Spring Shedding: When Cats Lose Their Winter Coats

Cats grow thicker coats in the winter to keep themselves warm. This is triggered by the shortening of light hours per day during the fall and winter months, rather than a drop in temperature. The winter coat is made up of an undercoat and a guard layer. The undercoat is a fine, soft, insulating layer that grows in during the winter to increase the surface area of the cat, helping to keep in its body heat and assist with thermoregulation. Cats shed their winter coats in spring when the days start to get longer.

Cats' winter coats are triggered by shorter days, not colder weather

Cats' coats thicken during the winter to help them retain body heat and withstand colder weather. This is achieved through the growth of a thicker undercoat, which is comprised of shorter, finer, and softer hairs. While it may be assumed that this process is triggered by colder temperatures, it is in fact dictated by day/night cycles—shorter daylight hours cause cats' hormones to begin shedding their summer coat, before growing in a thicker undercoat for winter.

The growth of a cat's winter coat is an instinctual response to environmental changes and is not dependent on whether the cat is kept indoors or outdoors. Even indoor cats with access to heated spaces will experience this change, as their bodies adapt to the changing seasons. The thicker undercoat helps to trap body heat and regulate temperature, ensuring the cat stays warm during the colder months.

As the days lengthen and spring approaches, cats will shed their winter coat. This process is also triggered by longer daylight hours, prompting the growth of a lighter summer undercoat. The shedding process can be aided by brushing the cat, which helps to remove loose hair and prevent excessive shedding around the home. It also strengthens the bond between owner and cat and can help to reduce hairballs caused by self-grooming.

While a cat's winter coat provides some protection from the cold, additional measures can be taken to ensure their comfort during this time. This may include providing extra food to compensate for the energy expended growing their winter coat, ensuring easy access to indoor warmth, and creating cosy sleeping spots.

Cats' coats have an undercoat and a guard layer

Cats' coats thicken in the winter to keep them warm. This is achieved through the growth of a new fluffy undercoat, which increases the surface area around the cat, helping to keep in their natural body heat and assisting with thermoregulation.

The undercoat is the lower layer of soft hairs that grows closest to the cat's skin. Most cat breeds have an undercoat, except for hairless Sphinx cats and Rex breeds. The undercoat provides cats with additional insulation. The hairs of the undercoat are generally shorter, finer, and softer than the rest of the cat's fur.

On top of the undercoat is the topcoat, also known as the guard hairs. This is the longer, thinner, outer layer of hair that we see when we look at cats. The guard hairs are coarse and thicker, and they help to keep cats dry.

Cats with double coats will need a thorough brush and comb two to three times a week, plus a smaller general brush-over once daily. This is important to prevent the undercoat from becoming tangled, matted, and clumped. In extreme cases, a severely matted coat may need to be shaved off, which can be traumatic for the cat. Regular grooming helps to strengthen the bond between the cat and its owner, and it also helps to reduce hairballs and irritation to the cat's skin.

Cats shed their winter coats in spring

The moulting season in spring means you will likely see a larger amount of shedding. To lessen the amount of hair in your home, spend a few minutes each day brushing your cat. Brushing your cat can also reduce the number of hairballs they cough up. It is also important to brush your cat during the moulting season to keep their skin healthy. Just like human skin, cat skin needs to breathe, and if you don't brush, oils and dirt will build up, leading to rashes, irritation, and other skin issues.

Cats shed year-round, but the moulting seasons are spring and autumn. In autumn, around October and November, cats shed to replace their summer coats with fluffier winter coats. Outdoor cats go through the moulting seasons much more distinctly than indoor cats because the temperature indoors is more constant. For this reason, indoor cats often moult all year round.

Cats need to be brushed regularly to control shedding

Cats are known to adapt to seasonal changes by growing thicker coats in the winter. This is achieved through the growth of a new undercoat, which is generally softer and finer than the rest of the cat's fur. As a result, cats tend to shed their summer coats in preparation for the growth of their winter coats.

To control this shedding, it is important to brush your cat regularly. Brushing helps to remove loose fur, reducing the amount of hair that ends up on your furniture and clothing. It also helps to distribute natural oils, improving the health and appearance of your cat's coat. Additionally, brushing can strengthen the bond between you and your cat.

When choosing a brush, it is important to select one that is comfortable for your cat. Avoid brushes with hard tips that can dig into their skin, and opt for softer brushes or those shaped like gloves. It may take some trial and error to find the right brush for your cat, but making brushing an enjoyable experience for them can lead to a stronger bond between you and your feline friend.

In addition to brushing, maintaining a healthy diet for your cat can also help to reduce shedding. A nutritionally balanced diet, including proteins, essential fatty acids, and other nutrients, will improve the condition of your cat's skin and coat. You can also consider giving your cat supplements like omega fatty acids or probiotics, but always consult your veterinarian before introducing new supplements to your cat's diet.

Cats' winter coats help them regulate their body temperature

Cats are adept at regulating their body temperature, which is why they are so comfortable in warm climates. However, this does not mean that cats do not struggle with temperature regulation in extreme weather. In fact, cats are at risk of heatstroke, and their winter coats play a crucial role in helping them manage their body temperature.

In the winter, cats' coats become thicker and heavier. This is especially noticeable in the undercoat, where the hairs are generally shorter, finer, and softer than the rest of the cat's fur. The undercoat grows in during the winter to increase the surface area of the cat, helping to keep in their natural body heat and assisting with thermoregulation. This is an example of how cats have internal mechanisms to help them adapt to environmental changes.

Cats' winter coats are essential for keeping them warm, but they also need to be able to adapt to the cold and build their confidence in the snow. It is important for cats to have access to the outdoors in the winter so they can gradually adjust to the lower temperatures.

In addition to their winter coats, cats also have other methods for regulating their body temperature. For example, cats will seek out cool kitchen or bathroom tiles on a hot day to cool themselves through conduction. They also groom themselves regularly, using the saliva on their tongues to simulate sweating and cool their bodies through evaporation.

In extreme heat, cats will pant to lose heat through their tongues and the warm air they expel. However, panting in cats is not as effective as it is in dogs and is usually a sign of dangerous overheating or other serious diseases. Therefore, it is important for cats to have access to shade, water, and cool spaces in the summer to help them regulate their body temperature.

Frequently asked questions