How to Get Rid of Static Cling on Cats

Excessive static cling occurs when friction between two separate surfaces results in either a positive or a negative electrical charge. Cats with long hair commonly collect quite a bit of the shocking stuff, particularly during the fall and winter. Dry and overheated environments build up static, and combing your cat adds the electrical charge, turning your kitty into a walking static cling factory. However, there are a few simple things that you can do to remove static cling from your cat's fur.

Apply hand cream or talcum powder to your hands before touching your cat.

Rub the cat's entire coat with a nylon stocking. This is often all that is needed.

Add moisture to your cat's fur before brushing. A completely dry coat will produce static electricity when brushed or combed. Fill a plastic spray bottle with warm water and spritz the cat's coat lightly with a fine mist. However, many cats consider this to be rude treatment, and won't stand for it. If that is your kitty, just use a clean washcloth dampened with warm water to give the pet an all-over wipe. This works very well for removing static cling.

Spritz the cat's fur with an anti-static pet spray, if the pet will permit you to do so. Otherwise, apply some of the spray to a clean washcloth, and lightly rub the entire coat with it.

Groom the cat only as much as necessary with metal or Teflon-coated combs and brushes. Don't use wire slickers or plastics. Excessive brushing and combing creates static cling in the fur.