If you live with a cat, hair is part of the scenery: on the couch, on dark clothes, on every blanket — especially during shedding season in spring and fall. You can't get rid of it completely, but a few habits make a huge difference.
1. Brush them often
This is the most effective step: every hair you catch with a brush is one that won't end up on your clothes. Short-haired cats usually need it once or twice a week; long-haired cats, daily during shedding season. Keep sessions short and reward them so they enjoy it.
2. Use a reusable hair remover on clothes and furniture
Sticky lint rollers work, but they run out and create waste. Reusable double-sided removers trap hair when you brush one way and empty into their own chamber. They work especially well on textured fabrics like sherpa, knits and upholstery. We carry one: the Kangapaw reusable hair remover.
3. The rubber glove trick
A slightly damp rubber dish glove, swiped across the couch in one direction, drags hair into clumps that are easy to pick up. Cheap and surprisingly effective.
4. In the laundry
Shake the garment or run the hair remover over it before washing — otherwise the hair spreads through the whole load. A short, no-heat dryer cycle (if the label allows) also helps loosen hair.
5. Give them their own spot
A blanket or bed just for them, in their favorite spot on the couch, keeps the hair in one place you wash often instead of all over the living room.
What if they're losing a lot of hair?
Heavy shedding in spring and fall is normal. But if you notice bald patches, irritated skin, constant scratching or a lot of licking in one area, see your vet: allergies, parasites or stress may be behind it.