Dear Critter Corner: My cat has been shedding a lot on the carpet and furniture and coughing up hairballs. Any remedies for this?
As the summer months approach, our kitties will start to shed some of their winter coats to prepare for the warmer months. As they naturally do this, you will see more hair on the surfaces of your home, clothes, and furniture. This may also be why he is coughing up more hairballs. Starting a regular grooming practice with your cat will help remove the hair that is already beginning to shed and decrease the amount that finds its way throughout your home.
To get your cat used to being groomed, start by finding a good brush that is suitable to your cat’s hair needs and that your cat is comfortable with. Feel free to check with a local cat groomer or pet supply store, as they may have recommendations based on the thickness of your cat’s coat and whether he is short-, medium-, or long-haired.
Once you’ve obtained a good brush, present it to your cat so they are able to see it, sniff it, and touch it. Give them a few treats as they explore the brush and become more comfortable with it. See if you can enlist a family member or friend to help give treats while you begin to just touch your cat with the back of the brush. If your cat seems comfortable with this — leaning into the brush or purring — then try using the bristle side of the brush on your cat. Start with less sensitive areas, like their back, and move the brush in the direction of the hair. Be gentle when brushing and use slow strokes to help your cat become more accustomed to the feel of the brush. As your cat becomes more and more comfortable, move to their sides, along their tail, and eventually around their neck and chest. Be mindful and gentle if you decide to brush their stomach, especially on long-haired cats. Most cats are very conscientious groomers so getting the harder-to-reach spots like their back will be most helpful to them. Also, it’s not necessary to groom their ears, as they will manage cleaning this area themselves. You can feel free to inspect their ears for dirt or wax buildup. Make grooming a fun and regular experience for you and your cat!