Shedding Season With Fluffy

Winter is finally in the rear view mirror, and warmer days are coming. Many cats really enjoy this time of year. Fluffy gets more sunbeams to bask in, and she has more daylight time for spying on birds and squirrels. Of course, you may find yourself dealing with a little—or a lot—of extra fur as your feline buddy changes into her summer outfit. A Wheat Ridge, CO vet offers some advice on spending shedding season with kitties in this article.

Brushing

Brushing your feline friend will help quite a bit. You’ll be grabbing the fur with a brush before it gets stuck to your sofa. (And your carpets. And your drapes. And you.) Pick a time when Fluffy is feeling relaxed and cuddly, and start by gently petting her. Cats with long fur should be brushed daily, as should heavy shedders. 

Keeping Kitty In

Did you know that keeping your furry buddy indoors can reduce the amount of hair she sheds? Indoor cats aren’t as exposed to the seasonal weather changes that trigger hair growth or loss. Fluffy will also be safer as an indoor pet!

Fur Busting

If your furball is a very heavy shedder, you may find it helpful to vacuum daily. In fact, a robotic vacuum may not be a bad idea. Some manufacturers even make attachments that allow you to vacuum your pet! Of course, this may not work as planned. You don’t want to force a nervous cat to submit to this. However, if your feline pal is calm and complacent, she may enjoy being pampered this way.

Clothing Choices

At this time of year, you may want to pick outfits that don’t trap fur. Denim is a good choice. Fabrics that contain silk, polyester, or nylon may also work well.



Hairball

Hairball Awareness Day is in April, and with good reason. As Fluffy sheds, she’ll naturally groom herself to try to remove dead hair and keep her coat looking nice and neat. Inevitably, she’ll end up swallowing some of her own fur in this process. That leads to hairballs, which are unpleasant for both of you. Hairballs can also be very dangerous for your pet, as they can cause intestinal obstructions. Ask your vet about using a hairball remedy. 

Do you have questions or concerns about your cat’s health or care? Contact us, your Wheat Ridge, CO animal clinic, anytime!