If you own a cat, then you have probably had to deal with cleaning up after your cat. One of the biggest components of cleaning up after a cat has to deal with cleaning their fur. Cat’s fur can end up on just about any surface, from the ground, furniture, and even in the air. Similar to other mammals with fur, shedding is certainly a natural component of a cat’s life. They tend to shed the most in the summer when the temperature rises and they need to cool down their body. While a certain amount of shedding is normal in most cats, over shedding can actually be a sign that something is wrong with your cat’s skin.
Why do cats shed so much?
There are many other reasons why a cat will shed a lot besides just regulating body temperature. A cat that is stressed out will tend to shed more hair. Additionally, a cat that is infested with fleas will develop unhealthy skin which in turn will result in more shedding. Lastly, older cats tend to shed more than younger cats, as their body slowly becomes weaker and their skin is no longer able to hold as much fur.
Cat food that helps with shedding
Luckily, there are plenty of cat foods and supplements that help cats with shedding problems. In general, you want to look for food that has a high concentration of Omega fatty acids. Additionally, you should try to stay away from cat foods that have a lot of grain or wheat.
Below are the best cat foods that help with shedding:
NaturVet supplements are an excellent option if you want to help your cat’s shedding problem. These supplements have high levels of Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids that significantly improve your cat’s skin health. They also contain the vitamin Biotin which also helps improve a cat’s skin health. The box comes with 60 chews, and should last for 30 days if you give your cat 2 chews a day. These supplements are guaranteed to give your cat a shinier and healthier coat. Best of all, you can get these supplements for only $10 on amazon!
2) Royal Canin Hair & Skin Care Dry Cat Food ($20)
Royal Canin is another great option for helping to reduce your cat’s shedding. This cat food also has omega fatty acids which help improve skin health. It also contains a high concentration of vitamin B which helps reduce and a dull fur coat. After 3 weeks of feeding your cat Royal Canin, you should already start to see a noticeable difference in the color of their fur. At the time of this writing, you can buy a 3.5 bag for $20.
3) Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food ($34)
Blue Buffalo is another great option . This 11 lb bag will last for months, making it a great option if your cat has been shedding for a long period of time. Along with omega fatty acids, Blue Buffalo has a lot of protein which helps promote muscle growth and joint health. This food is also low in wheat which helps maintain healthier skin. This particular Blue Buffalo comes in a salmon flavor which your cat will certainly love. You can buy it here.
Other ways to help a cat stop shedding
Of course, there are other ways to help a cat stop shedding aside from diet. An easy and cheap solution is to make sure that your cat is drinking enough water. Cats are known for forgetting to drink and often become dehydrated. Similar to human skin, a cat’s skin must be properly hydrated and moisturized to be healthy and hold hair. If your cat is avoiding their water bowl, you should try getting a new, clean one.
Another option is to make an effort to give your cat more attention. As stress can cause excessive shedding, there is a chance that your cat is stressed because you are not showing him/her enough love. You can also try getting them some new toys to help them be less stressed.