The Fur Tumbleweeds are Flying! How to Reduce Your Cat’s Shedding

If you are a cat owner that has had to replace one too many vacuums, we know the struggle. How to keep your cat from shedding so much is a common complaint we hear a lot at Cat Care of Vinings. Unfortunately, shedding happens.
Did you know we offer grooming for long haired cats? We don’t always recommend shaving them down simply for shedding, but a lot of owners with long haired cats choose shave-downs to prevent matting and hairballs!
There are some good solutions to reduce your cat’s shedding, which is why we are devoting an entire blog on this hairy situation!
6 Steps to Reduce Your Cat’s Shedding
Are you dealing with a chronic shedder? All cats, except those who are hairless, shed, but the amounts vary according to the length of hair, time of year, health of the cat, and grooming habits. Shedding is a normal and healthy way for your cat to discard old skin cells and hair follicles and make way for new ones.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t make our sweeping and vacuuming duties any more enjoyable. Preventing excessive shedding is possible with a few simple acts:
- Brush, brush, brush. In order to reduce shedding, help your cat out by brushing them daily. Cats naturally self-groom, but they can benefit from regular brushing. Choose the right comb or brush for the length and density of your cat’s fur, so you can avoid pulling the fur or making the experience uncomfortable. Brushing helps eliminate excess fur and increases the bond you share with your furry one.
- Consider the diet. Diet goes a long way in keeping your pet’s coat shiny, healthy, and shedding less than normal. Some shedding may be related to nutritional deficiency, so check with your veterinarian about the correct diet for your meow friend.
- Keep your cat hydrated. Dehydration not only has an impact on the functioning of the kidneys and other important organs of the body, it can lead to extra shedding as well. To keep your cat’s coat and overall health in great condition, make sure they are getting enough moisture and water. Add some wet food to their dry kibble, place more than one water bowl around the home, and consider using a water fountain type dispenser instead of the standard water dish, since cats love running water.
When to Call the Vet
If your cat is shedding more and has other signs of illness, such as:
- Lethargy
- Drinking more water than normal
- Lack of appetite
- Urinating outside of the litter box
- Scratching more than usual
- Lack of self-grooming
- Dull, unkempt coat
- Patches of missing fur
If your cat’s shedding has become noticeably worse, it is best to have them examined to rule out any illness. Certain health problems, especially in older cats, can be the cause of the excessive shedding.
Questions About Your Cat’s Shedding
We hope some of these recommendations will help keep the fur from flying at your home. Along with the recommendations, vacuum and dust regularly, launder bedding and your pet’s bed weekly, and get some lint rollers to use on your clothing to help eliminate the fur that gathers. If you have more questions about why your cat is shedding, please contact us.
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Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…
At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.
Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.
This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.
I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)
The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.
I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats
I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.
Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!
CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+
…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…
The quality of treatment and unbelievable care with which my kitten was treated are priceless to me especially as kitten moves into her later years. I wouldn’t take her anywhere else.
The staff are always welcoming and hospitable. Doctors will go out of their way to make sure your cat is taken care of and comfortable. They always return your calls and even call to check up on your cat after an appointment.
The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…
These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.
Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…