Fall brings cooler days and changes to pets’ routines. During this season, it’s common to  notice an increase in the amount of fur cats shed around the house, covering couches, rugs,  and clothing. 

This process is a biological response through which cats renew their coats to adapt to  temperature fluctuations and changes in daylight hours. However, this phase involves more  than just vacuuming more frequently. When cats groom themselves by licking, they ingest  some of the loose fur, which can lead to hairballs and cause digestive discomfort. 

At Sepicat, we understand that caring for a cat goes beyond keeping its litter box clean. It  also involves supporting cat owners with clear and useful information for their cats’ daily  well-being. Below, we explain how to care for your cat during the fall shedding season—from  brushing and preventing hairballs to cleaning its litter box and providing the nutrients that  support healthy skin. 

Seasonal Changes in Cats’ Coats 

There’s a common misconception that cold weather is the sole cause of shedding in pets.  However, one of the main factors influencing shedding is the variation in sunlight, known as  the photoperiod. 

As fall progresses, the days grow shorter and the hours of natural light decrease. A cat’s  body senses these changes and triggers hormonal responses that influence the coat’s  growth cycle. During this process, the coat is renewed, and a denser undercoat may develop  to help retain body heat. 

A cat’s lifestyle also influences how this change manifests: 

● Outdoor cats: Exposure to natural light cycles can lead to more pronounced  seasonal shedding, especially during spring and fall. 

● Indoor cats: Artificial lighting and more stable temperatures can cause them to shed  more evenly throughout the year, although they may also experience seasonal  variations. 

The duration of this period depends on each animal, its coat type, and its living conditions. If  hair loss is excessive, bald spots appear, or you notice skin irritation, consult a veterinarian  to identify the cause. 

Proper Brushing for Each Coat Type 

Brushing is one of the most effective ways to remove loose hair and prevent it from  accumulating on furniture or being ingested by your cat while grooming itself. For best  results, it’s important to choose the right tools based on the length and density of your cat’s  coat. 

Short-haired cats 

Even though their coats are short, loose hairs can easily cling to fabrics and accumulate in  various corners of the house. 

● Recommended tools: Soft-bristled brush, rubber glove, or soft slicker brush.

● Frequency: Two to three times a week, adjusting the routine based on how much  hair your cat sheds. 

● Technique: Use gentle strokes in the direction of hair growth, from the head to the  tail. 

Long-haired cats 

In breeds such as the Persian or Maine Coon, dead hair can get trapped between the  strands and lead to matting, especially under the armpits, on the abdomen, and behind the  ears. 

● Recommended tools: A soft slicker brush and a metal comb with teeth suitable for  your cat’s coat type. 

● Frequency: Daily, to prevent tangles and remove loose hair. 

● Technique: Work in small sections and avoid pulling. If you encounter a very tight  knot, do not use scissors close to the skin; consult a professional if you cannot  remove it without causing discomfort. 

Cats with a dense undercoat 

Some cats have a double coat, consisting of an outer layer and a thinner, denser undercoat.  During shedding season, the undercoat can accumulate a considerable amount of dead  hair. 

● Recommended tools: A comb or slicker brush specifically designed to remove the  undercoat. 

● Frequency: Several times a week, depending on the density of the coat and the  amount of loose hair. 

● Technique: Use gentle strokes and avoid applying too much pressure so as not to  irritate the skin or damage the outer coat. 

To make brushing a pleasant habit, start with short sessions and gradually increase their  duration. You can reward your cat with petting or a treat when you’re done.

Preventing Hairballs and Digestive Care 

Cats spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves. Their tongues have small,  backward-facing keratinized structures that help them remove dirt and loose hair. During this  process, they also swallow some strands of hair. 

Under normal conditions, the ingested hair usually passes through the digestive system and  is eliminated in the feces. However, during shedding season, the amount of hair ingested  can increase, leading to the formation of hairballs, also known as trichobezoars. 

Signs to watch for include: 

● Repeated retching or attempts to vomit. 

● Frequent vomiting. 

● Loss of appetite or lethargy. 

● Constipation or difficulty defecating. 

Persistent retching, repeated vomiting, or a lack of bowel movements require veterinary  attention. These symptoms should not be attributed solely to hairballs, as they may also  indicate other digestive problems. 

What to Look for in the Litter Box During Shedding Season 

The litter box can provide clues about your cat’s elimination habits. During this season, pay  attention to the following changes: 

1. Changes in stool: Note if it’s harder than usual or if the frequency changes. The  presence of hair alone isn’t enough to determine whether there’s a digestive  problem. 

2. Straining to defecate: If your cat repeatedly enters the litter box and strains without  being able to defecate, it needs to be examined by a veterinarian. 

3. Changes in Litter Box Use: If your cat is using the litter box more often than usual  or changing its routine, watch for other symptoms and consult your veterinarian if the  change persists. 

To promote your cat’s well-being, combine regular brushing with a complete, age appropriate diet. Also, make sure fresh water is always available, and consult your  veterinarian if you need to adjust your cat’s diet or incorporate specific products to help  manage hairballs. 

Cleaning the Litter Box During Shedding Season 

During shedding season, some hairs end up in the litter box when your cat grooms near it,  shakes itself off, or digs to cover its waste. This can cause the hair to mix with the litter and  make daily cleaning more difficult. 

At Sepicat, we offer absorbent, clumping, and biodegradable litter options that make daily  hygiene easier. To remove loose hairs without unnecessarily discarding clean litter, follow  these steps: 

Step 1. Check the surface 

Gently run a clean scoop over the top layer of litter to collect visible hair.

Step 2. Separate the hair from the clumps 

Make gentle side-to-side movements with the scoop. If the hair strands get caught in the  grooves, you can remove them without taking up too much clean litter. 

Step 3. Remove the accumulated hair 

Discard the collected hair and check to see if any strands remain visible on the surface or  near the edges of the litter box. 

Step 4. Clean up common waste 

Remove urine clumps and feces as often as recommended for the type of litter you use.  Keeping the litter box clean helps maintain a more pleasant environment for your cat. 

Clumping litter makes it easier to remove waste by forming compact clumps that can be  scooped up with a scoop. This way, you can maintain the litter box’s hygiene and make  better use of the clean litter. 

Essential Nutrients for a Healthy Coat 

Coat health is closely linked to diet. During the shedding cycle, your cat’s body needs  nutrients that support hair growth and maintain healthy skin. 

To support your cat during shedding season, make sure its complete and balanced diet  provides the following nutrients: 

● High-quality protein: Fur is primarily composed of keratin, a protein that requires  amino acids for its formation. A proper diet provides the nutrients needed to maintain  the coat. 

● Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: These help maintain the skin barrier and keep  the skin in good condition. 

● Biotin and other B vitamins: These play a role in various metabolic processes  related to skin and coat health. 

● Zinc: It plays a role in cell renewal and skin maintenance. 

● Water: Adequate hydration supports the body’s normal functioning. Providing fresh  water and considering the inclusion of wet food can help meet your pet’s fluid needs. 

It is not necessary to administer supplements on your own. If you notice that your cat’s coat  is losing its shine, is shedding excessively, or if there are changes in the skin, consult a  veterinarian to review their diet and rule out other problems. 

Take Care of Your Cat’s Hygiene with Sepicat 

At Sepicat, we work to make caring for your pet easier all year round. We have over 35  years of experience offering feline hygiene solutions and products designed to help you  keep your cat’s living space clean.

During the fall, regular brushing, a proper diet, and daily litter box cleaning are habits that  contribute to your cat’s well-being. Choosing a litter that suits your household’s needs can  also simplify your hygiene routine. 

We invite you to explore our variety of absorbent, clumping, and biodegradable litters. If  you’d like to find the option that best suits your home and your cat’s needs, use the  interactive Litter Selector on the Sepicat website. 

Frequently Asked Questions