Dear Siouxsie, Thomas and Dahlia:
Practically all my adult life I have been owned by cats and it is an absolutely fantastic experience. My (human) children have inherited this passion, and even my husband has come to enjoy cats too. He is now owned by a gray tabby called Tareco. My very own cat, Peewee, is white and was found by my youngest daughter in the middle of winter, almost frozen to death. She was bottle-fed for almost a month (she was really very young) and later on sterilized. She is almost autistic but loves me and my youngest daughter and only tolerates other humans. The reason why I am telling you all this is because I am hoping that you can help me with the problem we are having.

Peewee is losing hair -- lots of it -- and it seems that she has always more to lose. Her hair does not get thinner. Her coat looks really beautiful, but it is unbelievable how much she sheds. Oh, yes, and we live in an apartment so she is an indoor cat, and NO she is NOT declawed, we are deadly against it. I would be very grateful if you give me a hint about what I can do. My love to all.
~ Henriette

Siouxsie: Well, Henriette, it's hard to say what is a normal amount of shedding for Peewee. Long-haired cats, for example, tend to shed more than short-haired cats. This is due to a couple of factors: First, many long-haired cats have an undercoat, so they actually do have more hair to shed. Secondly, long-haired cats' fur is more visible than short-haired cats' fur.

Thomas: But short-haired cats can have undercoats, too, so even short-haired kitties can shed quite profusely.

Dahlia: If Peewee is shedding excessively, she might also be developing hairballs. Do you find yourself cleaning up hairballs on a regular basis? If so, this could be a sign that her shedding is excessive.

Siouxsie: One easy measure you can take to get Peewee's shedding under control (or at least not all over your clothing and furniture) is to groom her daily. Spend a few minutes brushing her twice a day.

Thomas: Most cats really enjoy being groomed. I love it when Mama grooms me with the Big Pink Mama Kitty Tongue!

Dahlia: That's what Thomas calls the rubber grooming brush Mama uses on us. We love it! It gets our dead fur out, stimulates our skin, and makes us purr like little babies!

Siouxsie: The skin stimulation that grooming brings will help Peewee's overall health. Grooming will certainly decrease any hairball problems, and it may help you bond more closely with Peewee, too.

Thomas: We do recommend that you call your vet and talk about your concern that Peewee is shedding excessively. Your vet may be able to reassure you that the amount she's shedding is within the normal range, or he or she may suggest some extra tests to make sure she doesn't have an underlying health problem.

Dahlia: Dr. Richard Pitcairn, in his book Natural Health Care for Dogs and Cats, says that excessive hair loss may be a sign of inadequate protein intake (and a generally inadequate diet) in cats. But if her health is otherwise good, we're not sure that would be a problem. Again, this would be a call for your vet, not us, to make.

Siouxsie: Because of Peewee's precarious start in life, she may need extra nutritional support to have the best possible physical and emotional health. We'd recommend that under your vet's guidance, you try feeding her a vitamin supplement designed for cats, along with giving her the highest-quality and most naturally produced and preserved food you can afford.

Thomas: Dr. Robert Goldstein, in his book The Goldsteins' Wellness & Longevity Program, recommends feeding cats essential fatty acids for optimal skin health. In particular, he recommends salmon oil for cats, at a dosage of 1 teaspoon per meal.

Dahlia: Salmon oil contains the fatty acids DHA and EPA, as well arachidonic acid, which is required by cats. And it tastes yummy too! Mommy, can I have some salmon oil?

JaneA: After I get my next paycheck, sweetie.

Siouxsie: You'll find salmon oil and other oils rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs) in the refrigerated section at your local health food store. They come in dark bottles because light and heat can disrupt the nutritional properties of these EFAs.

Thomas: You may want to consult a holistic veterinarian who specializes in nutritional issues. Peewee does have special needs, as do many bottle-fed babies. Kitten replacement milk is pretty good, but there are benefits cats get from mother's milk that can never be replicated.

Dahlia: Mommy's giving me extra nutrition because I was abandoned early in my kittenhood, too. That's why I'm so small. But I'm getting bigger all the time 'cause I eat so well and Mommy gives me extra nutritious treats and stuff. Mommy says she can hear me growing when I sleep. Tee hee hee!

Siouxsie: You might even find that nutritional support will help Peewee be less fearful or aggressive around other human beings. Our early nutrition has a strong effect on our brain chemistry too.

Thomas: We think a good regimen of grooming, high-quality food, and maybe some special supplements will help Peewee to shed less and be a happier kitty.

Dahlia: And don't forget that conversation with your vet! After all, your vet is the second most important person in your cat's life. I sure do like my Doctor Sarah, even though she cut a hole in my tummy and took my uterus and ovaries out, and then she told Mommy I'm a little squirt!

Siouxsie: Waaaah, waaah, waaaah. Somebody needs a Waaaambulance!

Thomas: Be nice, Siouxsie. You're just jealous 'cause you're too big to snuggle with me on the cat castle!

Siouxsie: Talk to the tail, stripy man, 'cause the face ain't listening!

Thomas: It is beneath my dignity to continue this conversation. Come over here, Dahlia, and let me tell you a story: Once upon a time, there was a brave ginger tabby tomcat named Fritti Tailchaser ...

Got a question? Need some advice? E-mail us at advice@paws-and-effect.com. None of the material in this column is meant to be a substitute for regular veterinary care.