3 Ways To Keep Cats From Shedding - WikiHow

Home » How To Stop Cats From Shedding » 3 Ways To Keep Cats From Shedding - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Keep Cats from Shedding PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Managing Shedding with Grooming 2 Managing Shedding Through Diet and Health 3 Keeping Fur Off Furniture and Clothes Other Sections Video Expert Q&A Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Last Updated: August 23, 2024 Approved

PDF download Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. 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. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 17 testimonials and 98% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 375,704 times.

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.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Managing Shedding with Grooming

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Brush your cat on a regular basis. 1 Brush your cat on a regular basis. 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. Step 2 Help accustom your cat to regular brushing. 2 Help accustom your cat to regular brushing. 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. Step 3 Bathe your cat... 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. Step 4 Use cat-cleaning products. 4 Use cat-cleaning products. 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. Step 5 Visit a professional groomer. 5 Visit a professional groomer. 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. Step 1 Feed your cat high-quality food and offer plenty of fresh water. 1 Feed your cat high-quality food and offer plenty of fresh water. 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. Step 2 Help an overweight cat lose weight. 2 Help an overweight cat lose weight. 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. Step 3 Increase your cat’s intake of omega fatty acids. 3 Increase your cat’s intake of omega fatty acids. 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. Step 4 Make sure your cat doesn’t have fleas or other parasites. 4 Make sure your cat doesn’t have fleas or other parasites. 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. Step 1 Use a cat repellent spray. 1 Use a cat repellent spray. 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. Step 2 Get a cat bed. 2 Get a cat bed. 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. Step 3 Cover your furniture. 3 Cover your furniture. 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. Step 4 Clean up shed... 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 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 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 16
  • Question Can I give my Omega 3 capsules to the cat? If so, how much and how often? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS 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 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 Coming Soon!

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 1 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

Make Your Cat's Fur Soft and ShinyHow toMake Your Cat's Fur Soft and Shiny Get Rid of Dry Skin on CatsHow toGet Rid of Dry Skin on Cats Get Rid of Cat DandruffHow toGet Rid of Cat Dandruff Clean Up Cat HairHow toClean Up Cat Hair Clean Your Cat When He Can't Do It HimselfHow toClean Your Cat When He Can't Do It Himself Reduce Excessive Shedding in DogsHow toReduce Excessive Shedding in Dogs Stop a Cat from Pulling Its Hair OutHow toStop a Cat from Pulling Its Hair Out Groom a Long‐Haired CatHow toGroom a Long‐Haired Cat Stop a Cat from Licking Its Fur OffWhy Is My Cat Licking Its Fur Off? How to Stop Overgrooming in Cats Groom a CatHow toGroom a Cat Care for a Siberian CatHow toCare for a Siberian Cat Reduce Stress in CatsHow toReduce Stress in Cats Shave a Matted CatHow toShave a Matted Cat Handle Matting in Your Cat's CoatHow toHandle Matting in Your Cat's Coat 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
More References (3)
  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

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Co-authored by: Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. 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. This article has been viewed 375,704 times. 52 votes - 98% Co-authors: 16 Updated: August 23, 2024 Views: 375,704 Categories: Grooming Cats Article SummaryX

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?YesNo

In other languages Italian Spanish French Arabic Dutch Indonesian Russian Chinese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 375,704 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Jean Clayton

    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?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Co-authored by: Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Co-authors: 16 Updated: August 23, 2024 Views: 375,704 98% of readers found this article helpful. 52 votes - 98% Click a star to add your vote Jean Clayton

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 Stephanie Engle

Stephanie Engle

Jun 16, 2017

"I am glad I found this article. I was wondering how to keep my black work uniform from collecting so much cat hair...." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Jan 1, 2018

"My older cat was getting mats on her side and was not use to being brushed. We had to remove the mats first, but..." more Bethinka Bonnink

Bethinka Bonnink

Apr 9, 2017

"I have a cat that sheds quite a lot. I found new information about what I should be aware of, and if the shedding..." more Rated this article: Cindy Sauermilch

Cindy Sauermilch

May 14, 2017

"The causes of excess shedding and how to minimize as much as possible without extreme measures, thank you." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Does My Cat Love Me QuizDoes My Cat Love Me QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Do I Want in a Weight Loss Program QuizWhat Do I Want in a Weight Loss Program QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Make Your Cat's Fur Soft and ShinyHow toMake Your Cat's Fur Soft and ShinyGet Rid of Dry Skin on CatsHow toGet Rid of Dry Skin on CatsGet Rid of Cat DandruffHow toGet Rid of Cat DandruffClean Up Cat HairHow toClean Up Cat Hair

Featured Articles

What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse? Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)

Trending Articles

How Many People Had a Crush on You In 2025?How Many People Had a Crush on You In 2025?What Song Was #1 On My Birthday?What Song Was #1 On My Birthday?Who Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizWho Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameAnswer These Questions, And We'll Judge YouAnswer These Questions, And We'll Judge You10+ Scary Phone Numbers to Call10+ Scary Phone Numbers to Call

Featured Articles

What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?

Featured Articles

Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality Test

Watch Articles

Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean) Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysThicken Sauce with FlourHow toThicken Sauce with Flour Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other Garments Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice Cooker Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)How to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)

Trending Articles

How Vanilla Am I QuizHow Vanilla Am I QuizAttractiveness Score QuizAttractiveness Score QuizKissHow toKissWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksHow toLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksWho's My KPop Lookalike QuizWho's My KPop Lookalike Quiz

Quizzes & Games

Why Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake QuizWhat Color Cat Would I Be QuizWhat Color Cat Would I Be QuizTake QuizAm I Balding QuizAm I Balding QuizTake Quiz Choose Bed Sheets QuizHow to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake QuizWhat Pet Should I Get QuizWhat Pet Should I Get QuizTake QuizWhich Diet Is Right for Me QuizWhich Diet Is Right for Me QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Pets and Animals
  • Cats
  • Grooming Cats
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --618

Tag » How To Stop Cats From Shedding