Good handheld vac for cat hair ?

[micina]

Hi
Has anyone found a good handheld vacuum that effectively removes cat hair from upholstered furniture? I have two cats and it seems the only way I can remove the cat hair is with a lint brush, which becomes very time consuming. The rest of my home is hardwood floors so I don't want to spend money on one of those expensive floor vacuums just for the handheld attachments. I bought a "Shark" but it's not strong enough for the cat hair.
Also, any suggestions on ways to reduce dander and fur when allergic guests come to visit? I think I saw a dander-reducing product advertised on TV (Febreze?), but haven't seen the commercial again or the product in the supermarket. Has anyone heard of or used any such product?
Thanks so much.

[Wanda]

I haven't heard of the product so can't help you there, and I have a big vacuum with attachments so don't use hand held, but here are my solutions which might help. Dolly sheds alot so this has really helped me. I have 3 cheap afgans, one on back of couch , one at the foot of my bed, and an extra for my lap if I have on clothes I don't want hair on. She loves the afgans almost always prefers to lay on them, and all I have to do is throw in washer when need cleaning. For a quick fix when she doesn't chose an afgan, I take a damp cloth and wipe amazing how much hair it will grab. I recently got a glider rocker with a kind of velvety cloth and she wanted to claim as her own, but after trying several fixes (her hair would get all over it), I just told her no she couldn't sit there, took a few no's but she stays off now. Hope this helps. Wanda

[E's]

The only thing I've found to remove pet hair from upholstery quickly and thoroly [sp?] is a small, stiff-bristled scrub brush (my new scanner is STILL not operational or I'd show a picture.) I've tried several vacuum cleaners - including a Shark and a handheld Oreck - and not one of them will do the job. My dog is a GSD... sometimes called German Shedder Dog She is the worst so I hardly notice the cat hair. I discovered the little scrub brush solution with "Winnie's Wagon" a car with tan upholstery seats... Sadly, it was totalled in a wreck a year ago; the small brush I used went with it and I couldn't get another exactly like, but did find similar ones in the cleaning aisle at supermarkets.

The procedure really does work: make long downward swipes on the chair or couch until bristles are full, then feed the accumulated hair into vacuum or trash bin and start swiping again...

[Marty]

I kinda like those rollers filled with sticky tape that you can get at most pet stores. Even big vacs don't really get all of it.....and these rollers are good for clothing, also. I just always keep a replacement roll around.

[Marty]

Forgot to say that I think Febreeze does make an allergen formula....found in the cleaning aisles. Can't vouch for it's effectiveness, though.

[micina]

Thanks so much for all your suggestions.

[Tina B and crew]

I've not seen anything that would pic up cat hair that good, especially the small handhelds. I just cover it and when I need to remove hair use the sticky roller.

[LisaLisa]

I use a Gonzo sponge for pets.. It works great...