3 Ways to Control Your Cat’s Shedding

Cats certainly have beautiful coats. Your kitty’s soft, pretty fur is one of her most distinctive traits, and helps make her unique. That lovely coat, however, definitely looks a lot better on your cat than it does on your clothing or furniture. While you can’t entirely stop your feline friend from shedding, you may be able to at least reduce the amount of fur you find on your sofa and clothing.

Here are a few tips:

Brushing

Kitties are very diligent about their beauty rituals. Your feline friend will carefully groom herself each day to make sure her fur stays soft and clean. This doesn’t mean that Fluffy can’t use a helping hand now and then, however. By brushing your cat regularly, you’re helping remove dead fur that may otherwise end up stuck to your sofa. The more fur you get with the brush, the less you’ll find on your clothing and furniture. Brushing your furball will also reduce the amount of fur she swallows, which will in turn help prevent hairballs. Incorporate treats and cuddles to make this more fun for both you and your kitty!

Keep Fluffy Indoors

Indoor kitties often shed less than those who are allowed outdoors. This is because outdoor kitties are more exposed to the temperature and seasonal changes that trigger shedding cycles. Keeping Fluffy indoors is not only beneficial in reducing her shedding, it’s also much safer for her overall. Outdoor cats are at risk from cars, predators, other cats, toxins, weather, parasites, and other hazards.

Proper Diet

Make sure that you are feeding your feline buddy a healthy, nutritious diet. This will keep that pretty fur shiny and healthy, and can reduce the amount of dead hair your furry friend sheds. Certain vitamins and supplements may also be beneficial. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, for instance, can be great for Fluffy’s skin and coat. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.

Tips

There are a few tricks that will make cleaning up Fluffy’s fur a bit easier. Try using a squeegee on your sofa: you might be surprised at how effective it is! You can also use blankets or furniture covers to protect couches, chairs, and loveseats.

Do you have questions about your cat’s health, care, or behavior? Contact us any time! We are here to serve all of your cat’s veterinary care needs.