Fall Shedding Season: Grooming Tools That Actually Work
If your cat already seems to be shedding more than usual, you're not imagining it. Most cats go through a second, heavier shed in fall as the weather cools and their coat starts switching over for winter. It's normal, but it does mean more hair on your couch, your clothes, and probably your coffee.
Why cats shed more in fall
Cats grow a lighter coat for summer and a denser one for winter, and the switch between the two isn't always gradual enough to notice until it's already happening. Indoor cats living under steady temperatures and artificial light sometimes shed on a slightly different schedule than outdoor cats, but most households still see a real jump in loose hair sometime between September and November. If you're finding more of it than usual right now, this is why.
What to look for in a deshedding tool
Not every brush actually pulls out loose undercoat. A lot of them just move hair around on top and leave the real problem underneath. A few things are worth checking before you buy one:
- Contact with the undercoat, not just the top layer. A tool that only brushes the surface looks like it's doing something, but it leaves the loose hair sitting right where it was.
- Comfort for your cat. Some cats sit still for grooming, some barely tolerate it. A soft, flexible surface usually gets more cooperation than stiff bristles or metal teeth.
- Easy cleanup. If getting the hair off the brush afterward is its own chore, you'll use it less, and it stops helping.
Two picks worth your time
Deshedding Massage Washing Glove Brush, $17.99
This one fits over your hand like a glove instead of working as a separate brush, so you can pet your cat normally while it does the work. Cats who get nervous around grooming tools tend to relax faster with this one, since it feels more like affection than a chore. It comes in a few colors and is a good starting point for cats who aren't used to being brushed yet.
Shop the Deshedding Glove Brush →
Cat Hair Remover Portable Brush, $17.00
This is the better pick once your cat is already comfortable being brushed and you just want something fast and thorough. It's small enough to keep in a drawer or bag, and it's built for quick daily use rather than one long weekly session. Available in gray, blue, black, or light blue.
Shop the Cat Hair Remover Brush →
A two minute grooming routine
You don't need a long session to make a real difference. Something like this works for most cats:
- 30 seconds: let your cat sniff the tool first, especially if it's new to them.
- 60 seconds: brush in the direction the hair grows, focusing on the back, sides, and chest, where loose undercoat builds up fastest.
- 30 seconds: a few passes down the tail and legs, then stop while your cat is still relaxed.
Ending on a good note matters more than covering every inch. A short session your cat actually tolerates is worth more over time than a longer one that makes them dread the brush.
Quick questions
Do indoor cats shed in fall the same as outdoor cats?
Mostly, yes, though it can look a little different. Indoor cats get less exposure to changing daylight, so their shed sometimes starts later or runs lighter, but almost all cats go through some version of it.
How often should I brush a shedding cat?
Two or three times a week covers most cats during a heavy shed. Cats with longer or thicker coats often need daily brushing for a few weeks until things slow back down.
Shop Grooming Supplies
These two tools are a good place to start, but CatCurio's Grooming Supplies collection has 46 products covering brushing, bathing, and everyday coat care.