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:

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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.