Although cats are fastidious groomers, they still shed. Short of shaving your cat, here are some great tips to prevent your home from becoming a giant furball–and to help your kitty stay sleek and hairball-free.

1. For the first grooming session, use a soft-bristled brush. Call your cat in a cheery tone and reward him with a small treat. Start at the tip of the fur and gently work deeper into his coat to prevent the brush from getting trapped in tangles or clumps.

2. Always brush in the direction of your cat’s coat. Going against the grain can irritate her skin and make her want to flee the scene when she sees you pulling out the grooming supplies.

3. To make cleanup easy, slip a piece of old pantyhose over the head of a brush before grooming. The bristles will poke through, an all you have to do is pull up on the pantyhose to discard the hair.

4. Keep brushes in various places in your house. That way, your cat can be treated to a spur-of-the-moment grooming without your having to hunt for a brush.

5. Use two-sided tape to attach plastic self-grooming combs along the lower corner of wall. These products permit your pet to rub against the plastic bristles and get a grooming any time she desires.