My Cat Sheds Too Much: What Can I Do?
Got cat hair everywhere? If you’re a cat owner, you know the joy of sharing your home with a feline or two comes with a few challenges, one of which is the endless trail of flying fur. Tumbleweeds of hair collect in every nook and cranny of your home, on the floors, and on your favorite armchair (they don’t call it fur–niture for nothing). Not to worry—we have the secret sauce to cat deshedding to make life more pleasant for you and your precious kitties.
Why Do Cats Shed?
Just like how people lose strands of hair each day, cats naturally shed their fur. There are a few reasons why this happens.
First, fur can become old or damaged over time, kind of like human hair. Shedding helps to get rid of this fur so that new fur can grow in its place. This is especially common when seasons change; cats will grow thicker fur in the winter to keep them warm, then lose the extra fur in the spring to keep them cool.
Shedding fur can also be health-related. Like humans, cats can feel stressed, which might cause them to shed more fur than usual. This might be due to a change in their environment, such as moving to a new home or the arrival of a new pet. It might also come from diet changes or allergies.
If your cat isn’t getting the right nutrients, it can show up in their fur. Their fur might appear dull and not as healthy as it once did.
If you’ve ruled out those possibilities, extra shedding might be because of your cat’s breed. Some cats just shed more than others, and it’s totally normal. Maine Coons and Persians are known for their thick, lustrous coats, but this also means they shed more than the average housecat.
7 Cat Deshedding Tips
Managing cat fur can seem like a losing battle. No matter the trigger, there are things you can do to keep excess fur at bay. Let’s explore some options.
- Regularly Brush Your Cat
Brushing is the single best way to remove extra fur on a daily basis. The fur remains in the brush instead of being scattered around your house. Your cat will feel better and their coat will look nicer. Plus, brushing your kitty can be a nice bonding experience.
- Switch to a High-Quality Cat Food
Prioritizing your cat’s diet can help them to shed less and maintain healthier fur. Make sure your cat’s food has Omega-3s and Omega-6s. These fatty oils will keep their coat and skin hydrated. If you’re not sure your cat’s food contains the right nutrients for skin and coat health, consult with your veterinarian.
- Keep Their Water Bowl Full
Hydration is another factor in skin and coat health. Keep your pet’s water bowl full and make sure they can access it at all times.
Bonus idea: If you want your cat to drink more water, try giving them a water fountain. Many cats prefer running water instead of a normal bowl.
- Use a Vacuum Rated for Pet Hair
Not all vacuums can handle pet hair. Fur can easily get tangled in brush rollers, which can wear down the vacuum faster and make it less effective. Fur will always be inevitable when you have a cat, so make sure you also have a good vacuum on hand.
- Enlist the Help of a Groomer Regularly
Cat grooming isn’t just about looks—it’s also an opportunity to improve your cat’s health. Regular grooming will help remove dry, dead fur trapped in the undercoat. Too much scratching can cause irritation, while excess licking might mean finding extra “presents” on your floor, furniture, or car.
Removing this fur will help reduce hairballs and scratching, both of which can impact your pet’s health. Groomers can also thoroughly bathe, brush, and even trim your cat’s fur to help curb shedding.
- Bathe Your Cat In Between Grooming Visits
When you don’t have a visit to the groomer in your near future, take cleanliness into your own hands. It’s no secret cats don’t like water, but baths are a necessary part of life. You can make cat bathing quick and painless—or at least less traumatic.
A full bath every few weeks helps get rid of extra fur. Rather than having dry puff balls of fur floating in the air, you can condense the mess in the bath water. This helps you keep your home’s air cleaner and prevents fur from settling on surfaces or furniture.
- Keep a Healthy, Happy Home
Cats can get stressed for obvious reasons: you have a house guest, the dog is chasing them, or you look at them funny, for example. Other reasons are not so obvious, such as not having enough toys to play with.
Do what you can to minimize stress in their favorite spaces. Make sure they have scratching posts, balls, and other toys to keep their mind off stressful things. Give them safe spaces to retreat to when environments change.
Book Your Cat Deshedding Appointment with Kitty Spaw
Having fur floating around your home comes with the territory of being a cat owner. But when you feel like you’ve collected enough fur to make a whole new cat, it’s time to do something different.
Kitty Spaw grooming experts specialize in feline care. We work with cats of all ages, breeds, and temperaments to help them look and feel their best. Our team will come to you—the place your cat knows best—and leave your kitty feeling fresh.
Request your cat deshedding appointment today!
