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Cats are some of the sweetest and funniest characters you’ll ever know. They are a constant source of entertainment and a lot more affectionate than people suggest. However, as with any pet, they also leave masses of hair in their wake. But how do you keep cat hair under control in your home?
The good news is that there are several things you can do to maintain your home and stop cat hair from piling up. From feline grooming to regular housework, these tips and tricks will lead to a home with less hair, a happy cat, and a more relaxed you.
Brush Them Regularly
It’s often forgotten that cats need to be brushed and groomed regularly, even with short hair. Brushing them removes all the loose and dead hair from their undercoat, reducing shedding and making them feel more comfortable.
A lack of brushing can lead to tangles and mats in their hair, causing them discomfort over time if left. Additionally, brushing them regularly is one of the best ways to clean pet hair in the home because it works as a preventative measure.
There is an excellent range of brushes, including ones that come in a glove form that can be worn on your hand – perfect for cats that are nervous around traditional grooming brushes. Just make sure you collect the hair after and put it in the bin!
Change Their Diet
Did you know your cat’s diet can impact shedding? According to the pet food experts at Pet Food Sherpa, if they are not getting the proper nutrients or balance, they are likely to shed a lot more. Their food isn’t just for their joints and immune system; it also helps keep their coats healthy, shiny, and soft.
When you change their diet, mix the two foods and slowly transition them to the new food over a week. This helps prevent an upset stomach and makes things easier on fussy felines.
Ensure They are Hydrated
Dehydration leads to dry skin and coats, causing their hair to fall out more frequently and significantly. Ensure they have access to fresh water at all times and that it is in an accessible place. Please keep it away from their litter box as cats don’t like to eat or drink near it.
If they have constant access to fresh and cold water but are still not drinking, it is a sign that something more serious is going on with their health. Take your cat to a vet if they stop drinking to have them checked over and rule out any medical conditions.
Take Them for a Vet Check
Excessive shedding can be a sign of multiple medical issues in cats. If you find that your cat is shedding more than usual (outside of shedding season), it might be time for a trip to the vet to make sure everything is ok.
Some of the conditions that cause excessive shedding are stress and anxiety, allergies, and a poor diet (as mentioned earlier). However, it can also be caused by infections and sunburn, and a reaction to medication that they are taking.
Sliding back to sunburn, many people forget that animals can suffer from it, especially those that are pure white. If they spend too much time in the sun, their skin gets burned like ours (especially around the nose and ears).
In cases like this, you will need to see your vet get creams and treatments to ease the discomfort caused by the burn and help the area heal and promote the regrowth of their hair.
Read More: Are Orchids Poisonous To Cats?
Sweep and Vacuum Regularly
Regular housework is the key to success here. Both sweeping and vacuuming will keep that pesky cat hair under control throughout the week. It would help if you swept before you vacuum, as this will get rid of the larger chunks of fluff and debris quickly to make life easier for the vacuum.
The best brooms for cat hair tend to be rubber ones as the bristles are stiff yet flexible and gentle enough on hard floors to cause damage. They are also quite affordable and durable frequently without worrying about breaking them.
Once you have swept, you can vacuum. A pet tool for your machine is the best option here as it is specially designed to deal with pet hair in all forms on carpets and hard floors alike. It would help if you aimed to vacuum several times a week, but daily vacuuming is recommended.
I vacuum once a day with two cats and two giant dogs – sometimes twice! I use the Dyson V11 Animal Cordless Vacuum Cleaner. There are other great vacuums specifically built to handle pet hair – I’ve written about 5 of them HERE.
Just like dogs, cats also shed and can create quite a mess. Vacuuming daily prevents the hair from building up (especially with multiple cats) and takes some pressure off. However, weekly vacuuming or doing it several times a week will also be effective.
Invest in a Couch Protector
Cat hair sticking to furniture, such as the couch, can be a real pain. The best way to tackle this hairy issue? Invest in a couch protector or a recliner cover to allow your cat a nice place to sleep without ruining your upholstery.
It protects your furniture from the smell and the hair so that you have one less thing to worry about, and they also tend to be very easy to clean after use. Additionally, you can find a range of styles to match your aesthetics and keep things looking elegant.
L.L. Bean has a gorgeous couch protector blanket. It’s great because it protects your couch (and car) upholstery and is excellent for travel!
There are plenty of ways to keep cat hair under control, and they don’t have to rule your life either. Vacuuming each day takes five minutes, a couch protector takes seconds to apply, and grooming can be done while you’re snuggled on the couch watching TV together.
Simple solutions are the best, and you will find that your home is less fluffy and a more comfortable environment for you and your cat to lounge in. Did you find these tips helpful, or do you have your own to add? We’d love to hear your cat hair maintenance advice.
Great tips but sound costly…