Cat Facts

July 21, 2026

S Is For …

compiled by Nancy Kerr

Shedding is a natural process for cats that allows them to remove dead hair and replace it with new, healthy fur. This is essential for maintaining a healthy coat and skin. Cats will typically shed more in the spring and fall as they transition between their winter and summer coats. Indoor cats may shed year-round due to artificial lighting, and long-haired breeds tend to shed more than short-haired breeds. Poor nutrition, stress, and certain health conditions can lead to excessive shedding, while a balanced diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can promote a healthy coat.

Spaying, also called an ovariohysterectomy (removal of ovaries and uterus) or ovariectomy (removal of ovaries only), is the surgical removal of these reproductive organs under general anesthesia. Spaying provides numerous health and behavioral benefits such as reduced risk of uterine infections (pyometra) and mammary tumors (which can be malignant), and eliminating heat cycles. This will also reduce behaviors like yowling, restlessness, and spraying, and will decrease roaming and fighting – lowering the risk of injuries and transmission of diseases such as FIV and FeLV.

Spraying (also called urine marking) is when a cat releases a small amount of urine on vertical surfaces such as walls, doors, or furniture. Unlike regular urination, spraying is a communication tool, leaving chemical messages for other cats about territory, reproductive status, or stress levels. Spraying can also occur on horizontal surfaces, but this is less common and usually associated with normal urination.

Stud tail (or “tail gland hyperplasia”) is an enlargement of the oil glands near the base of a cat’s tail. When the glands enlarge, they compress the hair follicles, causing hair loss. They also produce oil, which plugs hair follicles and makes the fur greasy and skin scaly. Inflammation and secondary infection can then occur. The most common cause of stud tail is an excess of androgen sex hormones including testosterone. Intact males are most often affected, and the condition can encompass the entire length of the tail; however, it can occur in any cat, even if it has been spayed or neutered.

Sunburn can occur if cats are out too long in the sun, which can cause damage to their delicate skin cells. They can sunburn on areas of their bodies that are not covered by fur – their ears, noses, and bellies are among the areas that are most vulnerable. A cat experiencing sunburn may have red, scaly, inflamed, or crusted skin that is hot to the touch. Swelling may be noted around the eyes, stomach, paw pads, and nose leather. Associated pain or discomfort can cause an urge to lick or scratch the affected parts of its body, which may further damage the cat’s skin. In severe cases, blisters or sores may develop, which can lead to infection.