Cats are amazing, but one downfall to them that might frustrate some cat owners is the issue with shedding. While some cats are inclined to shed more than others, all cats do shed… with the exclusion of the Sphynx, obviously. Although it may be irritating at times, like when you reach for your favorite black sweater only to find it’s wearing its own sweater of cat hair on it, there are ways to minimize shedding. Luckily, it’s hard to get mad at those adorable little faces that didn’t mean to shed. Here are our tips on how to minimize shedding in your home:
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1. It All Starts with Nutrition
It may be surprising to some, but to help with shedding it all starts with what your cat is eating on a daily basis. By feeding your cat a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins, such as Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, this will actually help to keep their skin soft and moisturized which greatly reduces shedding. If you are having trouble deciding what to choose that falls under this category, feel free to ask your veterinarian and they should be able to provide you with a number of options. And many cats won’t mind all that fish flavor either. More please, meow!
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2. Make the Switch to Wet Food
Many dry cat foods available on the market today contain potentially harmful ingredients like corn, wheat and soy. These ingredients have the ability to irritate your cat’s skin and isn’t recommended for them in their daily diet. Wet food is proven to be much better for your cat’s skin and coat, so make the switch to wet food as much as possible.
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3. Get On Those Vitamins
By boosting those vitamins, this will help your cat’s skin and coat from becoming overly dry. Salmon oil is a good option to enhance your cat’s skin and coat and the fishy taste is right up their alley.
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4. Brushing is Key to Success
If you’ve got a cat who seems to shed a lot, it’s highly recommended to implement a daily brushing routine to combat unwanted fur balls floating around your home. When selecting a brush for your cat, be sure to find one that combs through to remove excess hair without tugging. Cats should respond well to brushing and this ritual can easily become a routine bonding experience for you and your cat. If you have a long-haired cat this step is even more important as it will help to prevent matting.
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5. Baths Every so Often
While cats are thought to be “self-bathing” incorporating a bath every so often will help to eliminate excess fur shedding. Most cats aren’t too crazy about water so take it slow with them by letting them get their feet wet in the tub first and gradually start to lather them once they are wet. The younger that you start with regular bathing the easier it will be for your cat to adjust.
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6. Grooming Time
If you’ve established that your cat’s hair is just too much, particularly long-haired cats, then it may be time to make a grooming appointment at a pet salon/groomer. Many accept cats and are trained professionals that can help to manage your cat’s coat better than you would be able to.
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7. Stick to the Same Area for Kitty
Spring for a cat bed for your cat, and keep it in a place where they feel comfortable and can relax peacefully. Shedding will not be as noticeable if it is centralized to one area of your home. Unless you want random cat hairs wherever your cat chooses to sleep.
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8. Use blankets/throws in your cat’s human resting area
If you know that your cat likes to sit next to you on the sofa, get them their own blanket to sit on while they are relaxing next to you. It doesn’t have to be anything pricy or fancy, but a thin comfortable barrier that separates them from your furniture.
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9. Lint Rollers Can Be Lifesavers
To help in the fight against shedding, especially if you have company coming to visit and don’t want people to think you live in a house of hair, keeping a few lint rollers on hand can do wonders. Just like you would use them to clean garments, you can use lint rollers to do a quick once-over on your home before company knocks on your door for a visit.