How to Survive Your Cat's Shedding This Summer
Luckily for the team at Pet & Vet we are expected to be covered in fur daily, but for those of you who aren't, here are a few cat fur solutions while your feline friend goes through her summer shed.
Know Your Cat’s Fur
Cats come in so many different colors, body types, and personalities – but did you know they also have different types of coats?
The cats that shed the most are those with multiple layers of fur. Cats have either a single-, double-, or triple-coat of fur. Single-coat cats shed far less and triple-coat cats shed far more. By understanding your cat’s unique coat, you can apply the grooming regimen that’s going to have the best impact on the shedding issue.
1. Single-coat cats only have guard hairs, which makes their coats silky, smooth, and fine. Turkish Angoras, for example, are a single-coat breed with only guard hairs.
2. Double-coat cats, like Persians, have an outer layer of awn or down hairs that provide an added layer of warmth.
3. Triple-coat cats, as you probably guessed, have all three types of hairs. Siberian cats are a common example of triple-coat cats and can shed an infuriating amount each day.
Be Proactive
Why does all this matter? Well, because cats with double- and triple-coats, and cats with fur need far more grooming than cats with single-coats or thin hair.
There are dozens of great products out there that can help you whisk away many hairs from your cat’s body in one motion. The trick is to find what your cat will tolerate best.
While some cats yearn for brushing time, others dodge it every chance they get. If your cat runs away when she sees you pull out the hair brush, consider switching to a grooming glove instead. For many cats, it feels just like you’re petting them and they’ll be completely oblivious to the fact that you’re actually getting ahead of the shedding problem. At Pet & Vet we have a number of brushes- come and check them out!
Get a Check Up
If you’ve been staying on top of your cat’s grooming and she’s still shedding like crazy, or if you have a cat breed that’s known for being a low-shedder but she’s still losing lots of fur, you may need to call your vet.
There are several internal issues that could be causing your cat’s excess shedding. For example, poor nutrition from low-quality food can cause your cat’s hair to fall out at an alarming rate. Allergies (yes, your cat can get allergies, too!) can also be a factor in shedding.
More serious issues like hyperthyroidism and hormonal problems may require medical intervention. If you’re concerned about your cat’s hair loss, don’t wait. Take her in for a check up as soon as possible.
To Cut or Not to Cut?
This can be problematic for a couple of reasons, and an informed decision can be made after a chat to your groomer/vets.
First, even if your cat’s hair is cut shorter – or, gasp!, shaved – she’s still going to shed. The furs that fall are just going to be shorter.
Second, and more importantly, getting a haircut can be an extremely stressful experience for a cat. Even if your groomer is the sweetest, most gentle person you know, your cat may still get anxiety. That stress can wreak havoc on your cat’s health, and if your cat needs an anesthetic for her groom this can also be problematic when your cats health is concerned.
Maintenance is the best option!
(blog credit Pretty Litter)
Luckily for the team at Pet & Vet we are expected to be covered in fur daily, but for those of you who aren't, here are a few cat fur solutions while your feline friend goes through her summer shed.
Know Your Cat’s Fur
Cats come in so many different colors, body types, and personalities – but did you know they also have different types of coats?
The cats that shed the most are those with multiple layers of fur. Cats have either a single-, double-, or triple-coat of fur. Single-coat cats shed far less and triple-coat cats shed far more. By understanding your cat’s unique coat, you can apply the grooming regimen that’s going to have the best impact on the shedding issue.
1. Single-coat cats only have guard hairs, which makes their coats silky, smooth, and fine. Turkish Angoras, for example, are a single-coat breed with only guard hairs.
2. Double-coat cats, like Persians, have an outer layer of awn or down hairs that provide an added layer of warmth.
3. Triple-coat cats, as you probably guessed, have all three types of hairs. Siberian cats are a common example of triple-coat cats and can shed an infuriating amount each day.
Be Proactive
Why does all this matter? Well, because cats with double- and triple-coats, and cats with fur need far more grooming than cats with single-coats or thin hair.
There are dozens of great products out there that can help you whisk away many hairs from your cat’s body in one motion. The trick is to find what your cat will tolerate best.
While some cats yearn for brushing time, others dodge it every chance they get. If your cat runs away when she sees you pull out the hair brush, consider switching to a grooming glove instead. For many cats, it feels just like you’re petting them and they’ll be completely oblivious to the fact that you’re actually getting ahead of the shedding problem. At Pet & Vet we have a number of brushes- come and check them out!
Get a Check Up
If you’ve been staying on top of your cat’s grooming and she’s still shedding like crazy, or if you have a cat breed that’s known for being a low-shedder but she’s still losing lots of fur, you may need to call your vet.
There are several internal issues that could be causing your cat’s excess shedding. For example, poor nutrition from low-quality food can cause your cat’s hair to fall out at an alarming rate. Allergies (yes, your cat can get allergies, too!) can also be a factor in shedding.
More serious issues like hyperthyroidism and hormonal problems may require medical intervention. If you’re concerned about your cat’s hair loss, don’t wait. Take her in for a check up as soon as possible.
To Cut or Not to Cut?
This can be problematic for a couple of reasons, and an informed decision can be made after a chat to your groomer/vets.
First, even if your cat’s hair is cut shorter – or, gasp!, shaved – she’s still going to shed. The furs that fall are just going to be shorter.
Second, and more importantly, getting a haircut can be an extremely stressful experience for a cat. Even if your groomer is the sweetest, most gentle person you know, your cat may still get anxiety. That stress can wreak havoc on your cat’s health, and if your cat needs an anesthetic for her groom this can also be problematic when your cats health is concerned.
Maintenance is the best option!
(blog credit Pretty Litter)