Why Is My Cat Shedding So Much in the Fall?

If it suddenly feels like there is cat hair everywhere in your house, you’re not imagining things.

On the couch. On your clothes. Floating across the floor. Somehow stuck to things your cat hasn’t even touched.

Fall can bring a noticeable increase in shedding for some cats, and when you have more than one cat, it can feel like you’re collecting enough loose fur to build an entirely new cat.

Ellie and Jinx both leave their fair share of fur around our house, but there are certain times of the year when I swear it multiplies overnight. You pet them and come away with a handful of hair. You vacuum and somehow there’s another little tumbleweed of cat fur rolling across the floor five minutes later.

So why do cats shed more in the fall?

Seasonal changes can affect your cat’s coat, but temperature isn’t the only thing involved. Daylight, whether your cat lives indoors, their breed, grooming habits, diet, age, and even their health can all affect how much fur ends up around your house.

Here’s what cat owners should know about fall shedding and when excessive shedding may be a reason to call your veterinarian.

Do Cats Shed More in the Fall?

Yes, many cats experience seasonal shedding during the fall.

Cats naturally adjust their coats throughout the year. As the days become shorter heading into winter, their bodies may begin preparing a thicker coat for the colder months.

To make room for that new coat, older hairs have to fall out.

That can mean a noticeable increase in loose fur during the fall.

You may also notice another significant shedding period during the spring as your cat loses some of that heavier winter coat.

However, seasonal shedding isn’t exactly the same for every cat.

Why Do Cats Shed in the Fall?

Your cat’s coat goes through a natural growth cycle.

Individual hairs grow, rest and eventually fall out so they can be replaced by new hairs.

Seasonal changes can influence this cycle.

One of the biggest triggers isn’t necessarily the temperature outside — it’s the amount of daylight your cat is exposed to.

As daylight hours change throughout the year, those changes can signal your cat’s body that it’s time to adjust their coat.

This made perfect sense when cats spent most of their lives outdoors.

Modern indoor cats, however, live in a very different environment.

Do Indoor Cats Shed in the Fall?

They can, but indoor cats may shed differently than outdoor cats.

Indoor cats live in homes where temperatures stay relatively consistent throughout the year. They’re also exposed to artificial lighting long after the sun goes down.

Because of this, some indoor cats don’t develop the dramatic seasonal shedding cycle you might expect.

Instead, they may shed moderately all year long with slightly heavier shedding during the spring and fall.

So if you’re wondering why your indoor cat seems to shed 365 days a year, you’re definitely not alone.

Your climate-controlled house may be partially responsible.

How Much Fall Shedding Is Normal for a Cat?

There isn’t one specific amount of shedding that’s considered normal for every cat.

Some cats naturally shed much more than others.

Several things can influence how much your cat sheds, including:

Coat length
Coat thickness
Breed
Age
Overall health
Diet
Grooming habits
Indoor versus outdoor lifestyle
Amount of daylight exposure
Time of year

A long-haired cat may leave much more visible fur around the house simply because each individual hair is longer.

Meanwhile, a short-haired cat can still shed quite a bit — you may just notice it differently.

The important thing is knowing what’s normal for your cat.

If your cat always sheds more heavily during September and October but their coat still looks healthy and full, seasonal shedding may be the explanation.

A sudden dramatic change from your cat’s normal shedding pattern deserves a closer look.

How Long Does Fall Shedding Last in Cats?

Seasonal shedding can last several weeks.

Exactly how long it lasts depends on your cat, their environment and the climate where you live.

You may notice shedding gradually increase as the days shorten and then taper off once your cat’s winter coat has grown in.

Indoor cats can be a little harder to predict because artificial lighting and indoor temperatures may interfere with their natural seasonal coat cycle.

How Can I Reduce My Cat’s Fall Shedding?

You can’t completely stop a healthy cat from shedding.

And you shouldn’t want to.

Shedding is a normal part of maintaining a healthy coat.

But there are several things you can do to keep loose fur under control.

Brush Your Cat Regularly

Regular brushing is probably the easiest way to deal with seasonal shedding.

Every hair you remove with a brush is one less hair that ends up on your couch.

Brushing also helps prevent loose hair from becoming tangled or matted, particularly in long-haired cats.

It can also reduce the amount of loose fur your cat swallows while grooming.

How frequently you need to brush depends on your cat’s coat.

Some short-haired cats may only need occasional brushing, while long-haired cats may benefit from being brushed much more frequently.

During a heavy seasonal shed, you may need to increase your normal brushing routine.

Feed a Complete and Balanced Diet

Nutrition plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin and fur.

Your cat should eat a nutritionally complete and balanced food appropriate for their age and health needs.

If you’re concerned about your cat’s coat or diet, talk with your veterinarian before adding supplements. More isn’t always better, and supplements aren’t necessary for every cat.

Keep Your Cat Hydrated

Hydration is important for your cat’s overall health, including their skin and coat.

Make sure fresh water is always available.

Some cats prefer drinking from fountains, while others like having several water bowls placed throughout the house.

Wet food can also contribute additional moisture to a cat’s diet if it’s appropriate for your cat.

Keep Up With Flea Prevention

Even indoor cats can occasionally encounter fleas.

Fleas and other parasites can cause itching, excessive grooming and hair loss.

Talk with your veterinarian about the appropriate parasite prevention plan for your cat.

Vacuum Frequently

Unfortunately, this one is more for us than the cats.

If you share your home with a shedding cat, vacuuming regularly can keep the fur from accumulating.

Pay special attention to your cat’s favorite sleeping spots, furniture, rugs and corners where loose hair tends to collect.

And keep a lint roller nearby.

Actually, keep several.

You’ll need them.

Does Brushing Help With Hairballs?

Regular brushing may also help reduce the amount of loose hair your cat swallows while grooming.

Cats naturally groom themselves with their tongues. Loose hairs can be swallowed during that process.

Most swallowed hair passes through the digestive system, but sometimes it can accumulate and be vomited up as a hairball.

Removing loose fur before your cat swallows it may help reduce the amount of hair they’re ingesting.

If your cat frequently vomits hairballs, has repeated vomiting, stops eating, seems constipated or appears uncomfortable, contact your veterinarian. Don’t automatically assume frequent vomiting is “just hairballs.”

When Is Cat Shedding a Sign of a Problem?

Seasonal shedding should generally leave your cat’s coat looking healthy.

You may see lots of loose fur, but you shouldn’t normally see large bald spots, sores or significant skin irritation.

Contact your veterinarian if your cat’s shedding is accompanied by symptoms such as:

Bald patches
Red or irritated skin
Scabs or sores
Constant scratching
Excessive licking or grooming
Significant dandruff or flaky skin
Changes in appetite
Weight loss
Changes in behavior
A greasy or unusually dull coat
Hair coming out in unusual clumps
Areas where the hair doesn’t appear to be growing back

Excessive hair loss can have many possible causes, including parasites, allergies, skin infections, stress, pain, nutritional problems and certain medical conditions.

Your veterinarian can help determine whether you’re seeing normal shedding or actual hair loss.

Can Stress Make a Cat Shed More?

Yes. Stress can sometimes cause cats to shed more than usual.

You’ve probably even seen this happen during a veterinary appointment. Some cats suddenly leave an impressive amount of fur behind on the exam table.

Longer-term stress may also contribute to excessive grooming, which can eventually cause thinning hair or bald areas.

Changes around the house can be stressful for cats, too.

September often brings major household routine changes. Kids go back to school, work schedules change and the house may suddenly become much quieter during the day.

If your cat’s increased shedding is accompanied by excessive grooming or noticeable behavioral changes, consider whether something in their environment has recently changed.

Should I Bathe My Cat During Shedding Season?

Usually, no.

Most healthy cats are excellent at keeping themselves clean and don’t need routine baths.

Brushing is typically a much easier way to remove loose fur.

There are exceptions, of course. Certain medical conditions, coat types or situations may require bathing, but your veterinarian can help you determine what’s appropriate for your cat.

And considering how many cats feel about baths, brushing may also be considerably better for everyone’s sanity.

Why Does My Cat Seem to Shed More Than Other Cats?

Cats are individuals.

One cat can seemingly lose half their body weight in fur every week while another cat in the same house barely leaves anything behind.

Coat type plays a major role.

Cats with thick undercoats can release enormous amounts of loose fur during seasonal coat changes.

The color of your furniture and clothing can also make shedding seem worse.

A white cat sleeping on a black blanket?

You’re going to notice every single hair.

Fall Shedding Is Usually Just Part of Being a Cat

Finding more cat hair around your house during the fall isn’t necessarily something to worry about.

For many cats, shedding is simply part of the natural process of replacing old hairs and adjusting their coat as the seasons change.

Regular brushing, good nutrition, hydration and routine veterinary care can help keep your cat’s skin and coat healthy.

And the vacuum?

That thing is probably going to be working overtime for a while.

Because no matter how much you brush, somehow cat hair will still find its way onto your favorite black shirt approximately three seconds before you need to leave the house.

That’s just life with cats.