All cats shed—it's a normal and natural part of their lives. Outdoor cats may exhibit a more definite seasonal shedding, but cats who spend most of their time indoors may more or less shed "all the time"—a natural reaction to a controlled environment such as constant artificial lighting. Certain breeds are known to be heavy shedders such as American Shorthairs, Maine Coons, and Persians. But in the end, shedding is just something that cats do, and if there's a cat in your world, cat hair is going to be a part of it. What you really need are some cat shedding solutions! So let's take a look at some things you do to help with shedding control.
Get Out the Cat Brush
You're going to be handling loose cat hair no matter what—that's a given. The choice you do have is whether you collect it as it happens—through regular grooming—or later, when you sweep or vacuum the cat hair after it's floating down the hall and all over the furniture. As with many things in life, prevention is preferable. So grab some cat brushes and get that shedding under control! A slicker brush is always a good tool, and a deshedding brush can be handy for those times when your cat is shedding more significantly. An added bonus? Regular grooming helps keep your cat's skin and coat healthy, and helps prevent annoying hairballs. It can also be a great bonding time for you and your pet.
Choose a Healthy Diet
You may not immediately think of your cat's diet being connected to his skin and coat health, but it definitely is, and your cat's nutrition directly affects his overall appearance. Keeping your cat on a high-quality diet —especially diets that deliver proper amounts of Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids—is one solution that may help to prevent over-shedding and to maintain a shiny, healthy hair coat. Be sure that the diet contains appropriate levels of protein and other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals for the life stage that your cat is in.
Bring on Bath Time?
Not all cats enjoy being bathed, but if your cat is okay about the water, this can be one more shedding solution in your toolbox. An occasional cat bath about once a month may help control shedding by quickly and easily removing a large amount of loose hair in just a few minutes. Bathe your kitty using an appropriate pet shampoo and also be sure to rinse thoroughly to prevent any residue. If your cat really hates bath time, it's probably best to not press the issue, and instead use cleansing bath wipes to keep his coat looking great and to help reduce excess shedding.
Control the Hair
Does your cat prefer hanging out on your furniture, leaving a trail of cat hair on the sofas and chairs? Keeping these areas protected with removable (and washable) furniture covers can make the clean-up job easier. Or better yet, encourage your cat to hang out in her own cat bed!
Recognize Potential Problems
Bald patches on your cat's skin are not a normal part of shedding, and could possibly be a sign of disease or parasites, so be sure to have your cat checked out by a veterinarian if you notice bald areas, if your cat is itching or grooming excessively, or if he sheds more than a normal amount.
Article by: Samantha Johnson and Angela Walter, DVM