problem with my cat?

Question

My cat is almost 1 april 5. Lately he has been shedding a lot of hair...I mean all down the hall you see clumps of his hair...I know in people this could be lack of vitamins but what the deal when its your cat? If anyone knows please help??

Answer 1

It's just that time of year.

Unless he has bald patches on his body, this is just normal shedding. Brushing him regularly will help to keep it from getting all over your house.

If he does have bald patches on his body, then that is cause for alarm. Then you should get him in to see the vet.

Answer 2

If he is a long-haired cat and if he isn't getting bald spots, then that shedding is normal in spring. I have long-haired cat too and I have been picking up clumps of his fur around the house as well. And I brush him every day!

Answer 3

hair loss or a poor coat can be signs of health problems. he is young so it is unlikely that it is a thyroid problem or something but the possibility is always there. could be a food allergy--if he is itchy that would be a good clue. i would say the best thing would be to get bloodwork done to make sure he is doing ok. other than that omega fatty acids (there is a liquid form you can put on the food and they like it) can help with shedding but clumps of hair is often more than just a shedding problem

Answer 4

There are a few different things that could cause this. The most common thing is stress. Is your cat in a new environment? Something changed around the house? If the cat has excessive fleas or case of mange. (that would be extreme case of hair loss), change in weather. If you're still concerned, talk to your vet. I'm sure your kittie will be fine and you won't continue to have to clean up fur balls!

Answer 5

More than likely the change of seasons, specially if you are on northern hemisphere - losing the winter coat.
If I may make a suggestion to in relation to grooming - put on a pair of rubber (kitchen) gloves and stroke and stroke your cat. The loose hair will come out and it will all be caught on the gloves. Using a brush can damage the good hair and not get out all the loose/dead hair. Also cats who don't like a brush really enjoy the stroking and will roll all over so that you can get to all the places.

Answer 6

I agree with Bizworth... If it is a long haired cat it is totally normal...If you start seeing patches, definitely go to the vet... The only way to really contain or control it(and it can nevr be completely controlled), is to brush him atleast 3-4 times a week....Then you will get the bulk of the hair and see less around the house..

Answer 7

If you see bald spots there is a problem and you should probably take him to the vet. If not it is normal shedding. In that case I would suggest buying a cat brush and brushing him about twice a week.

Answer 8

It's likely his age, shedding out the kitten hair, and it's the time of year. Shedding the winter coat out for a new lighter spring / summer coat. He'll do it again late summer early fall.

Answer 9

I agree that your kitty is probably just shedding his winter coat: It has been very warm lately, at least where I live. Try brushing your kitty to help him get rid of that fur. Besides, it will help him avoid hairballs.

But if you feel it is truly excessive, or if he otherwise has shown changes in his normal behavior, see a vet and express your concerns.

Good luck.

Answer 10

Bizworth is right. It's just the time of year. All animals shed more in early spring. Brush, brush, brush. Unless you are seeing bald patches, there's nothing to worry about.