A cat should be deshed at least once or twice a week for 10 to 20 minutes per session using a deshedding tool like FURminator. However, you may need to deshed more frequently especially during heavy shedding season and if you have a long-haired cat.
How often should a cat be deshed?
A cat shedding hair should not be a cause for concern because it is a normal process and common cat behavior. Cat shedding happens due to the change of seasons. A cat’s coat grows long and thick during the wintertime while in the summer cats begin to lose their fur. Cats shed to remove dead fur from their bodies as it causes skin irritation.
Shedding is a sign that your cat is healthy and the amount of hair shed will depend on the amount of time your cat spends outdoors since it is influenced by daylight, also called photoperiod. While a cat’s exposure to sunlight triggers the shedding process, it may also vary among cat breeds. The Cornish Rex and Bengal shed less while the Ragamuffin and Ragdoll may tend to shed more fur. Indoor cats tend to shed less compared to outdoor cats due to artificial light inside your home.
Cats should be deshed at least once or twice each week for a minimum of 10 to 20 minutes for each session with the help of a deshedding tool. You may have to deshed your cat more often if you have a long-haired feline and during the heavy shedding season.
How to deshed a cat?
These are the steps to follow if you want to deshed your cat:
Brush your cat thoroughly.
Before deshedding your cat, you should give her a thorough brushing to collect the fur before it falls off. This reduces shedding and hairballs. If you have a long-haired cat, you need to brush her coat daily while short-haired cats should be brushed at least once a week. Brushing helps your cat’s coat to become healthy and free from matted fur.
Deshed your cat with a deshedding tool like FURminator.
Deshed your cat using FURminator at least once or twice a week for about 10 to 20 minutes for each session. Make sure that your cat is free of tangles and mats. The FURminator is non-abrasive and removes loose hair and undercoat. Use this deshedding tool in the direction of your cat’s hair growth, by brushing starting at the base of the neck and onward to the tail. You may also use it on the ears and tail but take extra precaution as these are sensitive areas. These particular body parts also tend to mat easily so be sure to remove the mats and tangles before using FURminator.
Advantages of a deshedding tool
- it removes any coat shed from the skin and protects your cat from allergens and skin irritations and keeps your home, floor, car, and clothes cat hair-free
- it has a stainless steel edge that does not cut or damage your cat’s coat
- it removes loose hair and undercoat before your cat starts to eat it which may cause hairballs
- it reduces up to 99% of shedding and prevents the formation of mats under the topcoat
- it is easy to use and operate so you can deshed your cat at home
These are the other tools that you need to deshed your cat:
- metal combs – to remove tangles, mats, and loose hair
- pin of brushes – a good finishing brush
- bristle brushes – to brush off dirt and loose hair
Bathe your cat every two weeks.
Once you are done with the brushing and deshedding, give your bath a cat at least every two weeks. Be sure to use a shampoo that is formulated for cats. However, if your cat is not too keen when it comes to baths, you may use disposable wipes, a wet cloth, or a water spray.
What are the ways to reduce cat shedding?
While shedding may be normal for cats, there are ways that you can lessen the burden of too much cat hair on your sofa, furniture, and floors.
Here are effective ways to reduce cat shedding:
- brush your cat and deshed regularly
- bathe your cat at least once a month
- provide a balanced and omega-rich diet for your cat
- keep your cat hydrated to avoid dry skin and moulting
- provide your cat with a comfortable place to sleep so shed hair may be contained
Common causes why your cat sheds a lot
These are the common causes why your cat tends to shed more than the normal amount of loose and dead hair:
Your cat does not have a balanced diet.
Too much cat shedding may be due to poor nutrition and low-quality food. Make sure to give your cat high-quality food to promote a healthy coat and skin. You may also consult your veterinarian regarding the daily diet of your cat.
It may be due to health issues.
Health concerns that may cause excessive shedding in cats include allergies and parasites. Your cat may also be taking medication that causes scaling and itchiness. Be sure to consult your vet to properly address the problem.
It may be due to shedding season.
Cats tend to shed heavily during spring time since it is during this season that they are shedding their winter coats. You can ease this concern by brushing your cat for at least a few minutes each day during this particular season.
It may be due to stress.
Felines tend to shed excessively if they are stressed or anxious. This could be due to one or more reasons such as a sudden change of routine, loud noises, or the arrival of a new pet or family member. Be sure to identify the underlying causes and make the necessary changes to lessen the stress.
It may be due to your cat’s age.
Senior cats may not be able to groom themselves well as they used to do due to health problems like arthritis. This may cause matted fur and excessive shedding. You should brush your old cat’s coat regularly to keep it healthy and free from mats and tangles.
It may be due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Pregnant cats tend to shed more than the usual amount of hair because of hormonal changes. Most of the shedding takes place in the belly area where kittens will nurse. Excessive shedding will ultimately stop at the end of the lactation period.
Conclusion
Shedding is a normal process among cats and signifies that they are healthy. However, cats may tend to shed excessively due to poor grooming practices and other reasons. To maintain the luster and health of your cat’s coat, you should brush her coat regularly and deshed at least once or twice a week. Make sure to give her a balanced diet and consult your vet to ensure the well-being of your feline.