Skip to main content

Pet Insurance policies are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company.

Is my cat’s shedding normal?

What is normal shedding in cats? Dr. Lee discusses profuse shedding with a concerned cat parent.

Is my cat’s shedding normal?

Q: My cat Cupcake sheds profusely. Is he normal?

A: As many as 60,000 to 120,000 hairs adorn every square inch of a cat's skin, and many are in the process of being released at a given time. Outdoor cats shed heavily during the spring and fall in response to changes in temperature and daylight. If Cupcake lives indoors, he likely sheds throughout the year because temperature and lighting are consistent.

It's not uncommon for cats to shed profusely when they're stressed, like when they ride in the car to the animal hospital or someone new visits the home.

The most common reasons for a pet to lose so much hair that the skin shows through are fleas and other parasites; ringworm and other fungal infections; bacterial infections; and hormonal imbalances. Fleas irritate cats and bite people, and ringworm is contagious to pet and human family members, so contact your veterinarian if Cupcake develops any bald patches. Otherwise, brush him regularly to remove any loose hairs before they're deposited on your clothes and furniture.

As long as Cupcake has no thin or bald spots, his shedding is probably normal. If his coat gets sparse or loses its luster, or you see redness or debris on the skin or hair, it's time for a veterinary exam.

Editor’s Note: Detecting health problems in cats can be difficult, and the quality of their fur could be key to assessing their wellness. Here’s a list of fur conditions that may signal health problems in cats.


Lee Pickett, V.M.D. practices companion animal medicine in North Carolina. Contact her at vet@askthevet.pet.

  • Instagram logo
  • facebook
  • tiktok
  • Twitter

No one is permitted to sell, solicit or negotiate an insurance policy without a producer license in the state in which the plan is sold, and all prospects should be directed to Figo Pet Insurance. The information contained in this website is for illustrative purposes only and coverage under any pet insurance policy is expressly subject to the conditions, restrictions, limitations, exclusions (including pre-existing conditions), and terms of the policy documentation issued by the insurer. Availability of this program is subject to each state’s approval and coverage may vary by state. Coverage underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (IAIC), a Delaware Insurance Company, 11333 North Scottsdale Road Suite 160 Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Live Vet and the Figo Pet Cloud are separate non-insurance services unaffiliated with IAIC. Figo Pet Insurance's California license number is 0K02763.

Copyright © 2015-2023 Figo Pet Insurance LLC. All rights reserved