Shedding is natural physiological phenomenon in cats. It is the body’s way of shedding off dead hair so new hair could grow in. Shedding keeps a cat’s hair coat healthy, shiny, and well-rejuvenated. Although there are distinct shedding seasons in certain months of the year, being confined indoors has a direct influence on the shedding process because of the controlled indoor temperatures. But for outdoor cats, periods of heavy shedding occurs twice a year--spring and autumn. Shedding during spring gets rid of the heavy undercoat layer that keeps the cat warm during the coldest months of the year. During autumn, cats shed off so a heavy undercoat can grow in preparation for the coming winter months.
Indoor cats tend to shed less than cats that spend lots of time outdoors. An important reason is that the immediate environment of indoor-only cats is controlled with artificial heating being provided during winter and air conditioning during summer. With the controlled environment, the shedding cycle of indoor cats don’t follow a definite scheme; rather, shedding occurs throughout the year.
Shedding can also be a sign of an underlying health issue thus it is a good idea to speak with your veterinarian McHenry, IL if you have any concerns.
