I posted a topic about my super-shedder kitty last week but no one replied--I wondered if anyone could give me some quick opinions because it's kinda driving me nuts having things so covered in fur. His coat his shiny and silky so I don't think it's unhealthy, and he has a high quality diet of dry Iams Kitten and Hills i/d, but someone told me she added vegetable oil to her dog's diet to reduce shedding.
Is there any dietary remedy like that for cats? I do have to be careful because he gets diarrhea easily, but I'd appreciate any suggestions on reducing his shedding. (I do brush him.) Many thanks!
sheeding and diet
Re: sheeding and diet
THey sell Linatone supplement (tasteless) which can be added to their food for cats. Not sure about veggie oil though.
Also, more brushing helps, and there is a product called Shed Stop which I believe works very well.
Mona, Honeybun and Chloe
Also, more brushing helps, and there is a product called Shed Stop which I believe works very well.
Mona, Honeybun and Chloe
Re: sheeding and diet
linatone or any fat supplement can help but you gotta be sure there are no mites or creepy crawlers chewing away at the base of the hair....other factor is the time of the year and the climate, they may be shedding their summer coat to make room for the winter one....but fat supplement helps if ther e are no critters interfering with the growth
Re: sheeding and diet
This is the time of year for cats to shed. You can add fish oil to the food to help the coat, and you can increase grooming. The zoom groom is a great brush for cats.
Royal Canin makes a blend specifically for cats that shed a great deal. If you have as davet suggested ruled out mites or other skin disorders, gradually changing to the RC might just help.
Royal Canin makes a blend specifically for cats that shed a great deal. If you have as davet suggested ruled out mites or other skin disorders, gradually changing to the RC might just help.
The smallest feline is a masterpiece.
Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci
Re: sheeding and diet
Thank you all three for your answers. Can't believe Imade a typo right in the subject--sheeding, how embarassing. 
As far as mites or pests on his skin, he does sometimes chew at his skin with his teeth, though not often. I've assumed it was just the normal occasional itch--is that right, or should I be concerned any time he does that? The vet did look through his fur and said he was flea-less, and he(the cat) is indoor-only and there are no other pets in the home. Is it pretty safe to guess his skin is pest-free?
As far as the fat supplements, I was interested in trying that, though I see from the Purina body chart posted under the kitten-weight thread, my little guy is actually a bit fat, as he has quite a noticeable "abdominal fat pad." So maybe putting extra fat in his food is not such a great idea...
As far as mites or pests on his skin, he does sometimes chew at his skin with his teeth, though not often. I've assumed it was just the normal occasional itch--is that right, or should I be concerned any time he does that? The vet did look through his fur and said he was flea-less, and he(the cat) is indoor-only and there are no other pets in the home. Is it pretty safe to guess his skin is pest-free?
As far as the fat supplements, I was interested in trying that, though I see from the Purina body chart posted under the kitten-weight thread, my little guy is actually a bit fat, as he has quite a noticeable "abdominal fat pad." So maybe putting extra fat in his food is not such a great idea...
Re: sheeding and diet
Actually, omega 3's are essential fatty acids, that are an essential part of the cat's diet, and are important for chemical enzymes in the body (to utilize energy, improve skin and coat condition, etc).
If your kitty's coat is shiny and silky as you describe, he probably does not need an additional fatty acid supplement, and I would tend to agree with Davet on this one...re: seasonal shedding.
If you are concerned with him chewing at his skin, ask your vet about a skin scrape and/or culture to rule out other mites or parasites not always detected upon exam.
If your kitty's coat is shiny and silky as you describe, he probably does not need an additional fatty acid supplement, and I would tend to agree with Davet on this one...re: seasonal shedding.
If you are concerned with him chewing at his skin, ask your vet about a skin scrape and/or culture to rule out other mites or parasites not always detected upon exam.
..........Traci
Re: sheeding and diet
Thanks. I'll just watch for it to lessen as we get more into late fall and winter. How long is a normal heavy shedding season? How often do they go through these phases, just spring and fall? I guess in a few years I'll come to know when he's going to be Mr Sheddy and when he's not.