How to Deshed a Cat

How to Deshed a Cat: Keep Your Cat’s Coat Healthy and Your Home Hair-Free

If you’ve ever owned a cat, you know the struggle: fur on the couch, fur on your clothes, fur everywhere. Learning how to deshed a cat effectively can save you from endless lint rolling—and more importantly, keep your feline friend comfortable, healthy, and happy.

At Total Pet Supplies, we’re passionate about helping pet parents take care of their cats with the right tools and grooming routines. Whether your kitty is a short-haired shorthair or a long-haired fluffball, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about deshedding your cat safely and efficiently.

Why Cats Shed in the First Place

Cats naturally shed to get rid of old or damaged fur. Shedding helps regulate their body temperature and keeps their coat healthy. However, excess shedding can become a problem—especially if it leads to hairballs, matting, or allergic reactions in humans.

Common Reasons for Excess Shedding

  1. Seasonal changes – Cats often shed more during spring and autumn when they’re adjusting to temperature shifts.

  2. Poor diet – Lack of essential nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids can cause dull coats and excess shedding.

  3. Stress or anxiety – Changes in environment or routine can trigger stress-induced shedding.

  4. Health issues – Skin infections, allergies, or parasites can all lead to abnormal hair loss.

If your cat’s shedding seems excessive or patchy, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet. Otherwise, regular deshedding can help manage the issue.

The Benefits of Regular Deshedding

Deshedding isn’t just about keeping your home tidy—it’s also about maintaining your cat’s well-being.

Health and Comfort Benefits

  • Prevents hairballs: Less loose fur means less licking and fewer hairballs forming in your cat’s stomach.

  • Improves skin health: Regular brushing stimulates natural oil production, which keeps the coat soft and shiny.

  • Reduces matting: For long-haired cats, deshedding prevents painful tangles and mats.

  • Reduces allergens: A cleaner coat means fewer allergens floating around your home.

For Pet Owners

Let’s be honest—deshedding saves your sanity, too. You’ll notice less fur buildup on furniture, floors, and clothes, which makes cleaning much easier. It’s a win-win for both you and your furry friend.

How to Deshed a Cat: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose the Right Deshedding Tool

Not all brushes are created equal. The type of grooming tool you choose depends on your cat’s coat type.

For Short-Haired Cats

  • Rubber grooming brushes or deshedding gloves work best.
    They gently lift loose hair while giving your cat a soothing massage.

For Long-Haired Cats

  • Deshedding combs and undercoat rakes are ideal.
    These tools reach deep into the coat to remove the thick underlayer where most shedding starts.

At Total Pet Supplies, we stock a range of cat deshedding brushes and grooming tools designed to make the process easier and more effective—browse our grooming collection to find one suited to your cat’s fur length and sensitivity.

Step 2: Find the Right Time and Place

Cats are creatures of comfort, so setting the right mood can make a big difference.

  • Choose a quiet space free of distractions.

  • Make sure your cat is calm or sleepy, not in the middle of zoomies.

  • Use a non-slip surface like a grooming mat or towel.

If your cat resists grooming, start with short sessions and reward them after each one with treats or cuddles.

Step 3: Brush Gently and Consistently

The golden rule of deshedding a cat is to be gentle. Cats have sensitive skin, and too much pressure can cause discomfort.

Technique Tips

  • Brush in the direction of hair growth.

  • Focus on areas where shedding is heaviest, like the back, sides, and tail base.

  • Use short, even strokes and avoid pulling.

  • Check sensitive spots like the belly and behind the ears—they’re prone to tangling.

If you hit a knot, never yank. Instead, use a detangling spray or gently tease it apart with your fingers.

Step 4: Keep a Regular Grooming Schedule

Consistency is key.

Cat Type Recommended Grooming Frequency
Short-haired cats Once or twice a week
Long-haired cats 3–4 times a week
Heavy shedders Daily during shedding seasons

Regular grooming keeps shedding under control and prevents mats from forming.

Step 5: Finish with Care

After brushing, use a soft cloth or pet grooming wipe to remove any remaining loose hair. You can even follow up with a cat-safe grooming spray to leave the coat smelling fresh and looking shiny.

And don’t forget to reward your cat with their favourite treat—it builds positive associations and makes future grooming sessions easier.

Additional Tips for Managing Cat Shedding

1. Feed a High-Quality Diet

Nutrition plays a huge role in coat health. Look for cat food rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which promote a healthy, shiny coat and reduce excess shedding. You can also consider adding fish oil supplements (after consulting your vet).

2. Keep Your Home Environment Clean

Even with regular grooming, you’ll still find some stray fur around the house.

  • Use a lint roller on furniture.

  • Vacuum often with a pet hair vacuum attachment.

  • Wash bedding and blankets weekly.

3. Stay Hydrated

Hydration affects skin elasticity and coat condition. Encourage your cat to drink more by using a cat water fountain—most cats prefer running water over stagnant bowls.

4. Control Seasonal Shedding

During high-shed months, step up grooming sessions and consider using a deshedding shampoo or steam brush designed for cats. (You can find cat-safe grooming products at Total Pet Supplies

5. Regular Vet Check-Ups

If you notice bald patches, skin irritation, or excessive shedding despite grooming, it could be a sign of allergies, parasites, or thyroid issues. Early detection is key to effective treatment.

The Best Tools for Deshedding Your Cat

Here are some of the most effective grooming products you can use at home.

🧤 Deshedding Gloves

Perfect for cats who dislike traditional brushes. They mimic your hand movements, making grooming feel like a massage.

🪮 Undercoat Rake

Ideal for long-haired cats. It removes the thick, dead fur beneath the surface without damaging the topcoat.

🧴 Deshedding Shampoo

A gentle wash every few weeks can reduce shedding and nourish the coat. Always use a cat-specific formula to avoid skin irritation.

💨 Pet Steam Brush (Cat Edition)

An increasingly popular choice among Australian cat owners, the steam brush loosens dead fur while keeping the coat smooth and hydrated. The mild steam helps detangle and reduce static, making deshedding even more effective.

You can explore these tools and more at Total Pet Supplies’ Cat Grooming Collection—where we only stock products that are safe, proven, and pet-approved.

How to Deshed a Cat That Hates Brushing

Some cats simply despise grooming, but don’t worry—there are ways to make it work.

Try These Tricks:

  • Start slow: Begin with short sessions and gradually build up the time.

  • Positive reinforcement: Offer treats before and after grooming.

  • Use distraction: Try brushing while your cat eats or lounges.

  • Stay calm: Cats sense your energy—patience goes a long way.

  • Try alternative tools: Some cats prefer gloves or a damp cloth over a brush.

If your cat becomes aggressive or stressed, stop immediately and try again later.

Common Deshedding Mistakes to Avoid

Even with good intentions, many cat owners make small errors that can make the process harder.

  1. Brushing against the grain: Causes discomfort and can pull on fur.

  2. Using the wrong tool: Not all brushes suit all coat types.

  3. Skipping regular grooming: Irregular brushing allows loose fur to build up, leading to mats.

  4. Bathing too often: Frequent baths can strip natural oils and worsen shedding.

  5. Forcing grooming: Never hold your cat down—it damages trust and makes future sessions stressful.

By avoiding these mistakes, your cat will enjoy grooming time, and you’ll enjoy a cleaner home.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your cat’s coat is heavily matted, it’s best to visit a professional groomer. They have the experience and tools to safely remove tangles without causing stress or injury.

You should also consult your vet if your cat’s shedding suddenly increases, or if you notice:

  • Bald spots

  • Flaky skin

  • Excessive scratching

  • Lethargy or behavioural changes

These could indicate allergies, parasites, or other underlying health issues.

Final Thoughts on How to Deshed a Cat

Learning how to deshed a cat isn’t just about controlling fur around the house—it’s a vital part of your pet’s care routine. Regular grooming keeps your cat’s coat shiny, reduces hairballs, and strengthens the bond between you and your feline friend.

With the right tools, a gentle touch, and consistency, deshedding becomes a rewarding experience for both you and your cat.

Explore the range of cat grooming products at Total Pet Supplies— from deshedding brushes and steam tools to cat-friendly shampoos and gloves — everything you need to keep your cat’s coat in top condition.

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