Cat Shedding? 5 Tips for Keeping Your Home Fur-Free

Are you sick of cat hair getting everywhere? It can feel like there is a never-ending supply of fur on your carpets, in your bed and in most of your meals. Luckily, we are here to help you in the battle against a hairy home.

Why does my cat shed?

As the seasons change, cats will start shedding their warmer coat or growing thicker fur.

This helps regulate their temperature and prevents dead hair from irritating their skin. The amount your cat sheds will depend on their fur length.

If you are lucky enough to have a beautiful long-haired beauty such as a Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Persian or Norwegian Forest you can expect a lot of loose fur.

So, how can you reduce the infuriating amount of hair in your household? Here are 5 tips to reduce how much your feline friend sheds.

1) Groom Your Cat!

This might seem obvious, but many owners don’t brush their cats enough. Remember that all cats will shed, regardless of hair length.

It’s well known that cats love to groom themselves, so some owners don’t think they need to intervene. The truth is that a helping hand goes a long way.

Daily brushing and pampering sessions will minimise the amount of hair being left in your home and of course, reduce the chance of hairballs.

Watch our Guide to Preventing Hairballs

For most cats, you will need a selection of good-quality grooming tools to properly detangle and remove mats. After your cat has been thoroughly brushed, that’s when you can use a specially designed de-shedding tool to get rid of that pesky undercoat.

If your cat has long or thick fur that is a bit more challenging, professional help could be a great way to keep the coat manageable and reduce shedding.

Find your nearest Dogwood Natural Grooming Spa.

2) Keep Your Cat Hydrated

Water intake is important for many reasons, but did you know a properly hydrated cat will have healthier skin and fur?

Dehydrated cats will have drier skin and fur that will knot and tangle more, leading to discomfort for your feline friend and increased shedding.

Encouraging your cat to drink can be difficult, so why not stock up on some refreshing and hydrating cat soups?

Watch our 3 Tips for Encouraging Your Cat to Drink video.

3) Feed A High-Quality Diet

The right diet will nourish your cat’s skin and promote glossy, healthy fur.

A tasty food packed with digestible meat and omega-3-rich oils will promote the very best coat health. Browse our trusted natural cat foods.

4) Vacuum Daily!

Even the fittest feline will still leave some shed, so the rest of the work must be up to you.

During Spring and Autumn, fur buildup is likely to be at its worst, so during the ‘shedding seasons’, get into the habit of daily hoovering. Yes, it’s boring and there are many more fun things to do, but a little bit of cleaning every day will keep the load bearable.

Some vacuums are better designed to deal with pet hair, so if your moggy is shedding masses of fur, it’s worth an investment.

5) Save Your Sofa!

Keep cat hair off the sofa and carpet by popping out some cosy cat blankets. These are soft, comfortable and will keep your soft furnishings better protected from your sleepy cat’s fur.

Most of our blankets are machine washable, so once it gets too hairy put it in the wash to rejuvenate.

I hope these tips help you live a happy and hair-free life with your feline friend.