Guest Article: Tips for Dealing With a Cat That Sheds Too Much

Most animals that have fur will shed it. The problem with keeping cats indoors is that all of the fur they shed will get all over the place. It will get on virtually anything that your cat touches including you. More than a few owners have walked out of the house with fur all on their clothes.

Since it’s completely natural for your cat to shed fur, you won’t be able to stop it entirely. However, there are quite a few things you can do to limit the problem though. Keep reading for tips on dealing with a cat that sheds too much.

Brush Your Cat

As you’re probably already aware, cats largely take care of grooming themselves. Cats that are elderly with less mobility or otherwise sick may have problems grooming properly however. In all cases though, you can help your cat out a bit by brushing them. The more fur that ends up in the brush, the less that will be left around to end up everywhere else.

Although brushing will certainly be productive, you will also have the opportunity to spend quality time with your cat. This can certainly help increase the bond between you two. However, not all cats like to be brushed. If yours doesn’t exactly prefer it, then you shouldn’t force her to sit through it. You don’t want her to get stressed all over it.

If you’re having issues to start, then just start out slowly. Leave the brush lying around somewhere that your cat will come across it. Allow her time to inspect it and ideally get her scent on the brush. Brush for just a couple of minutes to start then work your way up to spending more time as your cat gets used to it.

Feed a Proper Diet

The condition of your cat’s coat can largely be affected by her diet. Cats require a variety of nutrients from their food. If they don’t get the right amount, then the coat may turn dull which increases the possibility of shedding excess fur. Cats that are fed a proper diet and are in otherwise good health will have a nice, shiny, smooth coat. There should be no patches of fur missing.

If you think that diet may be playing a role in why your cat is shedding a lot, then consider changing her diet. You should definitely consult your vet before making any changes however. There are certain brands of food designed specifically for addressing coat issues.

Be aware that a proper diet also means ensuring that your cat stays properly hydrated. A dry skin and dull can be one of the side effects of dehydration. You should ensure that your cat always has access to a source of fresh water.

Beware of Medical Issues

A variety of medical issues can lead to cats shedding excessive fur also. In particular, skin issues can definitely have that effect. Some of the most common issues that lead to this include allergies and ringworm. This PetMD article addresses some of the most common causes of hair loss in cats.

Beware, it may not exactly be a medical issue. Simple stress or anxiety can prompt cats to groom too much which causes hair to fall out. Getting to the root of the anxiety is vital for correcting this if this is truly the source of the issue. Otherwise, true medical issues will need to be addressed by a veterinarian.

Ways to Deal With Loose Fur

As most cat owners quickly learn, fur can easily get trapped on the clothes. If you’ve yet to invest in a sticky roller, then now’s a good time to do so. This will allow you to remove that pesky fur with ease, like when you’re trying to get dressed in the morning and notice it at the last minute.

Most households have also invested in a vacuum, especially if there are pets in the home. Standard vacuums may have a tough time dealing with a buildup of fur in carpet or furniture. This is why it’s important to keep the problem under control and keep things tidy. It’s useful to have one of those hand-held vacuums on-hand so you can quickly hit smaller areas until it’s time to break out the full-size unit.

Conclusion

One side effect of owning a cat is dealing with fur that can potentially get all over the place. As mentioned though, you can kill two birds with one stone and brush your cat while spending time with her. Make sure that you also feed a proper diet and provide constant access to fresh water. Making sure that you feed your cat properly and she’s in otherwise good health will go a long way towards reducing problems with your cat shedding too much.

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