Your cherished kitty may be the most adorable creature on the planet, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their fair share of hair problems. Your cat’s natural coat consists of fur which is fine, short fur that traps air and deters moisture from leaving the coat. However, your feline friend lives in a house with you, which means they spend more time indoors than outdoors – an environment where humidity is higher and temperature lower than what they’re used to. This change in their living conditions leads to them shedding more often than usual, causing their already dense coat to become even denser. The longer they spend indoors without being able to experience natural sunlight and dry winds, the more likely it is for them to develop hair loss issues as well. Fortunately, there are a variety of home treatment options available that can help manage hair loss in cats so their coats stay thick and lustrous.
Feed your cat a high-quality diet
Choosing the right food for your cat is one of the best ways to keep their coat healthy and prevent hair loss. Some cats are prone to losing fur because they consume poor quality food, which is often the case with older felines that have long been fed human food. High-quality cat food is formulated to provide the nutrients your pet needs to grow, while also providing the mouth muscles with the right amount of stimulation to chew and digest their food. There are different types of high-quality cat foods available, including dry cat food and wet cat food. Dry foods are healthier, since they contain less moisture than wet foods. Wet foods are more convenient since they have an easy-to-mix consistency, which is especially important for elderly cats and those with medical conditions. While it’s important to feed your cat a high-quality diet, it’s also essential to feed them frequently because there are certain signs that indicate a diet change is needed.
Clip frequently to remove dead hair
Regularly trimming your cat’s coat is one of the best ways to prevent shedding and keep their coat healthy. If you notice your feline friend shedding hair or showing signs of alopecia, reach for a scissors and clip those embarrassing locks off. Trim your cat’s coat regularly to remove dead hair and encourage easy shedding. Kitten years are the perfect time to begin clipping, as they will love the attention and it will teach you how to clip a cat’s coat. The best clip length is slightly longer than the hair’s length. Trim around the anus (bottom of your cat’s tail if they have one), the base of the tail, and the genitals so your cat feels comfortable and normal in their skin.
Bathe your cat often
Regularly bathing your cat helps prevent hairballs, keeps their skin and coat soft and healthy, and it smells good too! Most cats love being in the tub with you, but they need to be bathed regularly. Depending on your kitty’s hair type and coat condition, bathe your cat once or twice a month. If your pet has long hair, purchase a good quality shampoo. Avoid shampoos that are too cheap or are meant for dogs. Look for a shampoo with natural ingredients so it doesn’t dry out your pet’s hair and cause hair loss. An easy way to help keep your cat’s coat and skin healthy is to gently massage the body while rinsing off the shampoo. This will help remove dead skin cells and moisturize your pet’s coat.
Use dry shampoo on frequent basis
Dry shampoos contain a type of alcohol that evaporates quickly, leaving your cat smelling fresh and clean. They are an inexpensive and easy way to manage hair loss and encourage easy shedding in your kitty. Dry shampoos are especially useful for managing hair loss in long-haired cats, as excess hair in long hair is difficult to remove with regular grooming. Dry shampoo can help you to manage shed hair and prevent your cat from becoming over-groomed.
Utilize vacuum cleaners with anti-static inserts
While vacuums with HEPA filters are great at removing dust and dirt from the air, they also suck up shed hair and fur. Running a vacuum with an anti-static insert prevents this from happening, keeping your cat’s hair clean and free of unwanted particles. Anti-static filters also prevent static electricity, which is common in households with plastic furniture and carpets. Static electricity causes damage to hair coat, causing breakage and shedding of hair.
Dusting products and scented candles can help too
Dusting products and scented candles can help provide your cat with a soothing environment while encouraging easy shedding. Dusting products are designed to loosen and remove trapped hair in your kitty’s coat, leaving their skin and coat soft and clean. Scented candles are one of the best home treatments for hair loss, as they provide a relaxing environment in which your cat may prefer to spend time grooming.
Wrapping your cat in shawls and wraps is another option
Wrapping your cat in shawls and wraps is another great way to manage hair loss and encourage easy shedding. Hair wraps are made from cotton and are extremely easy to put on your cat, as well as remove. They are a great option for those who want to manage their cat’s hair loss and prevent shedding, but also want to keep their cat close as they relax in a calm and soothing environment.
End
The good news is that there are many home treatments available that can help manage hair loss in cats. Providing your kitty with a high-quality diet and regularly clipping their coat will go a long way in preventing hair loss. Additionally, vacuuming your cat with an anti-static filter and using scented candles will help keep their hair free of debris and free of static electricity. Remember that hair loss is common in cats, so don’t be too concerned if it happens to your cat. Instead, follow these home treatment options to help your furry friend look and feel their best.
