How to Reduce Cat Shedding Naturally at Home

Cute Tabby Kitten on a Sofa

If your fur baby’s shedding hair has made your sofa into a fluffy mess, you are not the only one! Shedding is completely normal for cats, but when you feel like you need to vacuum every hour of the day, it is time to make some changes.

Fortunately, you don’t need sophisticated tools or groomers to fix this situation. Through a few uncomplicated home remedies, better nutrition & grooming methods, you can keep your kitty’s coat in top shape and minimize cat shedding

Let's go over how to reduce cat shedding naturally at home, with some help from Pets Indeed.

Why do cats shed, and when is it a problem?

Shedding is a natural part of every cat’s life because it’s how they get rid of old fur to make room for a healthy coat, just like how you shed dead skin. Most go through a “shedding season” twice a year. The first is in spring when they drop the heavy winter fur to adjust to the heat, while the second is in autumn, where they prepare for the coming winter cold.

So, if you see some cat hair on your furniture, don’t panic; it’s completely normal.

However, what’s definitely not normal is if you see your cat losing clumps of hair, having bald patches, or constantly scratching or licking one area. That could be a sign of excessive shedding and hair loss due to either stress, allergies, nutrition, etc. You’ll need to see a vet for that.

How To Minimize Cat Shedding At Home

Woman Brushing Her Pet Cat

Now that you understand why cats shed and what’s normal, let’s look at how to reduce cat shedding indoors.

1. Groom Your Cat Regularly

Grooming your cat regularly is the best and easiest way to control shedding. It will also help to remove hair before it begins to spread throughout your home, and distribute your cat’s natural skin oils for a healthier coat. Grooming is also one of the best home remedies to reduce cat shedding naturally and at home.

Use the Pets Indeed Grooming hair brush with soft bristles to groom short-haired cats a few times a week. For long-haired breeds, a slicker brush or a de-shedding comb will be necessary to avoid tangles and mats. Always brush in the direction of hair growth and keep the grooming sessions short to avoid stressing your cat.

If your cat is jumpy or easily stressed, you can try the soothing Pets Indeed Steam Brush for a more relaxing and stimulating grooming session.

2. Improve Their Diet

Just like how you need good food for a glowing skin, your cat needs a good diet for a healthy coat. If they have poor nutrition, the result is a dull coat, flaky skin, and excessive shedding. You need to provide a blanched diet packed with protein and healthy fats to strengthen their hair follicle and reduce the amount of shedding. 

Look for food that contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are an essential part of keeping their skin hydrated and a shiny coat. High-protein diets, particularly those containing real chicken or fish, will also help keep the fur strong and healthy. 

Consider adding salmon oil or a vet-recommended Omega-3 fatty acid supplement. Both biotin and zinc are essential nutrients, as they also aid in skin elasticity and improve hair growth.

Don’t forget hydration. Your fur baby needs plenty of water to stay healthy, and this also translates to their coat health. If they don’t drink a lot of water, you can add a little wet food with kibble, or get a water fountain to encourage them to drink more.

3. Use Home Remedies to Reduce Cat Shedding Naturally

You don’t need elaborate and complicated routines to manage shedding. There are a few natural habits to keep your cat’s coat healthy, soft, and able to stay off your clothing or furniture.

Try these simple fixes:

• Add in a few drops of olive oil or salmon oil to your cat's food (vet-approved), and it will promote healthy skin and coat.

• Make sure that your cat always has access to clean, fresh water. Keeping your cat hydrated helps keep their skin hydrated and can minimize shedding.

• Use a humidifier during the winter months to help keep the dry air from worsening shedding.

• Gently massage with a damp washcloth, glove, or your hand. This will help remove dead hair while promoting circulation in the coat.

• You can also apply some coconut oil (externally) to treat mild dryness or dull coats.

These cat home remedies are effective, safe, and a smart way of reducing shedding at home. With consistency, these habits will help keep your fur baby’s coat in better health and shed far less during the year.

4. Reduce Stressors

Stress is one of the most overlooked causes of shedding. When cats experience boredom or anxiety, it can lead to excessive hair loss in certain areas.

To reduce cat shedding caused by stress, consider these tips:

• Create a cozy, quiet retreat for your fur baby, like this Cat Tent from Pets Indeed, as they may need the calm space to escape to when they are feeling overwhelmed.

• Consider any calming products, like pheromone diffusers and calming blankets or any products that can signal your kitty is safe.

• Keep your space tidy - vacuums or the Pets Indeed lint rollers are great for picking up excess fur hanging around. A clean space is good for you and your kitty!

You can find more calming toys and pet accessories at Pets Indeed to help relieve your kitty's anxiety, and therefore reduce stress-related shedding.

Tips to Keep Indoor Cats from Shedding Too Much

Grey and White Kitten on White Bed

Being indoors with a regulated temperature can make you assume your cat won’t shed because they won’t feel the seasons change. However, they still shed, but not as heavily as an outdoor feline.

One reason besides needing to replace their old coat with a new one, the constant heating and lighting can disturb the cat’s natural shedding cycle, which sometimes leads to more loose hair in your house.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep your cat’s shedding to a minimum:

• Maintain a regular grooming schedule - a quick brush every few days can keep any fur buildup at bay.

• Encourage them to eat moist meals to help with hydration and skin health.

• If you see fur flying, try to brush him closer to windows or outside to prevent hair from staying inside.

• Maintain a calm environment, as stress can trigger overgrooming and loss of hair.

With these small methods, you can help reduce cat shedding hair around the house while keeping comfortable indoors year-round.

Bonus: When to See a Vet

While shedding is completely normal, it can occasionally indicate something more serious. If your cat starts to develop patches of thinning fur, is licking more than normal, or develops scabs or irritated skin, it is time to consult your veterinarian. 

These factors can point towards allergies, locations for parasites, or potentially a lack of a certain dietary component, such as fatty acids. Excessive licking may also occur when the cat is stressed. 

Your veterinarian will evaluate the problem fully. If there are no underlying clinical problems, they will present you with solutions or dietary modifications to improve the overall health of your cat's coat.

Conclusion

Cat Grooming by a Professional Groomer

Shedding is a normal part of your cat's life, but with regular grooming, a healthy diet, and good hydration, you can help manage shedding. With a little effort, you can keep your fur baby’s coat smooth and glossy. 

You can get most of the tools you need to keep your cat healthy and beautiful at Pets Indeed. From toys to grooming tools, we help you be the best pet parent on the planet.

Visit Pets Indeed today for your pet supplies!

FAQs

1. How can I reduce my cat’s shedding naturally at home?

To reduce cat shedding naturally, brush your cat frequently, feed them a high-protein diet with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in it, and make sure they stay hydrated. Simple home remedies for cat shedding, such as putting a few drops of salmon oil in pet food and using a humidifier, will also help to ensure they have healthy skin and coat.

2. Does brushing a cat really reduce shedding?

Absolutely! Brushing your cat helps to remove loose, dead hair before it spreads throughout the house and helps to distribute natural oils for a softer and healthier coat. Daily brushing with the Pets Indeed Cat Grooming Brush (especially during cat shedding season) minimizes hair loss and prevents matting or tangles.

3. What food helps reduce cat shedding?

Meals high in protein, as well as the Omega fatty acids (3 and 6), will help to support healthy skin and a shiny coat. You can try different foods labeled for skin and coat health, or ask your veterinarian if there is anything simple to add, like fish oil or a biotin supplement.

4. Why is my indoor cat shedding so much?

Cats that live indoors shed their fur all year long. This is primarily due to heating and lighting that can confuse their shedding cycles. Regular grooming, an anti-stress routine, and a balanced diet can help reduce shedding fur in indoor cats and other stress-related fur loss. 

5. When should I worry about excessive shedding or hair loss?

Shedding is normal; however, if you see bald patches, scabs, or irritated skin, this may be indicative of allergies, stress or illness. If shedding increases suddenly or you notice skin changes with your cat, consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can identify any underlying conditions and provide treatments to reduce shedding and maintain a healthy coat.