Cat shedding a lot: how to brush them and keep hair under control

Hair on the sofa, on your black jumper, in every corner… If your cat sheds a lot, you’re not alone. The good news: regular brushing removes dead hair before it ends up everywhere. Here’s why your cat sheds, how to brush them without stress and which tools to choose. These tips work for dogs too.

Why does my cat shed so much?

Shedding is normal

Cats renew their coat all the time, often with two heavier periods: in spring, when they lose their winter coat, and in autumn, when the coat gets ready for the cold. Indoor cats, who live in the warm under artificial light, can shed a little all year round.

Long hair, short hair: different needs

A long-haired cat sheds more visible hair and can get tangles. A short-haired cat sheds a lot too, just more discreetly… until the day you sit on the sofa in black trousers.

When to talk to your vet

Normal shedding is spread over the whole body, with no bald patches. Ask your vet if you notice:

bald areas or patches;
redness, scabs or a lot of dandruff;
a cat who scratches or licks much more than usual;
a sudden change in their coat or behaviour.

These signs can have a medical cause (parasites, allergy, stress…) that brushing won’t fix.

Why brush your cat

Less hair around the house: every hair caught by the brush won’t end up on the sofa.
Less hair swallowed: when grooming, cats swallow dead hair. Brushing some of it out limits how much they swallow, especially during shedding season.
A tangle-free coat, especially for long hair.
Time together: done gently, brushing becomes a calm ritual many cats enjoy.
A quick check: you’ll spot a lump, a wound or a flea sooner.

How often should you brush?

Short-haired cat: once or twice a week, more often during shedding season.
Long-haired cat: ideally a few minutes every day, to prevent tangles.
Older cat: they sometimes groom less well on their own, so regular help makes a big difference.

Short, frequent sessions are better than one long session that annoys them.

Which tool should you choose?

The pin brush, for regular brushing

Its fine pins catch dead hair deep in the coat. The self-cleaning brush has a handy extra: press the button, the pins retract and the hair comes off in one go, without touching it. Brush in the direction of the hair, without pressing: the pins are fine.

The grooming glove, for wary cats

For a cat who doesn’t like the brush, a glove is often the best way in: you simply stroke them, and the dead hair stays stuck to the silicone nubs. Our grooming glove rinses under the tap and also works on wet fur.

The dematting comb, for tangles and undercoat

Useful mainly for medium and long hair, and during shedding season. The dematting comb has stainless steel blades that undo small tangles and remove undercoat. Careful, the blades are sharp: go gently, without pulling. A knot stuck to the skin is a job for a groomer or a vet, not for scissors.

How to brush a cat without stress

Pick the right moment: when they’re relaxed, after a nap or a meal, not in the middle of playtime.
Start with the areas they like: often the back, cheeks and the back of the head.
Brush in the direction of the hair, gently, without pressing.
Go easy on sensitive areas: belly, paws, tail. Many cats don’t like being touched there, so don’t insist.
Stop before they’ve had enough: a twitching tail, ears back, rippling skin… that’s the signal. Two pleasant minutes beat ten minutes of struggle.
Reward them: a stroke, a treat, a bit of play.

With a cat who has never been brushed, start by letting them sniff the tool, then do just a few strokes. Trust builds with repetition.

And for the hair already on the sofa?

A hair-removal glove: rub the fabric and the hair sticks and rolls into a ball. No adhesive, no refills, and it washes with water.
A washable throw or blanket on their favourite spots, which you shake out and wash regularly.
Vacuuming more often during shedding season.

These tips work for dogs too. And if your cat has a bed, remember to shake it out and wash it regularly: read our guide to choosing the right bed.

All our tools are in the Grooming section.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for my cat to shed a lot in autumn?

Yes, autumn is often a shedding period. Brush them a little more often for a few weeks. If you see bald patches or redness, ask your vet.

My cat hates the brush, what can I do?

Try the grooming glove, which feels more like a stroke. Keep sessions very short, reward them, and stop at the first sign of annoyance. Little by little, many cats come to enjoy it.

Should I bathe my cat so they shed less?

Generally, no: a healthy cat grooms itself very well. Brushing is enough. A bath is only needed in specific cases, ideally on your vet’s advice.