Shedding is completely normal. Cats and dogs naturally lose old or damaged hair, and many shed more in spring and fall as their coat changes with the seasons. You can't stop it — but you can catch loose fur before it ends up on your sofa, carpet and favorite black sweater.
Here's a simple routine that takes just a few minutes a week.
Step 1: Brush 2–3 times a week (daily in shedding season)
Regular brushing is the single most effective way to manage shedding. It removes loose hair, spreads natural skin oils and prevents tangles. For most cats and dogs, a slicker brush works well on both short and long coats.
The annoying part is usually cleaning the brush. A self-cleaning slicker brush solves that — press a button and the bristles retract so the fur slides right off.
Tip: Brush in the direction of hair growth, use gentle strokes and keep sessions short and positive. A treat at the end helps your pet look forward to it.
Step 2: Use grooming gloves for pets who dislike brushes
Some pets simply don't like brushes. Grooming gloves let you remove loose hair while you pet them, so it feels like a massage rather than a grooming session. Our Pet Grooming Gloves (2-Pack) have soft rubber tips and work wet or dry — handy during bath time, too.
Step 3: Clean up fur from furniture once a week
Even with regular grooming, some fur will land on fabric. Instead of buying endless sticky lint-roller refills, try a reusable pet hair remover roller. Roll it back and forth on the couch, bed or car seat, then open the chamber and empty the fur. No batteries, no refills.
Step 4: Support a healthy coat from the inside
- Balanced diet: A complete, good-quality diet supports skin and coat health.
- Fresh water: Hydration matters for skin health, too.
- Gentle baths: Dogs can benefit from an occasional bath with a pet-safe shampoo. Most cats rarely need baths.
When shedding isn't normal
Talk to your veterinarian if you notice bald patches, red or irritated skin, constant scratching, or a sudden big increase in shedding. These can be signs of allergies, parasites or other health issues that need professional care.
Your simple weekly routine
- 2–3× a week: Brush or use grooming gloves (5–10 minutes).
- 1× a week: Roll furniture, beds and car seats.
- Every day in spring and fall: A quick extra brush during heavy shedding season.
Less fur on the furniture means more time for cuddles. Explore our Grooming & Cleaning collection — with free US shipping on every order.