Have you observed that when you go to the vet, your cat sheds a lot of hair? What if you have a visitor and there are random clumps of cat fur all over the place? These are possible indicators that your cat is stressed out.
When cats are stressed, they seem to shed significantly. This is a typical physiological response, so don’t be concerned. The same is true whether they are scared or astonished. However, there are times when shedding is excessive, and you must be aware of these to preserve your cat’s health.
We’ll speak about why your cat sheds more when he’s upset in this post. At the same time, we’ll go through some of the most typical stresses that cats face. We’ll also inform you about several situations when you should be concerned.
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Do Cats Shed When Stressed?
When cats are stressed, they appear to shed more. When cats are nervous, it is their natural physiological response. This occurs when a cat’s muscles strain and the follicles of some hairs are released during moments of stress.
Telogen hairs are the hairs that cats lose when they are agitated. Telogen hairs are those in the growth cycle’s resting phase. When a cat rubs itself against something, these hairs will ultimately fall off.
When a cat gets anxious, the microscopic arrector pili muscles, which are connected to hair follicles, are triggered, causing shedding.
They cause the hair to stand on end when they contract. In the process, telogen hairs are released, which are already set to shed.
When your cat is agitated, he or she may shed. This is quite natural. The hairs that are shed are known as telogen hairs, and they are in the resting phase of the growth cycle.
As a result, these are hairs that your cat will ultimately lose when he scratches himself or rubs against anything.
There are little arrector pili muscles related to the hair follicles, according to legend. When your cat is anxious, these muscles tense, causing his hair to stand on edge.
Telogen hairs that are no longer securely connected break off during this process.
So, the next time you go to the vet and see that your cat is shedding a lot of hair on the examination table, don’t worry; your cat is OK. The shedding will soon cease after he calms down.
Only via positive reinforcement training can your cat learn not to be anxious when seeing the veterinarian.
Do Cats Lose Hair When Stressed?
Yes, cats lose hair excessively when they are stressed or nervous.
Hair loss that occurs suddenly is typically not hazardous, and your cat’s hair will regrow properly. However, there are times when it becomes excessive, and a veterinarian should be called, particularly if the cat exhibits any of the following behaviors:
1. Grooming That Isn’t Necessary
When your cat grooms itself incessantly, biting and scratching its fur as it sheds. Fleas, food allergies, or the environment can all contribute to this.
2. Aggressive Personality
Aggressive cats may be feeling threatened. Your cat may be shedding excessively because it is typically unsettled and insecure.
3. Urinary Mistakes
It might be an indication of a urinary tract infection, renal illness, diabetes, or bladder tone if your cat is shedding and having sporadic urination accidents.
It’s critical to understand what bothers your cat so that you may teach him or her to be less agitated in specific situations. You may use positive reinforcement training to help your cat link the stressor with a pleasurable experience once you’ve identified the source of stress.
Nothing compares to the anxiety that cats and other animals experience when they visit the veterinarian. Nothing is more traumatic for a child than being held and prodded by strangers.
At the same time, many are uneasy about the icy rush they get when they are placed on the examination table.
This might be a person or an animal. Cats, like dogs, are animals who stick to their routines. As a result, if a new person or animal enters the house, they may respond in a variety of ways.
They may simply retreat from attention at times, but they may also engage in aggressive actions such as playful scratching and biting at other times. Shedding due to stress in cats
Cats have a defined safe place in their house, so they will be anxious and disoriented when you go out. Add in the shifting of furniture and the shuffle of moving boxes. For a while, your cat may feel threatened, but he will ultimately warm up to you.
This may or may not be true depending on the sort of cat you have. However, if you have a cat who is bothered by noise and other loud noises, you will notice that he is continuously worried.
The same is true when introducing your cat to a noisy setting, such as a park or busy roadways.
There are also occasions when there is a lot of shedding. Extreme stress and other external causes might contribute to this. These are the things to look out for if your cat sheds excessively.
If you find that your cat not only sheds but also grooms himself continuously, chewing and clawing his hair, this might be an indication of allergies. Fleas, food, or the environment might all be to blame.
Random wet and sticky hair clumps may be discovered. When this happens, keep an eye on your cat to see whether he licks himself all the time. There may be digestive problems. Vomit from nausea, constipation, or diarrhea might have caused the hair clumps.
You might also like to check out reasons for cat shedding fur in clumps
This is particularly concerning when you notice regions on your cat where there are no longer any hairs.
Since this mite that infects your cat embeds itself in the skin, this might be an indication of scabies. When you find your cat shedding excessively while acting aggressively, it might imply he is feeling threatened by something or someone.
This is no longer simply about worry and tension; in reality, your cat is shedding excessively because his environment is generally unsettled, and he feels uncomfortable enough to act aggressively.
A urinary tract infection, renal illness, diabetes, or bladder stones can all cause this. You may also notice that the hairs surrounding your cat’s genitals fall out entirely since he scratches that region to reduce pain.
Do Cats Shed When They Are Scared?
Rapid shedding is a typical physiological response in anxious or scared cats.
When cats are worried, terrified, or under stress, they tend to shed more. Other symptoms of a stressed cat include hiding, trembling, and litter box issues.
Consider what has recently changed in your home (new pet, loud noises) and make changes to the surroundings to reduce tension in your cat. Make sure she has a few safe places to climb, hide, and feel secure.
Interesting Read: Do Black Cats Shed?
Can Stress Cause Excessive Shedding In Cats?
Yes, stress can lead to excessive shedding in cats.
Excessive shedding is a common physiologic reaction in cats under stressful conditions. During times of stress, a cat’s muscles stiffen up, and the follicles of some hairs, known as telogen hairs, are released. When a feline suffers significant anxiety, this is normal behavior that cannot be avoided.
Stressed cats lick, scratch, and bite their bodies excessively. First, rule out any underlying medical conditions, such as food allergies, fleas, or environmental factors. Over-grooming can cause skin irritation or infection, therefore it’s crucial to keep an eye on this activity.
When cats are stressed or anxious, they may flee and try to hide in a place where they feel comfortable. To relieve the tension they are experiencing, many terrified cats may hide beneath a bed, behind couches, or even in the shower or bathtub.
Alos, check out reasons behind older cat shedding excessively
Frequently Asked Questions
Do pregnant cats shed more?
Yes, hormonal changes are to blame. Because this is where her babies will feed, you may find that your cat sheds more on her tummy. When the nursing time is through, the shedding will slow down. If you believe the shedding is excessive, speak with your veterinarian.
What should I do if my cat sheds when left outside?
Check to see if your cat has a skin illness. If this isn’t the case, he’s being overly exposed to the sun, which promotes shedding. As a result, when your cat returns to a chilly environment, old hairs will be lost and secondary hairs will develop to provide insulation.
Why is my cat shedding so much suddenly?
Cats, like us, shed their hair on a regular basis. As the temperature warms up in the spring, cats tend to shed more hair. Stress, poor food, allergies, medicine, illness, and sunburn are among the medical conditions that cause cats to shed.
Final Words
Cats shed naturally, but when they are anxious, they shed far more. Although this is a normal response, there are times when the shedding is severe and accompanied by other stress or health-related symptoms.
Drop your questions in the comments section below.
