There are many factors that can trigger hair loss in cats. Some of them are the cat's diet and health conditions, as well as changes in the weather. For example, a cat's coat will grow thicker in the winter and fall out when the weather is warm again. Although cat hair loss cannot be completely prevented, you can reduce it by adjusting your cat's diet and providing grooming treatments. Brushing your cat's fur can also prevent it from tangling and clumping, while also strengthening your bond with your cat. Meanwhile, changes to your cat's diet can help improve the condition of their skin and coat.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Reducing Cat Hair Loss with Treatment
Step 1. Brush the cat's fur regularly
Brush your cat's coat for 5-10 minutes at least once a week to reduce shedding. If your cat's coat is quite long or sheds a lot, you may need to brush it every 2-3 days or more often.
- The soft-bristled brush is suitable for short or medium haired cats. Meanwhile, a wire bristle brush (candilla comb) or a special cat brush are suitable for long-haired cats. Use a brush that won't get caught or have to be pulled from the cat's fur.
- Combing up to the surface of the cat's skin will help bring the loose coat to the surface.
- Finish by rubbing a cloth or chamois cloth over the cat's body.
- Avoid the cat's face and ear areas when brushing its fur. Also, be careful to brush the area around the cat's stomach which is sensitive.
- If your cat doesn't like having their fur combed or brushed, try wearing grooming gloves so that the cat will feel like it's being petted. This glove will be very useful because it can be removed and disposed of with the cat's hair that has fallen out.
- A cat hair vacuum is also a great option. However, the sound might scare your cat. You may need to switch the appliance on in another room and then place it closer to the cat for a few days or a few weeks until it gets used to it. It's also a good idea to provide treats so that the cat will associate this tool with positive things.
Step 2. Train your cat to get used to being brushed regularly
You may need to train your cat to get used to grooming her fur. Pay attention to the cat's response and body language. Some cats are too sensitive to touch. So pay close attention to his body language to prevent him from getting irritated or overstimulated.
Observe the tug of the tail and ears. If you see one, stop brushing the cat's fur and/or offer a treat, then release the cat. If you keep brushing your cat's fur, you may get bitten or scratched
Step 3. Bathe the cat
To actively reduce your cat's hair loss, try bathing him every 1-4 weeks. Since most cats don't like water, you may need to give them a gradual bath.
- To help your cat get used to being bathed, start by filling the 7-10 cm tub with warm (not hot) water. For the first few times, simply submerge the cat in the water until the paws are wet, then let the paws soak for a while. After that, gradually wet more parts of the cat's body with each bath. Be sure to increase it slowly so the cat doesn't get scared. Also, understand that some cats may never want to be bathed.
- Once your cat is ready to be bathed, start by wetting the surface of the fur.
- Use a soap-free oatmeal-based cat shampoo and apply it all over her body except for the face.
- Wash the cat's fur until clean. Again, avoid the eye, nose, and ear areas.
- Dry the cat's body with a large towel.
Step 4. Use a cat hair removal product
Go to a pet store and buy wet wipes or a spray that can clean your cat's coat without water.
- This product can be used as a substitute for shampoo for cats that are difficult to bathe. In addition, this product can also be used between cat bathing schedules if the fur is dirty or starts to fall out.
- Another way to remove loose fur from the cat's surface is to wipe down a towel or cloth that has been soaked in warm water.
Step 5. Visit a professional veterinary salon
Make an appointment for cat grooming at a pet salon if you can't deal with the hair loss problem on your own.
- You may need to take a cat with long, bushy hair, or a cat that reacts aggressively to grooming, to a professional vet.
- Consider shaving your cat's long coat once or twice a year to reduce shedding.
Method 2 of 3: Reduce Hair Loss by Regulating Diet and Keeping Cats Healthy
Step 1. Provide high quality cat food and plenty of water
Nutritious food will help keep your cat healthy, thereby reducing hair loss.
- Look for wet cat food that lists certain meats (such as chicken, beef, or fish) as two or three main ingredients. Because cats need animal protein, this nutrient is very important in a healthy diet for cats.
- Low-quality dry cat food or wet food contains a lot of cereals or carbohydrates such as wheat, corn, and soybeans. The nutrition of these ingredients is not as great for cats as animal protein. These ingredients can even cause allergic reactions or problems in the cat's digestive tract that trigger dry skin and hair loss.
Step 2. Help an overweight cat to lose weight
Cats who are overweight will have a harder time grooming their own fur and are prone to more severe hair loss.
- You can tell if your cat is overweight if you can't feel the ribs without pressing. Another sign is that the cat's waist doesn't appear constricted when viewed from above.
- Your vet can provide a special diet program for your cat if necessary.
- You can also try to reduce your cat's food intake as recommended and reduce the amount of treats you give them.
- Take your cat to play regularly so that he gets enough exercise.
Step 3. Increase your cat's intake of omega fatty acids
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for the health of your cat's skin and coat, and can reduce hair loss.
- Omega fatty acids are present in wet cat food containing salmon oil or flax oil.
- You can also buy omega fatty acid supplements and give them separately or with their food.
- Your veterinarian can determine the right diet program for your cat. However, omega fatty acids should be safe for cats as long as you choose a cat-specific supplement and don't take more than the recommended dose.
Step 4. Make sure your cat doesn't have fleas or other parasites
If your cat is scratching a lot (thus causing more hair loss), it may be caused by parasites.
- Look for flea droppings that appear dark under the cat's tail. If you can find flea droppings, give your cat an anti-flea treatment. After that, do a flea check once a month on the cat. Ask your veterinarian for an anti-flea product.
- If you can't find the cause, take your cat to the vet. In addition to ectoparasites, your cat may be allergic to pollen, mold or grass. Cats may also be allergic to food. All of which can cause itching and hair loss.
Method 3 of 3: Removing Cat Fur from Furniture and Clothing
Step 1. Use cat repellent spray
Look for cat repellent products that are safe for use on furniture at the pet store.
You can use both natural and commercial sprays to prevent your cat (and ultimately the fur) from approaching surfaces you don't want
Step 2. Prepare the cat bed
Place a comfortable bed so your cat likes to sleep there. That way, cat hair that falls out will collect in one place and away from furniture and other floor areas.
- Cats usually prefer to sleep in a safe, slightly hidden, and warm area. So, try to find an area in the house that is suitable and then place a cat bed there.
- Commercial cat beds may emit odors from unfamiliar places and materials that cats will shun. If your cat seems hesitant to lie down in her bed, try putting a cloth or T-shirt with your or cat's odor on it.
Step 3. Protect your furniture
While not an ideal solution, you can cover the furniture with sheets, blankets, or washcloths. This coating can then be washed to clean it of cat hair.
If there are certain areas of furniture that cats frequently approach, try placing a rag, mat, or pillowcase over them
Step 4. Clean the fallen hair with a hair removal roller or a vacuum cleaner
Use a hair removal roller or vacuum cleaner (some of which have an anti-fur funnel) to remove cat hair from clothing, furniture, and floors.
- Keep a hair removal roller in your bag or car so you can quickly clean your cat's fur on the go.
- Make your own hair removal roller by rolling up the duct tape and pointing the adhesive side out.
Warning
Dry hair, patches of baldness, or excessive hair loss may be symptoms of an allergy, parasitic infection, or skin infection. Take your cat to the vet if you find this problem
Tips
- Cats will lose more hair when they are stressed, and this can happen if the cat is going through a major change such as moving or there is a new member in the family (both humans and pets). These stressful times are often temporary, but using a pheromone diffuser can help reduce it.
- If you are allergic to cat dander, your doctor can prescribe an allergy medication if over-the-counter medications aren't effective enough.
