Long-haired cats are surely beautiful, and many of them have loving dispositions, making them excellent pets. However, the one thing many people don't like about their long-haired cats is the mess they make. Their shedding can mean hairy pillows, carpets, and clothing. Luckily, there are things you can do (other than vacuuming and lint rolling obsessively) to keep the fur at a manageable level.
Have the cat groomed regularly.
About once a month, take your cat to the groomer for a good, thorough treatment. They'll brush his coat to remove any loose hair. Some even have vacuum-like devices to suction out more loose hair. If your cat is a bit stinky, they can give him a bath, which helps get rid of even more loose hair and also helps keep the skin in good shape so your cat doesn't shed so much.
Brush your cat between grooming appointments.
Every week or so, give your cat a quick brushing. Even if he doesn't particularly enjoy it and you can't spend a lot of time brushing, something is better than nothing. Focus on his back and belly, since these areas tend to shed the most. Do the brushing in a room with a hard floor so you can easily wipe up any hair afterwards.
Keep the home more humid.
If your home's air gets too dry, your cat's skin can dry out. This can cause your cat to scratch himself, leading to more shedding and loose hair. Other signs your home's air might be dry include:
Installing a whole-home humidifier is a good way to add moisture to the air. If your finances prevent this, consider purchasing a small, portable vaporizer. Plug it in where your cat spends the most time so his skin is exposed to more moisture.
Get a hypoallergenic cat food.
Many cats are allergic to ingredients like soy and wheat, which are found in many conventional cat foods. These allergens can cause a number of side effects, but dry skin and increased hair loss are some of them. To reduce shedding, consider switching your cat to a grain-free cat food. One that's labeled "for sensitive cats" is ideal. Talk to your vet if you're having trouble choosing the best food.
Share28 September 2016
After my 13 year old lab had surgery, I couldn't leave her home alone while I went to work. She had to be supervised to ensure that she didn't hurt herself and rip out her stitches. That was the first time that I even considered taking her to a pet day care center. I have grown to love the center that I take her to when I have to work long hours or have commitments that can take all day. If you have a dog that you don't or can't leave home alone, this blog can help you find a pet day care center for your pet and some tips for making the transition into day care easier for you and your pet.
