Shedding Cat - Answered by Dr. Van Lienden

[PDS]

My cat is shedding something fierce. Is there anything I can do about it? Cats I have had in the past were not this bad. I have a short hair tabby.

[vcheng79]

Both my short-hair cats are shedding fiercely too. The only thing my vet and the cat salon person told me is to use the shredding comb on them everyday or every other day. This helps a lot. Before I started using the shredding comb, when I lie down on the floor i can see cat hair covered the whole carpet (vacuum every other day). Now, I take them out to the balcony (live in apartment) to use the shredding comb, and i don't see too much hair in the house anymore.

[petdr]

I don't have enough information to say that this is normal for this cat or a skin/metabolic problem. If normal fur is growing back, then likely within normal for this individual. If no fur growth, then some diagnostics are in order to find and assess the problem if correctable.

For normal heavy shedders, I will bathe and comb 2X weekly for 2-3 weeks, and then do maintenence as required. Some groomers will shave, but some folks are reluctant to do this to their pets. If you shave, then make certain that some fur is left since it provides protections against sunburn and biting insects. See your vet if this doesn't answer your question.

Dr. Van Lienden

Dr. Raymond Van Lienden DVM
The Animal Clinic of Clifton
12702 Chapel Road, Clifton
Virginia, U.S.A. 20124
703-802-0490