Some breeds of pets shed a lot all year round, while others shed hardly anything. The key is knowing what’s normal for your cat, dog, or rabbit so you can spot a potential problem.
Why do pets moult?
Moulting is the body’s way of replacing old, dead, or damaged fur. Some animals shed more than others, depending on breed, coat type, season, diet and stress levels. Although it can happen all year round, moulting is often more noticeable in the spring or autumn. During these seasons, an animal’s thick winter coat is replaced by a lighter summer version (or the other way round).
How long do pets moult for? Is it different for different breeds?
Several things determine this, but it’s essentially down to the individual animal. It’s important to learn what’s normal for your pet so you can identify any change that might indicate a problem.
Many factors affect moulting, including:
- Time of year
- Exposure to heat and light
- Anxiety and stress
- If your pet is pregnant
- If your pet has another health condition.
When should I be concerned about my pet’s moulting?
You may only need to be concerned about your pet losing fur if new fur does not grow back in its place. If you notice bald patches in your furry friend’s coat, they could have a skin condition or could be over-grooming due to stress or other behavioural problems. The best thing to do is visit your vet so they can find the cause and give you tailored advice on what to do next.
When should I expect my pet(s) to moult?
Rabbits
When rabbits are young – at around five months old – a transitional coat replaces their coat. Soon after, the rabbit’s adult coat will develop, and then they will generally moult twice a year: once in the spring and again in the autumn. However, house rabbits are kept in very different conditions to wild rabbits, so they can have a more varied moulting pattern. As rabbit owners will know, some appear to moult almost constantly!
Cats
How often a cat moults can depend on how much exposure they have to daylight. This means they usually shed more noticeably in spring and autumn, like other pets. It also means indoor cats often shed all year round.
Dogs
Some dogs shed constantly all year, some shed seasonally in spring/summer, and some appear not to shed much. Generally, dogs with longer or silky coats shed more than dogs with short or coarse coats.
Some breeds are known as ‘low shedders’, such as Maltese, Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers. ‘High shedders’ include Saint Bernards, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Labradors.
Is there anything I can do to help my pet while they’re moulting?
Grooming
While it’s impossible to stop your pet shedding completely, keeping on top of their grooming requirements will mean they’re less likely to shed all over the house. This can be achieved through a professional groom or brushing them at home. If you are brushing them at home, pick a time when they’re most relaxed and offer them treats throughout the process to make it a positive experience.
Shop our vet-approved grooming products for cats, dogs, and rabbits
Diet and nutrition
As well as regular grooming, your pet’s nutrition and general health can affect moulting. It’s good to review your furry friend’s diet from time to time, as nutritional requirements vary during their life, and a good diet supports a healthy coat and skin.
Your pet’s yearly health check with their vet is a good opportunity to get advice about their diet and to check their mobility to ensure they are in the best condition to groom themselves properly. However, it is also important to keep an eye on them throughout the year, checking their coat regularly (including armpits and groin area as these are prone to matting in some breeds) to make sure they are grooming effectively.
Flea treatments
Keeping on top of fleas with regular parasite treatment will stop your pet from scratching at their skin, which can also increase the amount of hair they shed.
Additionally, watch out for signs of allergies in your pet is important, such as scratching, carpet surfing, or shaking their head excessively. If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet for advice.
Read more: Preventing fleas
Which household cleaning products are dangerous for pets?
As with humans, cleaning products can harm our pets if they come into contact with them. Some products may cause burns on their skin or in their throat and stomach (if swallowed). If a cleaning product is swallowed, you may also see symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea or incoordination, which are unpleasant and distressing for both your pet and you as their owner. Sadly, when a pet is exposed to such harmful ingredients, they risk suffering long-term damage or death.
To keep your pet safe, avoid products containing ammonia (found in floor and oven cleaners), phthalates (found in some air fresheners), and benzalkonium chloride (often found in disinfectants and bleach).
Read more: How to keep your pets safe from toxic cleaning products
Any vet-approved moulting clean-up tips?
- Be prepared to hoover regularly to keep on top of the hairy floors!
- Invest in fur-busting tools such as a lint brush or roller to remove fur from clothes.
- Rubber gloves are also great for getting fur off clothes and furniture. Put on a rubber glove, dampen it with clean water, and then brush your hand over the fabric. The hair should come away and stick to the gloves.
- Dry sponges are also an option for removing pet fur from furniture, with the added advantage of being reusable! You might find it works better if you dampen it a little.
- Use sticky tape if all else fails or you have nothing else to hand. It’s slightly more time-consuming as you’ll have to keep ripping off a new piece, but tape will pick up a lot of hair from clothes and furniture.
- To protect your sofa from fur, try using blankets and throws. It’s much easier to pop one of these in the wash than clean your sofa (although be sure to shake it out first so you don’t clog up your washing machine with fur). Remember that cats prefer familiar smells, so it might be best to try and brush the hair off their blankets rather than wash them weekly.