How to Reduce Cat Hair Shedding

Cats are like all animals; their coat becomes thicker and denser during the cooler months and lightens up during the warmer months. This is a natural protective feature of the cat that can prove highly frustrating for cat owners, because there is hair everywhere when warm weather returns and the cat begins to shed. Luckily, you can control the cat hair in your home year-round by simply brushing your cat on a regular basis.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brush or comb made specifically for grooming a cat

1. Sit on the floor and call your cat to you and have it lay in a position that is comfortable.

2. Allow your cat to smell the brush or comb while it is on the floor and then slowly grasp the brush with your hands and allow it to watch you move the brush toward its body.

3. Slowly move the brush down the length of your cat's body from the head to the tail.

4. Repeat the gentle strokes, being careful around any knots and genitals, until the cat has been groomed.

5. Pull all of the cat hair from the brush or comb and dispose of it in a trash can where the hair is not likely to find its way onto the furniture or clothes of those who live in your home.

Tips & Warnings

• Most cats like to be brushed, but if your cat does not, try introducing the brushing more slowly with just one stroke per night for several nights. Talk in a soothing tone to your cat during the grooming to let it know it is an activity to be enjoyed. Gently groom your cat up to three times per week during times of shedding.
• It's important to use a brush or comb that is made for grooming a cat, as cats have sensitive skin. Failing to use the proper type of grooming equipment could harm the cat's skin.

References

• Grooming Your Cat

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