Unless your cat is one of the rare hairless breeds, chances are pretty good that you’ve got a fur problem. Just like you, your cat sheds her hair naturally as a part of her body’s renewing process. While shedding is normal and healthy, it can feel like an endless battle to remove your cat’s clingy, wispy hair from your clothing and furniture. I support your decision if you want to wear your fur-covered shirt as a badge of honor…. but if not, I’ve got some ideas.
#1 – Vet visit
It’s natural for cats to shed their fur, and you shouldn’t be alarmed if your cat sheds more in the spring as the weather warms up. However, excessive shedding or hair loss can be a sign that something is wrong. If you’re noticing much more fur than normal around your home or on your clothes, or if your cat is missing patches of fur, make an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out common hair loss problems such as a fungus, allergy, or skin cancer.
Related:
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#2 – Brush More
Most cats are impeccable groomers, but don’t hesitate to help out if your cat’s shedding is becoming an issue. The more loose fur you brush off her, the less that’ll end up on your favorite black pants. Many cats love the extra attention that a brushing session allows, so it can be a great way to bond with your kitty. If your cat isn’t fond of the brush yet, work your way up to it slowly. Never force your cat to be brushed if she doesn’t want to be; it’ll just make her associate the brush (and possibly you) with anxiety. Instead, leave the brush out so your cat can investigate it on her own terms and rub her scent onto it. Attempt to brush her each day by letting her sniff the brush, then lightly stroking her back with it. Stop immediately if she seems agitated. Repeat this process until she becomes comfortable and allows you to fully brush her.
Related:
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#3 – Furminator
You’re brushing your cat when you use a Furminator tool, yes, but I made this a separate option because the Furminator is so much more than a regular cat brush. I have found that it’s invaluable, particularly with long haired cats. According to their website, the Furminator “reduces loose hair from shedding up the 90%”. Ninety percent, folks!
Related:
The 9 Best Cat Grooming Tools
5 Reasons Your Cat May Not Be Grooming Properly
#4 – Balanced diet
A healthy cat who’s eating a high quality and well balanced diet should have a coat that’s shiny and soft. If your cat isn’t getting the proper nutrients from her food, her skin can become dry and her coat may become dull and prone to excessive shedding. Your veterinarian can help you determine whether you’re on the right track with food and can suggest other types and brands if your cat needs a nutritional boost.
Related:
Ask A Vet: What Should I Feed My Cat?
#5 – Vacuum more
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but one of the best ways to deal with cat hair is simply to clean up more. I used to only have a large vacuum, which made the process daunting. It was hard to stay motivated about lugging it out, plugging it into 6 different outlets to vacuum my house, and to fumble with the different hoses and attachments. Who has time for that? While I still use my bulky vacuum to do a deeper clean, I now have a smaller handheld one that I use daily to quickly and efficiently zip up kitty-tumbleweeds and loose hair on furniture. No plugging in, it’s lightweight, and it’s actually pretty fun to use!
Related:
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#6 – Keep your cat hydrated
Cats who don’t drink enough water are more likely to have dry skin and coats. Make sure your cat always has access to clean, fresh, cool water to drink.
Related:
7 Ways To Get Your Cat To Drink More Water
6 Signs Your Cat Needs To Drink More Water
#7 – Sticky roller
A sticky roller will easily remove cat hair from your clothing. I keep one by my front door to give myself a quick once-over before leaving my house.