Cat fur on your couch, clothes, and... dinner plate? Here are 5 telltale signs your cat needs deshedding — plus the gentle technique that cats actually enjoy.
Why Cats Shed (It's Normal!)
All cats shed — it's their natural way of removing dead fur and regulating body temperature. But excessive shedding can signal a problem or simply mean your cat needs regular grooming.
5 Signs Your Cat Needs Deshedding Now
1. Fur Tumbleweeds Under Your Furniture
If you're finding clumps of fur rolling across your floor like desert tumbleweeds, your cat is overdue for a grooming session.
2. Increased Hairballs
When cats ingest too much loose fur during self-grooming, it leads to more hairballs. Regular deshedding reduces hairballs by up to 80%.
3. Matted or Tangled Fur
Mats trap moisture and bacteria against the skin, causing irritation. If you spot any, it's time to brush — gently!
4. Your Cat Scratches More Than Usual
Loose, dead fur can irritate the skin. If your cat seems itchier than normal, a good deshedding session may provide instant relief.
5. Visible Undercoat Peeking Through
If you can see a denser, fluffier layer beneath the top coat, that undercoat needs to be thinned out with proper brushing.
How to Deshed a Cat (Without Getting Scratched)
- Choose the right time — When your cat is relaxed, sleepy, or in a cuddly mood
- Start with a glove — A grooming glove feels like petting, so most cats love it
- Upgrade to a brush — Once comfortable, switch to a steam brush for deeper deshedding
- Keep it short — 5-10 minutes is perfect for cats
- Reward after — Treats = positive association = easier next time
🐱 Pro tip: The steam feature on our brush helps release trapped undercoat fur that regular brushes miss — and many cats find the warm mist soothing!
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