Tips to Control Shedding in Cats and Dogs

My Maltese-Yorkie dog is non-shedding, but my Siamese cat, Loki, leaves fur all over the place. Not only does it get all over the furniture and carpet, but she also leaves little white hairs on my clothes. It's not as bad as it could be, though. You won't be able to completely eliminate your pet's shedding, but there are a few ways you can reduce the amount of fur that gets left around the house. These are some tips I use to control Loki's shedding as much as I possibly can.

Brush your pet daily. Most pets I know that shed a lot are not brushed frequently enough. We are typically told to brush out them once a week, but I try to do it daily for both of mine. It may seem obvious to most, but the more frequently you brush your cat or dog, the less fur you will find on your sofa. I brush Mila's hair every day to prevent and remove tangles but in Loki's case, I do it to control shedding. I like to use a slicker brush on my cat because it does a great job grabbing hold of her short fur. Make sure to use a brush made for your pet's hair type.

Bathe your pet frequently. Bathing not only removes loose fur, but it also washes away pet dander, which is a major source of allergens in homes. Use a gentle shampoo made for your specific type of pet. I've only bathed Loki twice in her life, but both times, I ended up with scratches all over my arms. Thankfully, she is generally pretty clean. If you start bathing your pet as a puppy or kitten, you will have a much easier time doing so later on.

Feed your pet a balanced diet. Like people, animals shed their dead or damaged hair. The more damaged fur your pet has, the more shedding you will likely see. I feed both my cat and my dog good, quality food. It has all the nutrients they need to remain healthy and happy, and it keeps their skin and coat healthy.

Supplement with healthy oils. If you think you are feeding them a balanced diet, and you still see a lot of loose pet hair around the house, the food itself might not be supplying your critters with enough essential fatty acids. Make sure to check with your pet's veterinarian before giving him or her any vitamins and supplements. For a healthier, stronger coat, you can supplement your cat or dog's diet with fatty acids, like the VitaCoat Plus supplement for pets.

Vacuum the carpet frequently. As I previously mentioned, you will not be able to completely eliminate your pet's shedding, unless he or she is a non-shedding breed. Still, regular vacuuming will help to keep the loose hairs under control. I have also found that lint rollers work wonders on furniture and for keeping my clothes free of fur, especially when I'm on my way to work after a quick morning snuggle session with Loki.

References:
Grooming Tips to Reduce Cat Shedding
10 Tips for Controlling Shedding