Why is my cat shedding so much?
Quick answer
Heavy shedding in spring and autumn is completely normal, but shedding that stays extreme all year, or that comes with bald patches and itchy skin, usually points to something you can fix or a problem your vet should check.
The full answer
Cats shed in response to daylight. As the days lengthen in spring they drop the thick winter undercoat, and they do the reverse in autumn. Indoor cats living under artificial light and central heating often shed steadily all year instead of in two big bursts, and double-coated and long-haired breeds simply produce more loose fur than others. Stress, a move, a new baby or a stay in a cattery can also trigger a heavy shed a few weeks later.
What genuinely helps: brush or comb your cat daily during shedding season, use a deshedding tool once or twice a week, keep up with flea treatment, and feed a complete diet with good-quality animal protein. Some vets recommend an omega-3 supplement, but ask yours first. Fresh water and wet food help, because a well-hydrated cat sheds a healthier coat. Avoid over-bathing, which strips the skin's oils and can make shedding worse, and never shave a cat unless a vet advises it, since the coat insulates against both heat and cold.
See a vet if you notice bald patches, scabs, constant scratching, a dull or greasy coat, weight loss, vomiting or lethargy. These can signal fleas, ringworm, mites, allergies, thyroid disease or kidney disease, and ringworm in particular spreads to people. Sudden, dramatic shedding with no seasonal explanation deserves a check-up.