There is nothing like petting the soft, silky coat of your favorite cat.  It can almost put you into a trance, helping you to relax at the end of a hectic day.  Unfortunately the very fur that makes cats so cuddly and attractive can make your home messy and cling to your clothing, resisting your lint brush.  If you feel like you never get to put the vacuum away, here are some things you should know about cats and shedding.

There are a few breeds that are famous for not shedding at all, or at least shedding so little that you will hardly notice their fur on your couch.  The first of these is the Sphinx.  This cat has virtually no hair at all!  The fur it has is extremely sparse and short.  The Cornish Red and Devon Red are considered low shedders.  Both have very short, curly hair that lies close to their bodies.  Of course all cats shed to some extent, just as all humans do.  Getting a cat with little or no hair will make a big difference in the amount of cleaning you will have to do, but all cats will require some grooming and some clean up.

Cats tend to shed twice a year.  In the spring, the thick winter coat is no longer needed, and can come out in huge tufts.  In the fall, cats lose a portion of their fur as they prepare to grow that extra winter layer.  Indoor cats, however, are more likely to shed year round.  This is due in part to their constant exposure to light.  Out door cats will tend to shed more seasonally.  Like all mammals, cats lose a certain amount of hair every day.  If your cat lives inside, the results of that hair loss are not only more obvious, but leave a big mess!

Brushing and combing are the best way to control shedding.  There are many different types of brushes available to cat owners.  Different styles are appropriate for different breeds.  Shorthaired cats will prefer a soft brush.  Those with long hair may require something stiffer, with bristles that can untangle large mats.  A flea comb is a useful tool for pulling out dead hair.  Your cat may really enjoy combing and brushing, which can be a special bonding ritual between the two of you.  If she doesn’t like it and it becomes a dreaded chore, you may want to take her to a professional groomer every couple of months.

Proper diet will keep your cat from losing too much hair.  Food rich in Omega-3 fatty oils keep skin healthy, which will decrease shedding.  Vitamin supplements can are available as well.  There are lots of sprays and creams on the market that are designed to keep skin and coat healthy and prevent excess shedding.  Try them out to see if your cat reacts well – your veterinarian should be able to give you advice about what might work.

Copyright by Catpert