Fall shedding is a natural process where your cat replaces their light summer coat with a thicker winter coat. This typically lasts 3-4 weeks, and you can help your cat by brushing weekly, providing quality nutrition, and accepting that shedding is simply part of having a cat.
Sound familiar? Fall has arrived, and suddenly your home seems to explode with cat hair. Your couch, your clothes, even your coffee cup covered in fur. You're wondering: "Why is my cat shedding so much?" The good news? You're not alone, and it's completely normal.
What is fall shedding?
Fall shedding is a natural process where cats adapt their coat to the upcoming season. Just like we swap our summer wardrobe for warm sweaters, your cat prepares for winter. This typically happens between September and December, when days get shorter and temperatures drop (Vetster, 2024).
The light summer coat makes way for a thicker, warmer winter coat with more undercoat. This process is controlled by the pituitary gland, a small gland in your cat's brain that responds to changes in daylight (Wamiz, 2022). Pretty clever design by nature, actually.
The difference between long-haired and short-haired cats
Whether you have a long-haired or short-haired cat, both shed during fall. However, there are important differences:
Short-haired cats have shorter hairs that are less noticeable on furniture and clothing. Their shedding is often more subtle, but they definitely shed. Think of breeds like the American Shorthair, Siamese, or British Shorthair.
Long-haired cats like Maine Coons, Ragdolls, or Persian cats have a much denser undercoat. This makes their shedding more spectacular and visible. They also have a higher risk of mats and tangles during shedding season (Zoetis Petcare, n.d.). Extra attention to their coat is essential for long-haired cats.
Why do cats shed in fall?
The natural coat cycle
Your cat's coat consists of multiple layers, each with its own function. During fall, old, damaged hairs fall out to make room for new, healthy hairs. This process typically takes 3 to 4 weeks, but can vary per cat (Purina, 2025).
Indoor vs outdoor cats
Outdoor cats experience clear seasonal changes and therefore have two distinct shedding seasons per year. Indoor cats, however, can shed year-round because artificial lighting and central heating mean they experience less temperature fluctuation (Cat Care of Vinings, 2024). So if your indoor cat sheds constantly, that's actually perfectly normal.
How much shedding is normal?
A healthy cat loses quite a bit of hair during fall shedding, and that's normal. However, there are signs that something more might be going on:
- Bald patches in the coat
- Red or irritated skin
- Excessive shedding outside the shedding season
- Behavioral changes like excessive licking
Notice these symptoms? Contact your veterinarian. Shedding can also be a sign of stress, allergies, or other health issues (Sploot Veterinary Care, 2025).
Practical tips for fall shedding
Brush smart, not too much
It seems tempting to brush heavily every day during shedding season, but did you know that excessive brushing actually stimulates more shedding? A cat's coat is very loose and by brushing too often, you disrupt the natural growth cycle (Joii Pet Care, 2025).
For short-haired cats: Brush maximum once per week with a brush with soft bristles. Short-haired cats need less intensive grooming during shedding season.
For long-haired cats: Check the coat daily for mats (use your fingers!) and brush thoroughly once per week. Long-haired cats have a higher risk of mats and tangles, especially in the armpits, groin area, and belly (Oasy, n.d.).
For both coat types, a good comb is essential. The Forester Pet Comb with wide-narrow teeth and a sturdy wooden handle is perfect for both short and long-haired cats. Use the wide side to loosen dead hairs, while the fine side helps smooth the coat.
Nutrition makes a difference
Growing new hair requires a lot of energy and protein from your cat. In fact, up to 30% of the protein a cat consumes is used for skin and coat (Cat's Love, n.d.). Therefore, provide high-quality food with:
- Sufficient animal proteins
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the right ratio
- Extra dietary fiber to prevent hairballs
Also stay consistent with the food you give. Frequently changing food can actually cause extra shedding.
Humidity levels at home
Dry air from central heating can dry out your cat's skin, leading to more shedding. Keep humidity between 40-60% by using a humidifier or placing a bowl of water on the radiator (Oasy, n.d.).
What NOT to do
Stop brushing daily. The more you brush, the more your cat sheds. It seems logical to want to remove all loose hairs, but you're actually stimulating the production of new hairs.
Don't use de-shedding tools with blades. These tools with razors damage the hair follicles and cause lower quality coat to grow back. This means faster matting and more chance of tangles (Joii Pet Care, 2025).
Don't shave your cat. A cat needs their coat for protection against cold, heat, and external influences. Shaving is uncomfortable and disrupts the natural process.
Dealing with cat hair at home
Let's be honest: shedding comes with having a cat. Instead of fighting it, you can accept it and look for practical solutions:
- Vacuum regularly - probably the best tip
- Use lint rollers for clothing and furniture
- Invest in good grooming products
- Choose washable covers for your couch
And for the true cat lovers among us? Wear your cat hair with pride! That's why we also have our "Yes, It's Cat Hair" T-shirt - because who has an outfit without cat hair anyway? It's almost a badge of honor for true cat owners.
When to see the veterinarian?
Is your cat shedding excessively, even outside the normal shedding season? Then there might be more going on. Possible causes include:
- Stress
- Food allergies
- Skin parasites like fleas
- Underlying diseases like thyroid disorders
- Nutritional deficiencies
When in doubt, it's always wise to contact your veterinarian (Zoetis Petcare, n.d.).
Frequently asked questions about fall shedding
Q: How long does fall shedding last in cats?
A: Fall shedding typically lasts 3 to 4 weeks. Indoor cats can have an extended shedding period that sometimes lasts all year due to artificial lighting and stable temperatures (Vetster, 2024).
Q: My cat is shedding excessively, is that normal?
A: Yes, heavy shedding during fall is completely normal when your cat exchanges their summer coat for a warmer winter coat. Do you see bald patches or red skin? Then contact your veterinarian.
Q: Do long-haired cats shed more than short-haired cats?
A: Both shed the same amount, but it's much more noticeable with long-haired cats. Long-haired breeds like Maine Coons and Ragdolls have longer hair and denser undercoat, making the amount of hair seem more spectacular. Short-haired cats also shed, but the shorter hairs are less noticeable (Sploot Veterinary Care, 2025).
Q: What brush do I need for my short-haired cat?
A: Use a brush with soft bristles or a rubber grooming glove for short-haired cats. Brush maximum once per week. A double-sided comb with wide and fine teeth also works excellently for short-haired cats.
Q: How do I prevent mats in my long-haired cat during fall shedding?
A: Check daily with your fingers for mats, especially in the armpits, groin, and belly. Small mats can be worked out immediately between your fingers. Brush weekly to prevent matting, but not more often - that stimulates more shedding (Oasy, n.d.).
Q: Can I stop shedding by brushing frequently?
A: No, frequent brushing doesn't stop shedding. In fact, excessive brushing can stimulate more shedding because you disrupt the natural growth cycle. Limit brushing to maximum once per week for both long and short-haired cats (Joii Pet Care, 2025).
Q: Why does my indoor cat shed year-round?
A: Indoor cats don't experience clear seasonal changes due to artificial lighting and stable room temperatures. This means they can shed in small amounts year-round instead of two distinct shedding seasons. This applies to both long and short-haired indoor cats (Cat Care of Vinings, 2024).
Q: Does special food help with cat shedding?
A: While special food doesn't stop shedding, it can help support healthy skin and coat. Choose food with high-quality proteins and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. A healthy coat often sheds slightly less heavily (Purina, 2025).
Q: My long-haired cat has hairballs from fall shedding, what now?
A: Hairballs are more common in long-haired cats because they ingest more hair during grooming. Help by brushing weekly to remove loose hair, giving hairball support food or paste, and ensuring your cat gets enough exercise. Check regularly if your cat can expel the hairballs or pass them through feces.
Want to learn more about cat care?
Fall shedding is just one aspect of caring for your cat through the seasons. Want to know more about how to optimally care for your cat year-round? Check out our other articles:
- [Link to: Spring shedding in cats - what you need to know]
- [Link to: The ultimate guide to cat care in fall]
References
Cat Care of Vinings. (2024, March 5). All cats shed, but what's normal, and what's not? https://catcareofvinings.com/blog/all-cats-shed-but-whats-normal-and-whats-not/
Cat's Love. (n.d.). Cats and shedding - what to expect. https://www.catslove.com/en/shedding-season-in-cats
Joii Pet Care. (2025, March 12). Shedding in cats: 4 things you'll want to know. https://www.joiipetcare.com/advice/shedding-in-cats-4-things-youll-want-to-know/
Oasy. (n.d.). Helping your cat with their autumn shedding. https://www.oasy.com/en/pet-news/useful-tips/helping-your-cat-autumn-shedding
Purina. (2025, June 5). Cat shedding: Why is your cat shedding so much? https://www.purina.com/articles/cat/health/routine-care/why-is-cat-shedding-so-much
Sploot Veterinary Care. (2025, September 2). Why is my cat shedding so much? https://www.splootvets.com/post/excessive-cat-shedding
Vetster. (2024, July 16). Is your cat's seasonal shedding normal? https://vetster.com/en/wellness/is-your-cat-s-seasonal-shedding-normal
Wamiz. (2022, May 3). Managing cat shedding in autumn. https://wamiz.co.uk/cat/advice/26271/managing-cat-shedding-in-autumn
Zoetis Petcare. (n.d.). My cat is shedding a lot. What does it mean? https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/cat-shedding