat's skin is a sensory and protective organ that helps maintain body temperature. And although cats don't sweat like people, a large number of blood vessels in the skin they expand to reduce body temperature or contract to retain heat.

Examine the cat's skin by gently parting the fur. Pay attention to anything that is unusual, such as swelling of the skin, rash, or discoloration. Pieces of skin, scabs, bad smell or skin that feels oily to the touch indicates skin diseases. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian to determine the cause.

Also, check your cat for fleas or small black spots on the skin. These spots are flea waste, an obvious sign that your pet is infested with fleas. Fleas make your pet suffer, so take immediate action to treat your cat and facility. The veterinarian can give you in this case qualified consultation.

The thick, beautiful coat of a domestic cat, no matter how long it is or what breed it belongs to, is natural protection and thin cat skin and the cat’s entire body from uncomfortable ambient temperatures, pathogens, excessive humidity, all kinds of traumatic factors.

And a fur coat shining with health is the pride of the owners. It is important that at any time of the year the animal’s coat is healthy, shiny and clean.

Of course, most cats are very clean and are able to clean themselves. And thanks to their flexible spine, they do this great. But still, the kitty cannot do without the help of the owner.

Diet and wool

Achieve good beautiful wool It won’t work if you feed the animal without taking into account its natural needs. Domestic cats are predators, but they are very small, which means they can handle small prey. At home, a portion of food should not greatly exceed the size of a mouse or a small bird, but it must be fed several times a day. Therefore, you cannot do without selecting a diet and selecting a portion.

If your cat receives only , select from the line of food the one that improves coat health and feed the animal according to the instructions. As a rule, no additional additives are needed.

At natural feeding You will have to go to a veterinary pharmacy for vitamins and minerals for cat fur. And the presence of vitamins A and group B, zinc, copper, biotin, and polyunsaturated fatty acids is important for it.

Grooming

If a cat's eyes are the mirror of her cat's soul, then fur and skin are the mirror of the cat's health. During the year domestic cat subject to seasonal molting. Unlike street cats, in warm apartments and houses, the molting period is extended, but still at the end of spring and at the end of autumn the cat loses its old fur and grows new hair.

If your cat's fur is dull, tousled, rolls into icicles, and the skin is dry and flaky, then it's time to reconsider your cat's diet..

It's no secret that when you lick fur, some of it gets inside digestive tract animal. And then, in the same undigested form, it leaves the cat’s body. And this process is typical for all cats, but if there is an excess of hair that gets inside, intestinal blockages can occur, especially during the molting season. Pamper your kitty with green cat grass, it’s not difficult to grow it on a windowsill.

It is important to brush your cat as often as possible. Choose a brush that matches your coat type and slowly comb out your kitty. This will protect long-haired cats from tangles and will help identify skin problems in cats with any coat. You need to comb in the direction of hair growth. To avoid stress, it is advisable to teach brushing from the first months of a kitten’s life in the house. Brushing the fur is also another opportunity to communicate with the kitty and establish contact with it.

The presence of parasites on a cat negatively affects the coat

The general condition of your cat's coat and skin is a good indicator of its health. A healthy coat should be shiny and smooth, not rough or brittle, but healthy skin should be elastic and clean, not greasy or flaking. However, although the shine and texture of the coat is influenced by its health and nutrition, regular external care keeping a cat's fur also helps keep it in good condition, clean and tangle-free, no matter what type of coat he or she has.

What types of hair do cats have?

Together with the selection of breeds, today the coat of cats varies from completely hairless Sphynxes to smooth-haired Orientals, from domestic shorthairs to longhaired cats with truly silky fur, while some cat breeds practically do not shed.

Some cats that live in cold climates, especially in open areas, have two heavy seasonal sheddings per year (spring and late fall), during which entire clumps of undercoat may fall out. However, many cats in our homes shed lightly almost all year round.

How does a cat's diet affect its fur and skin?

The skin is the largest part of the body, and skin cells change very quickly. Most pets have almost all their skin covered with hair and change it several times a year. To keep their skin and coat healthy, your cat needs balanced diet, which contains easily digestible proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins, and provides the appropriate amount of calories to meet all the animal's energy needs.

If nutrients are poorly absorbed, not only will they be unavailable to meet the body's needs, they will put undue strain on the liver and kidneys, which are supposed to eliminate indigestible waste. The ideal diet should be individualized and suitable for the cat's specific age and health. A high-quality and balanced diet is usually the key to a good and beautiful coat. A cat whose diet is not sufficient to meet her needs will have a dull, dry coat with increased shedding.

What role does medicine play in ensuring a cat’s healthy coat?

Many skin diseases affect shine and appearance your pet's fur. Allergic diseases skin and seborrhea cause itching and changes in normal sebum secretion, which also leads to excessive shedding or even patchy hair loss.

If your cat's skin or coat problems are caused by a medical condition, general state Both the pet's coat and skin often improve dramatically after the disease has been treated or brought under control.

How important is regular grooming to ensure a cat's healthy coat and skin?

Daily brushing also reduces the amount of hair your cat may ingest while grooming itself. Another benefit of brushing your cat daily is the dramatic reduction in the amount of hair and dander that can be scattered throughout the house. For some people with mild cat allergies, daily brushing can reduce the allergens enough that they can comfortably share their home with such a cat.

Regardless of coat type, you should check your cat every day for mats, which may form behind the ears, in the groin, or in the armpits. If you check your cat's fur and skin regularly, you will also have a better chance of spotting any lumps, lumps, or tumors on her body early.

How often should you bathe or wash your cat?

Most healthy adult cats are finicky and rarely need a bath. The frequency of bathing your pet may need will depend on his age, lifestyle, and any health problems. For example, an older cat with arthritis who has difficulty grooming himself may need fairly regular baths. If your cat has skin allergies, your veterinarian may prescribe a wash with medicated shampoo as an additional therapy.

Cats should only be washed with shampoos that have been specifically formulated for them, as their skin is different thickness and a different ph than human skin, so even baby shampoo may be too harsh for their skin. Since all cats lick themselves vigorously after bathing, it is extremely important to completely rinse off any detergents and shampoos to prevent your pet from swallowing them, otherwise it could lead to digestive upsets and other harm.

Why might a cat have fur problems at certain times of the year?

Some cats may suffer from skin irritation associated with low winter humidity in our homes. Other cats are allergic to tree and plant pollen - this problem is especially acute in spring period. And another group of cats are allergic to fleas or other insects, where even one bite can cause a rash and hair loss.

If you bathe or groom your cat and she quickly develops fur or skin problems again, you should take her to veterinary clinic for examination. Sometimes skin problems such as rashes, itching, large amounts of dandruff, increased shedding, oily coat or an unpleasant odor may indicate serious illness. In many cases, the disease can be easily diagnosed and treated, but sometimes diagnostic problems arise and you may need to see a dermatologist.

The main takeaway is that the appearance of your cat's fur and skin are the first indicators possible problems with her health. A healthy animal does not have increased shedding, but top layer The coat should not be dandruff or greasy.

Leaving hairs all over the apartment is common for most domestic felines. A cat's hair will fall out regardless of its breed and hair length. The only exceptions are hairless cat breeds (Sphynxes) and pets with plush skin, for example, the British.

In this article we will tell you about what cat hair is, why a cat can rapidly begin to lose precious hairs, and how to solve the problem of hair loss in a pet.

Let's start with the fact that regardless of the breed of the cat, the type of its coat (smooth, velvety or wavy), as well as the length of the hair, the coat consists of two layers: a thin inner (undercoat) and a coarser outer (protective).

The main function of cat skin is thermoregulation and protection of the skin from adverse environmental influences. In the hot season, the cat “sheds” its undercoat, the skin becomes lighter and the animal tolerates it more easily. high temperature air.

The coat is also renewed in cold weather: the pet loses fine hairs that have served the whole summer and acquires new ones, fluffier and warmer, according to the season.

Causes of hair loss in cats

Intense hair loss can be a symptom of a disease. Therefore, carefully monitor the well-being of your tailed friend.

However, it is too early to sound the alarm. If your pet shows no changes in behavior, is active and eats well, then there is most likely no cause for concern. His seasonal molting has begun.

The cat's hair is falling out: features of shedding in modern pets

Molting is common to all living things, even insects molt. And this process also does not bypass the cat. However, shedding in cats that constantly live in an apartment is special. Let us explain why.

Cats living in natural natural environment, molt twice a year - in spring and autumn. The processes of hair loss and regrowth are regulated in their body by the changing seasons. Pets who constantly live in an apartment lose their biorhythms that regulate the molting process. Their bodies are affected by central heating, their metabolism is disrupted by stress, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity.

That is why for a cat living in a city apartment, it is important to talk about constant shedding, which does not stop throughout the year, and intensifies during the off-season.

Unbalanced diet. Common cause of hair loss in pets

If the diet is incorrectly formulated, cats often develop problems with their fur. This happens due to the fact that the pet’s body lacks nutrients, vitamins and minerals. This problem occurs when feeding a cat low-quality food or products from your own table.

Prevention of seasonal shedding. Keep your cat's fur smooth and fluffy

The basis for caring for a cat's fur during shedding is:

  • Proper nutrition.

    In order for your cat's fur to maintain its ideal appearance, choose only quality feed premium. The composition of the feed must take into account individual characteristics animal: its age, needs, existing problems. Choose the most suitable food To maintain the health of your cat's fur, a pet store consultant will help you.

  • The use of vitamin and mineral complexes that strengthen the coat and increase the body's immunity.

    Modern manufacturers of vitamin-mineral complexes offer cat owners all kinds of products that solve various problems on different stages animal life. There are also special vitamins to solve problems associated with hair loss. Their use is especially important before the animal’s spring and autumn molting, although vitamins for fur will be useful for a cat at any time of the year.

  • Regular brushing with special brushes and combs.

    The assortment of pet stores includes many products for caring for the coat of your beloved cats. According to the owners, the most effective “comber” is the furminator. This device doesn’t just comb out the cat’s loose hair, but removes hairs that are about to fall out. The pet does not experience any discomfort, and combing is more efficient.

By following these rules, you can significantly reduce the amount of hair loss in your cat. However, it is not always possible to reduce shedding using these methods. In some cases, the pet requires more serious help.

Hormonal disorders in cats. See a doctor urgently

Hormonal imbalances are characterized by localized hair loss. The cat develops bald spots on its back, belly, and tail. The skin in these areas turns red and peels. The animal becomes lethargic and apathetic, loses its appetite. At hormonal disorders cat needs special treatment, which writes out veterinarian after diagnosis.

Weakened immunity. The pet requires special care

Deterioration in the quality of the skin is typical for pets who have suffered serious illnesses and operations. In this case, cat hair loss is temporary. At proper care and with care, your pet's skin will recover and will delight you again.

Worms: dull and sticky fur will not take long to appear

Worms weaken the cat’s body from the inside: they disrupt metabolic processes, suppress the pet’s immunity, causing concomitant diseases. A cat's fur, like a litmus test, reflects its overall health.

Fleas: cause scratching, scabs and allergic dermatitis

A pet infested with fleas cannot be happy. An unbearable itch torments him day and night. Fleas feed on blood and make the cat itch by making tiny bites in the animal's skin.

When treating a cat, the owner will encounter the following difficulties:

  • Choose and buy two different products;
  • Spend a lot of time - the anthelmintic is applied no earlier than 7-10 days after using the insectoacaricidal agent;
  • Encounter difficulties in use - often it is not easy for an animal to give medicine into the mouth.

Protection against internal parasites.



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