If your Maine Coon has patchy fur or a dull coat, then you are probably wondering, what is the best cat food for shedding?

Your Maine Coon’s diet will have a serious impact on the health of its skin and fur, and changing your cat’s diet is one of the first steps to treating fur problems.

Cats should get a high amount of protein and a moderate amount of fat to keep their coat healthy. Omega-3, Omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamins B, A, and E, are all essential for the health of your cat’s fur. Foods high in protein, particularly from chicken, salmon, and other fish are good for cats who shed excessively.

If your cat’s coat is looking dull, unkempt, or patchy, or if your cat’s skin is dry, flaky, or irritated, then your cat’s diet may be to blame.

Read on to find out what foods to give your Maine Coon that will keep its fur and skin healthy and moisturized.

What Is The Best Cat Food For Shedding?

If you suspect that your cat’s skin and fur problems can be traced back to nutritional deficiencies, then you might want to know, what is the best cat food for shedding?

The number one recommended cat food for a shedding Maine Coon is the Hills Science diet wet food.

The wet food is specifically designed for cats with urinary problems and hairballs.

This cat wet food is great since it contains a lot of Omega-6 fatty acids, as well as Vitamin E.

Since this food is also formulated for cats with urinary tract problems, it will keep your cat well hydrated, as well (source 1,2,3,4).

6 Best Cat Foods For Shedding

If you are looking for cat food that helps with shedding, then you are in luck!

Many cat foods are specifically designed to keep your cat’s fur and skin healthy.

Here are the best foods for helping a cat that is shedding too much:

1. Wet Food For Kittens: Tiki Cat

If you want to find out what is the best cat food for shedding kittens, then check out Tiki Cat Mousse and Shreds.

This food comes in chicken, salmon, or chicken liver, all of which contain lots of the nutrients needed for skin and fur health.

This food is ideal for young kittens because it contains high amounts of protein and fat, which are essential for a growing kitten.

The high amounts of fat also contribute to the health of your cat’s skin, which will keep your kitten’s fur hydrated and healthy.

2. Halo Natural Kitten Dry Food

Halo Holistic Kitten Dry Food is a great option for shedding kittens.

The salmon and whitefish recipe contains lots of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are especially high in fish, particularly salmon.

It also contains supplements for Vitamins A, E, and B12, all of which are incredibly important for your cat’s fur.

3. Hill’s Science Diet Wet Food

If you are looking for the best wet cat food for shedding, then you should use Hill’s Science Diet for Hairballs and Urinary Problems.

This food is specifically made for cats dealing with hairballs, which only occur if your cat is swallowing too much fur while grooming.

The natural fibers in this food are perfect for treating cats who shed too much, and the inclusion of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids will keep your cat’s coat hydrated and strong.

4. Bluw Buffalo Hairball Dry Food For Adult Cats

The best dry cat food to reduce shedding is Blue Buffalo Hairball Control, which contains cellulose psyllium seed husks to prevent excessive shedding.

It also includes a blend of supplemented vitamins and nutrients, as well as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, all of which will contribute to the health of your cat’s fur.

5. Wellness Complete Health Wet Food For seniors

If you are looking for senior food to reduce cat shedding, then check out Wellness Complete Health Senior Wet Food.

This soft wet food contains tuna and salmon, which are some of the best proteins for fur health.

We think this cat wet food is great since it does not contain any:

Corn
Wheat
Soy
Artificial Colors

The product also has a blend of vitamins and fatty acids that are perfect for a cat struggling with fur problems.

6. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Food for seniors

If your senior cat could use some dry cat food for shedding, then you might want to consider using Hill’s Science Diet for Seniors.

This food contains plenty of:

Vitamin E
Omega-3
Omega-6 fatty acids

It is also made with lots of fiber and ingredients for easy digestion, which can be difficult to find for senior cats with sensitive stomachs.

What Is Cat Shedding?

Cat shedding is usually a normal and healthy process that removes old fur to make way for new fur.

During cat shedding season, your cat will usually lose much of its fur so a new, season-appropriate coat can take its place.

It is natural for cats to develop a thicker coat in the winter and a thinner coat in the summer so they can keep their body temperature well-regulated.

Even though shedding is a completely natural phenomenon, excessive and untimely shedding are usually signs that something is wrong.

The most common underlying reason for excessive shedding is dietary problems.

Your cat’s diet will have a huge impact on its coat health.

If your cat is suffering from a dull coat, bald patches, or excessive shedding, then here are six nutrients that your cat may be deficient in:

1. Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are essential for skin and coat health.

Some of the most essential nutrients for coat health are Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

These fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, which reduces skin irritation.

Providing enough Omega-3 and Omega-6 will help your cat secrete oils to keep their skin and fur hydrated.

Omega-3 fatty acids also strengthen your cat’s hair follicles, which decreases the likelihood of shedding.

2. Vitamin A

Cats cannot produce Vitamin A on their own and need it in their diets to promote good vision as well as to strengthen their immune systems.

Vitamin A also contributes to the health of your cat’s skin.

Dry, flaky skin can lead to overgrooming and a dull, patchy coat.

3. Vitamin B

Vitamins B1, B2, B8, B9, and B12, also known as:

Thiamine
Riboflavin
Biotin
Folic Acid
Cobalamin

These are all important for the health of your cat’s fur.

Here are some of the benefits of these B vitamins:

Strengthen your cat’s skin
Keep its coat shiny and healthy
Support the immune system
Support the nervous system
Aid the production of red blood cells

Cats are often deficient in B vitamins because they are water-soluble, which causes them to be lost in urine quite quickly.

4. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble, anti-inflammatory vitamin that is particularly helpful for skin and gut health.

Its anti-inflammatory properties make it good for treating skin irritation from allergies and pests.

5. Copper

A deficiency of copper will lead to a dull or patchy coat.

It is also partially responsible for the pigmentation of a cat’s fur.

Its antioxidant properties can also prevent cell damage, which is good for skin health.

6. Zinc

Zinc is essential for healing and growth, which will keep your cat’s skin healthy and prevent dry or flaky skin.

Learning all of the nutrients that contribute to the health of your cat’s fur can be overwhelming, especially if you do not even know how to tell if your cat is deficient in these nutrients in the first place!

Why Do Cats Shed Their Fur?

Typically, shedding is a natural process that helps with temperature regulation.

Cats usually shed twice a year, during the changing of the seasons.

During the summer, cats have thinner coats and less dense undercoats.

During the winter, their coats become thicker, and longhaired cats usually have longer fur in the winter.

If your cat seems to be shedding abnormally, however, then you are probably wondering, what causes cat shedding besides the changing of the seasons?

Here are some of the causes of shedding in cats:

Improper Diet

One of the most common reasons for fur problems in cats is an inadequate diet.

If your cat is not getting enough Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, its coat may become dehydrated and brittle, and your cat’s hair could fall out more easily.

You also need to provide enough Vitamin A, B, and E, as well as copper and zinc.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal imbalances can lead to skin and fur disorders.

Pregnant and lactating cats often shed after giving birth, as well.

Allergies

Allergies to certain foods, dust, plants, and bugs can all lead to fur problems.

Cats suffering from allergies often become itchy and may begin overgrooming in an attempt to alleviate their itchiness.

This leads to fur loss as well as a dull, brittle coat.

Stress

Cats that are scared, stressed, or anxious sometimes lick and overgroom themselves in an attempt to self-soothe.

A recent change like moving or getting a new pet can cause stress behaviors in cats.

You should also make sure that your cat has privacy and its own space away from other pets or household members.

Parasites

Ringworm, fleas, and other parasites can cause a dry, itchy, and irritated coat.

Your cat may overgroom in an attempt to get rid of these parasites, and hair is more likely to fall from irritated, dry skin.

This is how you correctly apply flea powder to your Maine Coon cat.

Infection

Skin infections or illnesses can cause your cat’s fur to become patchy or thin.

Keep an eye out for things like this, and other symptoms that worry you:

Lethargy
Breathing Difficulties
Excessive Scratching
Excessive Grooming
Fever

Excessive Bathing

Bathing is not usually necessary for cats, and if you do bathe your cat, you should do it infrequently.

Longhaired cats may need more baths than usual since they are more prone to tangles and mats.

Still, try not to bathe more than once a month, and make sure you use cat-safe products.

Human shampoo is far too harsh for cats and can have a devastating impact on their skin and fur.

Overbrushing

It is important to brush your cat’s fur regularly.

If you have a Maine Coon, you will need to brush your cat roughly 2-3 times a week.

Brushing too hard or too often, however, can cause your cat’s fur to thin significantly.

Avoid brushing your cat’s fur too much, unless it is shedding season or your cat’s fur is prone to tangles.

How Much Cat Shedding Is Normal?

If you are overwhelmed by all the fur your cat seems to be leaving behind, then you might ask yourself, is my cat shedding too much?

If you want to know how much should my cat be shedding, it is more important to examine the condition of your cat’s fur rather than the amount of hair it seems to be losing.

A cat that is shedding normally will have a glossy, thick coat.

Your cat’s fur should feel soft and well-moisturized, without any thinning or bald patches.

If your cat’s fur is so thin that you can see its skin without parting the fur, or if you notice large patches of missing fur, then your cat is not experiencing normal shedding.

Signs Of Nutritional Deficiency In Cats

Here are some signs you can look for to determine if your cat could use a new diet to promote the health of its fur and skin:

1. Thin, Patchy Coat

It is normal for cats to lose some fur while shedding, but they should not be losing fur in clumps.

If your cat has any bald patches, this is a sign that something is going on with your cat’s fur.

A cat suffering from fur problems will typically have a thin coat, as well.

Dandruff

The health of your cat’s skin and coat are inextricably tied together.

If you notice white flakes in your cat’s fur, particularly near the base of the tail, then your cat is likely suffering from dandruff.

Dandruff is a sign that your cat’s skin is not properly moisturized, which is often due to a lack of fatty acids.

Dull Fur

A healthy cat will have a shiny luster to its coat.

If your cat’s fur appears dull, it is likely a sign that your cat’s diet is deficient in certain vitamins and nutrients.

Dry Or Greasy Fur

Dietary problems will affect the way that your cat’s skin secretes oils to keep your cat’s skin and fur properly moisturized.

Certain deficiencies will leave your cat’s fur feeling dry and brittle.

On the flip side, if your cat’s fur is dry from dietary deficiencies, its body may try to produce more oils to compensate, leading to a greasy coat.

Excessive Itching Or Grooming

If you notice your cat constantly scratching, licking, or biting its fur, then you may have a problem on your hands.

While these behaviors could be due to allergies or parasites, they can also be a sign that your cat is suffering from nutritional deficiencies.

Dry, Red, Or Irritated Skin

If your cat’s skin appears dry, discolored, inflamed, or irritated, you can probably blame a lack of adequate fatty acids and vitamins.

If your cat does not get enough nutrients required to secrete the healthy, moisturizing oils it needs for its skin and fur, it will become inflamed and itchy.

Does Cat Food Affect Shedding?

Your cat’s diet has a big impact on its fur and how much it sheds.

If your cat is shedding excessively so that its fur is thin or patchy, then your cat’s diet could be to blame.

Cats that do not get enough fatty acids or certain vitamins and nutrients such as vitamins A, B, and E are more likely to experience unnatural shedding.

Providing a diet with lots of protein, a moderate amount of fat, and plenty of zinc, copper, and vitamins A, B, and E will keep your cat’s fur:

Hydrated
Strong
Healthy

Cat foods whose first ingredient is a named kind of protein, such as chicken or rabbit, are much healthier than foods with lots of grains and filler ingredients.

Salmon, tuna, and other fish, as well as chicken and other poultry, are all great meats for promoting fur health.

How To Control Cat Shedding

If your cat is shedding normally, but you have found that you just cannot keep up with all the fur they are losing, then here are some things you can do to keep your cat’s shedding in check:

Brushing

If your cat is shedding, it is important to brush your cat regularly.

Shorthair cats usually need to be brushed about once a week when they are not shedding, and twice a week or so when they are shedding.

Longhair cats should be brushed once or twice a week when they are not shedding, and two to three times a week when they are.

Bathing

If your cat’s shedding is too much to manage, even if you are brushing regularly, you may want to give your cat a bath.

This is a great way to get rid of dead and loose fur on the coat.

However, try not to bathe your cat more than once a month, as it can lead to dry skin and exacerbate fur loss.

Air Purifiers

If you are having a hard time dealing with fur around the house, consider getting an air purifier or two.

That way, all of the airborne furs collect inside the air purifier, and you can clean it out as needed.

This is also great for managing litter dust and keeping pollen and dust mites from affecting you or your cats’ allergies.

Treatment For Excessive Shedding In Cats

If you are looking for ways to treat your cat’s shedding from home, here are some options you can consider (source 1,2,3):

1. Fish Oil

Omega-3 fish oil is one of the best home remedies for excessive cat shedding.

While it is a good idea to ask your vet before adding any supplements to your cat’s diet, fish oil is something you can find easily, and it is great for dry, itchy skin.

2. CBD Oil

If your cat’s fur loss is related to stress, your vet might recommend CBD oil to alleviate your cat’s anxiety.

CBD oil can also decrease the discomfort associated with itchiness or inflammation.

3. Coconut Oil

If your cat has dry, red, or itchy skin, applying coconut oil can keep your cat’s fur and skin moisturized.

Dry fur is much more brittle and prone to falling out, so keeping it hydrated will strengthen your cat’s fur and help them shed less.

Why Is My Cat Shedding So Much All Of A Sudden?

If your cat has suddenly started losing clumps of fur, it could be suffering from:

Allergies
Parasites
Dietary Problems

If your cat is shedding much more than usual but its coat looks normal, this could be natural shedding, particularly if it takes place during the spring or fall.