Controlling Cat Hair by Controlling Cat Behaviors

Although it may not seem like it, cat behavior can contribute to the amount of cat hair you're forced to clean up.

Controlling cat behaviors is more about training your cat to accept certain activities that will benefit her in the end. Bathing, grooming and similar activities should not be running battles. A healthy, well-groomed cat will shed less cat hair and be less prone to dangerous hairballs.

Establish a Routine to Lower Your Cat's Stress
You should work with your cat to get her to accept daily grooming as normal activity. This may be easier if you're starting with a kitten, but if you have an adult cat, she can be trained to accept brushing as well:

• Set a time for grooming. Create a scheduled time for grooming your cat and stick to it. Your cat will quickly become used to the routine, and it will reduce her anxiety.
• Start slow. Begin by holding your cat and stroking her fur. Gradually, begin using a grooming mitt that will allow you to remove some of her excess hair. Ultimately, you'll want to swap the grooming mitt for a brush. Begin by alternating between the two, then move to using the brush exclusively.

Get Ready for a Bath
You can get your cat to willing take baths by slowly acclimating her to the water.

• First, make sure the water is warm enough. Cats have a higher body temperature and don't like cool water.
• Next, begin by putting your cat briefly into very shallow water. Be ready with plenty of towels, treats and praise.
• Finally, gradually increase the water level to about knee high and your cat should be ready to accept a bath, even if she doesn't like it.