Spring and autumn become the times of the year in which, generally, hair loss occurs in cats, since the temperature change in those months is more pronounced, creating an ideal environment for the change of fur . Although these two seasons are the best known, the molt they make in spring is the strongest , accounting for half of the coat change they carry out throughout the year.
Despite concentrating in these months the largest number of kittens that make the molt, throughout the year it can be observed that it is something common in these animals. However, you must be attentive to see if it is a normal amount or if, on the contrary, it can go further and be a problem to worry about. If it is observed that it is a continuous and abundant fall, you will have to consult a veterinary professional, since it may be due to or be related to other factors such as stress, being a disease or a warning to make a change in your diet .
During the molt there are certain cares that the owners of the kittens have to take into account. The reason is not only how annoying it is to have a house full of hair but that during the molt, in their daily grooming sessions, they ingest it in greater quantity, which translates into greater possibilities of generating hairballs , with everything that this entails (occlusions if not expelled).
In this molting season, but also throughout the year, it is very important that cats have a good diet. A balanced and adequate nutrition to the needs of the cat will help to take care of the health of the animal and, consequently, will take care of its coat. In addition, during this time, it will help the cat to get rid of its hair better. With the latter we are referring to feed formulated to avoid the formation of hairballs , which are rich in fibers, both soluble and insoluble.
Another measure that prevents the formation of hairballs that should be part of the pet’s routine at any date on the calendar, is the administration of malt. This food is available in different formats (snacks, pasta …) and helps the animal to expel the hairs that may have been trapped in its body through the feces. Short-haired kittens will need less malt than long-haired ones (more prone to trichobezoars or hairballs).
Finally, we can also help the cat to expel the hairballs by putting catnip within reach. When a cat ingests grass, it usually does so, in most cases, because it is sick to its stomach. Taking advantage of this, the cat will approach the catnip to purge itself and this will help to improve intestinal transit . It also favors regurgitation.
The second point to consider is brushing. A good brushing is essential for the health of the kitten. Although brushing is important throughout the year, in the time of hair loss in cats it is essential and therefore it is advisable to brush daily . Many times the question may arise as to how this brushing should be done. Veterinary specialists recommend brushing in the direction of hair growth and another against. The objective is to remove the hair that the cat gets rid of, that is, to remove the dead hair to prevent the animal from ingesting it and also to leave room for the new one to grow.
If you don’t have it, get a special brush for cats.
Being attentive to all the changes that can be generated in the coat of cats not only has the objective of safeguarding the aesthetics of cats, but goes further. Their fur helps them look attractive and attract attention, but it also provides sensory information . Through it they can communicate with other animals and also with humans, it protects them from cold, wind, rain and diseases. Some functions that our beloved felines are of great importance in their day to day as well as in their development.
