Persian Cat Hair Clumps

Question
We have a "tea cup Persian" with long hair, and weighs a little over 6 pounds.  Her fur is plentiful, but she is loosing good amounts of it.  She has been with us since around 10 weeks old, and now this is four years later.  She has never shedded like this before, and it is coming off in fairly large sections.  We have a new baby in the house, as of 9 months ago - so a little less attention has probably been going to the cat.  Could this be why?  When my wife started combing her regularly again is when she noticed it.  Since then, it has become the "norm" to see sections hanging off of her chest area, around her neck and other areas.  She still has a lot of hair, but what do you think.  When I was trying to find answers on line someone said it is "shedding season", but in the previous years she never had shed.
Are we overly worried, or could it be more serious?

Answer
Dennis,

There are so many possible explanations.  I think you and your wife should keep up the copmbing and see if this is just a peculiar shedding season.  If her skin underneath seems healthy, I would not worry about it.  Also, I would consider giving her regular baths (about once a month) to help get rid of dead hair so it does not knot up on you.

If the skin does not appear normal, a trip to the vet may be warranted.  

As to shedding season, this is a peculiar year as our cats have she three times (late winter, mid summer, late autumn). We live in the midwest USA. So, even if she has not shed much in the past, that may have changed!!!!!

Best regards... Norm.