How to Keep Cats from Shedding

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Several factors can contribute to a cat’s shedding. Among these are the cat’s diet, its medical condition, and the changing seasons. For example, cats will grow a heavier coat in the winter and will shed it when warmer weather returns. It's impossible to prevent a cat from shedding, but you can manage the amount of shedding through diet and grooming. Brushing will reduce fur-matting and hairballs and can strengthen the bond between you and your cat. Diet changes can improve the condition of your cat’s skin and coat.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Managing Shedding with Grooming

PDF download Download Article
  1. Brush your cat for five to ten minutes at least once a week to manage shedding. If your cat has long hair or sheds heavily, you may need to brush it once every two to three days or more. [1]
    • A soft-bristle brush will work for short- or medium-haired cats. A wire-bristle (“slicker brush”) or specialized cat comb will work best for long-haired breeds. The brush shouldn’t get snarled or require tugging.
    • Using a comb to get down to the skin will help get the loosened undercoat to the surface.
    • Finish with a quick rubdown using a chamois or cloth.
    • Avoid the face and ears while brushing, and be careful near the sensitive stomach area. [2]
    • If the cat does not tolerate grooming with a brush or comb, try using grooming gloves, which feel more like stroking. These gloves are especially handy since you can just take off all the hair and dispose of it in one go. [3]
    • Mini cat-grooming vacuums are another option. The noise they produce may frighten your cat, though. You may have to start with the vacuum in another room, and gradually bring it closer over the course of a few days or weeks before the cat accepts the device being used on them. Using treats can be a good idea to create a positive association.
  2. You may need to train your cat to tolerate grooming. Be attentive to your cat’s response and body language. Some cats are hypersensitive to touch. Watch the cat’s body language to avoid overwhelming or overstimulating it.
    • Watch for tail or ear twitching. If you see either, stop brushing, praise the cat and/or offer it a treat, then let it go. If you continue brushing, your cat may bite or scratch you.
    Advertisement
  3. Bathe your cat . To actively reduce shedding, bathe your cat every one to four weeks. Because most cats don’t like water, your cat may not be enthusiastic about a bath. You may need to gradually work your cat up to a full bath.
    • To help your cat become accustomed to a bath, start by filling a bathtub with three to four inches of warm (not hot) water. [4] For the first few times, just put the cat in the water so that just its feet get wet and let the feet soak for a short period. Gradually build up to getting more of the cat’s body wet each time. Always build up slowly to avoid frightening your cat and understand that some cats may never tolerate a bath.
    • When you’re ready to bathe your cat, begin by wetting its fur.
    • Use a soap-free, oatmeal based pet shampoo to lather the fur everywhere but the cat’s face.
    • Rinse the fur thoroughly, again, avoiding the eyes, nose, and ears. [5]
    • Dry the cat with a large towel.
  4. Visit a pet store and look for wipes or sprays that clean a cat's fur without water.
    • These can replace baths entirely for uncooperative cats. Or, you can use them between baths if the cat gets dirty or starts shedding. [6]
    • Alternatively, to quickly remove loose fur from the top coat, use a paper towel or cloth dampened in warm water.
  5. Make an appointment with a professional groomer if you’re unable to manage the shedding yourself.
    • A visit to a professional groomer may be necessary for cats with long, thick fur or for cats that react aggressively to grooming.
    • Consider having a long-haired cat shaved down once or twice a year to decrease shedding.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Managing Shedding Through Diet and Health

PDF download Download Article
  1. A nutritious diet will help keep your cat healthy, which may lead to less shedding.
    • Look for wet cat food that lists specific meats (like chicken, beef, or fish) as the first two or three ingredients. Because cats need animal-based protein, these are vital to a healthy cat’s diet. [7]
    • Dry cat foods and low-quality wet foods contain a lot of grains or other carbohydrates like wheat, corn, and soy. These ingredients are not as nutritious for cats as meat-based proteins. They may even cause allergic or digestive issues that lead to dry skin and shedding.
  2. Overweight cats have more difficulty grooming themselves and are prone to having more loose fur.
    • You can tell if you cat is overweight if you can’t feel its ribs without pressing. If you don’t see a narrowing waist in front of the hips when looking at the cat from above, this is another warning sign. [8]
    • A veterinarian can give your cat a specific diet plan if needed.
    • You can also try reducing your cat’s intake to the recommended amounts and refraining from giving treats.
    • Play with your cat regularly so it gets enough exercise.
  3. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are particularly important to keeping a cat’s skin and fur healthy. This can help reduce shedding. [9]
    • You can find omega fatty acids in wet cat foods that contain salmon oil or flax oil.
    • You can also buy omega fatty acid supplements that you can feed your cat separately or mix into its food.
    • Your vet is best able to judge appropriate diet modifications. But, adding omega fatty acids should be safe if you choose a supplement made for cats and don’t go beyond the recommended amount.
  4. If your cat is scratching vigorously (and thus perhaps shedding more), it could be the result of fleas or parasites.
    • Look for dark flea feces near the base of the tail. If you discover fleas or flea feces, treat your cat for fleas . Then, keep your cat on a monthly flea-control regimen. Ask your veterinarian to help you choose a flea-control product.
    • If you’re unable to trace the source of the itching, take your cat to the vet. In addition to ectoparasites, your cat could have hypersensitivity to pollens, molds, or grasses. It could also have food allergies. All of these can contribute to itching and shedding.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Keeping Fur Off Furniture and Clothes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Look in pet stores for a cat repellent spray that's safe for use on furniture.
    • You can use both natural and commercial sprays to deter a cat from going (and then shedding) on surfaces you don’t want it to. [10]
  2. Place a comfortable cat bed where your cat enjoys sleeping. This will help keep the shedding contained to a small area and off of your furniture and floors.
    • Cats generally prefer sleeping in places that are safe, partially hidden, and warm. Try to find a location with those features and set up the cat bed there. [11]
    • Store-bought cat beds may smell of unfamiliar places and materials, which cats find deterring. If your cat seems hesitant to lie in the bed, try covering it with a cloth or shirt that smells like you or your cat. [12]
  3. Though perhaps not an ideal solution, you can cover your furniture with a sheet, blanket, or slipcover. You can then wash it to remove accumulated cat fur.
    • If there’s a particular spot on the furniture your cat frequents, toss a throw, mat, or pillowcase over that spot.
  4. Clean up shed fur with a lint roller or vacuum.Use lint rollers or a vacuum (some of which have anti-fur attachments) to clean up fur on clothes, furniture, and floors.
    • Keep a lint roller in your purse or car so you can de-fur your clothes after leaving the house.
    • A circle of duct tape with the sticky side out can also work as a makeshift lint roller.
    5. Advertisement

Video

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What is the best dry food I can give my Persian cat to prevent shedding?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Look for a dry food that is marketed as for skin, and contains supplemented levels of Omega 3. This helps promote a healthy skin and coat, but to minimize shedding there is no way round daily brushing in order to harvest shed hair that would otherwise end up on the soft furnishings.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 15
  • Question
    Can I give my Omega 3 capsules to the cat? If so, how much and how often?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Yes, as long as the oil is 'pure' and doesn't contain additives. There dose range is wide and varies between 25 - 75 mg / kg. So for a 5 kg cat you would give between 125 - 375 mg. If you give too much the cat may have diarrhea and simply stopping the supplement should be sufficient for it to resolve. Always seek advice from your vet before dosing, especially if the cat has health problems or is already on medication.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 14 Helpful 12
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • A dry coat, bald spots, or excessive shedding can be symptoms of allergies, parasites, or skin infection. Take your cat to a veterinarian if you notice these issues.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1


      Advertisement

      Reader Videos

      Submit a Video Tip!

      Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

      Submit a Video

      Tips

      • Cats shed more when stressed, which can happen after a major change such as a move or the arrival or a new human or pet in the house. The period of stress is often temporary, but using a calming cat pheromone diffuser can help reduce your cat’s stress.
        Thanks
        Helpful 48 Not Helpful 16
      • If you are allergic to cat hair, your doctor may be able to prescribe medication if over-the-counter medications aren’t effective.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Groom a Long‐Haired Cat
      How to
      Bathe a Sphynx Cat
      How to
      Get Your Cat to Tolerate a Bath
      How to
      Check Cats for Fleas
      How to
      Express Your Cat's Anal Glands at Home
      How to
      Groom a Cat
      How to
      Shave a Cat
      How to
      Get Mousetrap Glue Off a Cat
      How to
      Get Rid of Ear Mites in a Cat
      How to
      Cut Cat Nails with Human Clippers
      How to
      Make Your Cat's Fur Soft and Shiny
      How to
      Groom a Maine Coon Cat
      How to
      Shave a Matted Cat
      How to
      Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/groom-your-cat
      2. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/groom-your-cat
      3. ↑ https://www.vetinfo.com/using-cat-grooming-gloves.html
      4. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/groom-your-cat
      5. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/groom-your-cat
      6. ↑ https://www.vetinfo.com/cat-bathing-without-water-using-cat-bath-wipes.html
      7. ↑ https://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/cat/dr-coates/2014/may/if-cat-shedding-lot-try-different-food-31616
      8. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/overweight-cats
      9. ↑ https://www.petcarerx.com/article/5-reasons-to-use-fish-oil-for-cats-and-dogs/1529
      1. ↑ https://pets.thenest.com/natural-cat-repellent-tips-4551.html
      2. ↑ https://www.thepurrcompany.com/cat-articles/index.php?id=27
      3. ↑ https://www.thepurrcompany.com/cat-articles/index.php?id=27

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To help keep cats from shedding, brush your cats regularly using a soft-bristle brush once or twice a week to remove loose fur. If your cat doesn't like to be brushed, try using a grooming glove that feels more like being petted. You can also try giving your cat a bath in warm water to remove excess fur. To reduce shedding long term, invest in high-quality cat food that lists real meat as the first ingredient and give your cat wet food that contains omega fatty acids to keep its skin and coat shiny and healthy. For tips from our Veterinarian reviewer on how to keep fur off of your clothes and furniture, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 373,669 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Jean Clayton

        Oct 21, 2017

        "My black short-hair likes to sleep on my furniture and on my bed. I am slightly allergic to her hair, and want this ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement