Cats shed twice a year in earnest, in spring and autumn, and a little all year round if they live indoors under artificial light. It's normal. But there's a difference between a fluffy sofa and a health problem, and a few habits make the whole season easier.
What's normal
A steady drift of hair, heavier for a few weeks in spring and autumn, with no bald patches and normal-looking skin. Long-haired cats shed more visibly; short-haired cats shed shorter, sharper hairs that weave into fabric.
What isn't
Bald patches, red or flaky skin, excessive licking of one area, dandruff, or a sudden change in the amount of shedding can point to stress, allergies, parasites or diet. Those are vet questions, not grooming questions — book a visit.
A 10-minute weekly routine
- Brush twice a week. A soft slicker or rubber grooming brush lifts the loose undercoat before it ends up on the bed. Most cats tolerate two or three minutes; stop before they get annoyed and they'll come back next time.
- Do the sofa and bedding in one pass. A reusable roller ball takes fur off blankets, cushions and the armchair she's claimed. Rinse, dry, repeat next week.
- Give them one washable spot. Cats pick a favourite place. Put a washable blanket there and wash it weekly; it concentrates the shedding where you can deal with it.
Diet and water
Coat quality follows diet. Cats on a complete, good-quality food with enough omega-3 shed less dramatically, and a cat that drinks enough water has healthier skin. If your cat ignores the water bowl, a fountain often helps — moving water is more interesting to them.
The hairball connection
More shedding means more swallowed hair. Regular brushing reduces hairballs more than any paste or treat does, because the hair never gets swallowed in the first place.
Browse our cat collection for grooming tools and comfort picks, and email us at info@theroyalpaw.store with questions — we love a photo.