I love all five of my kitties, but the shedding can be a challenge.  If you have cats, you have to accept that they are going to shed.  Cats that spend most of their time outside usually shed twice a year – spring and summer.  However, because indoor cats live in a controlled environment with limited temperature changes and a regular meal schedule, they shed year around.  I used to run around with a lint roller and vacuum cleaning hair up off the couch after it had already fallen out of the cat.  I have found some ways to help keep the clean up to a minimum.

Brush, Brush, Brush 

Brushing has multiple benefits.  Not only does brushing catch a lot of hair before it gets distributed all over your house, but most cats really enjoy it, it keeps the underlying skin healthy and it helps keep mats from forming in long-hair cats. I try to brush my cats daily.  Initially, Caesar and Romeo were skeptical about it, but I distracted them by petting them with my hand and gently using the brush.

The type of brush I prefer is called a slicker brush.  It’s got thin, bent, metal bristles that gently grab the dead hair and hold it until you clean it.  Make sure not to brush too hard.  It’s not necessary with slicker brushes and the bristles can irritate of too much pressure is applied.

For The Hair That Gets Away

Obviously, you can’t catch all the hair before it falls out.  I’ve done some things to help make cleaning up the hair a little easier.  I picked up machine washable throws and bedspreads.  I’ve also made simple, machine washable slip covers to put on the window seat cushion and ottomans. 

It also helps to have kitty beds or furniture just for them.  Your guests will never want to sit on them so you don’t have to work as hard to keep them clean. Last but not least, I have a lint roller on every floor of my house, in my car and at work. 

This post was originally published by www.purrfectworld.com TM