TheCleaners.net

It's finally The Day -- perhaps when you're meeting her parents for the first time... or when you finally have that interview you angled after three months of effort... maybe it's when you have the third date with Mr. Right.  And you glance down and see little bits of Fluffy clinging to your lapel.

You love your pets, and they're part of your family, but sometimes you wish they were less affectionate when you are on your way out the door.  So since you know you'll have the problem of free-floating pet fur, we have a few tips to minimize it and make life less hairy.  Along the way, you'll find out more about your pet's health, and a few amusing things to do with all that fur -- read on and find out.

Also, I couldn't resist inserting a couple of photos of cats from our family.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Jim Nixon,
The Cleaners

Fast Facts

• There are about 73 million cats owned in the US.
• There are about 68 million dogs owned in the US.
• While most dog owners (65%) own just one dog, over half of the cat owners (51%) have two or more cats.
• 100% of cat or dog owners struggle with pet fur on clothing and furniture!

UnShed Coupon

Even black cats seem to shed white fur! Let's de-hair the dark clothes and start out fresh again.  Have any 2 items cleaned at regular price and we'll do a dark item at no charge!  (Include the first page of this e-mail with your order. Offer expires 1/17/04. Cannot be combined with other offers.)

Pet Peeves

If you had to ask pet owners for the one thing they wish they could change about their pets, it would probably be, "Can you make him not shed any more?"  It doesn't seem to matter what color the dog or cat (or ferret or rabbit or whatever pet you have) is, the fur all seems to stand out like glow-in-the-dark string on your favorite outfit.  So, can you get them to shed less?

In a word -- YES!

(Oh, and just in case you're worried, the cat at left was not harmed in the making of this photo.  She sleeps in that can all the time.)

A Brush with Success

The easiest way to cut down on animal shedding is also probably the easiest and most enjoyable for both of you.  Brush them. Regularly. Thoroughly.  You'll be amazed at how it helps.  While not eliminating all pet shedding (some is natural with the changing of seasons, and can't be avoided) just think of each hair you get on the brush as one less that can find its way to your slacks or your jacket or your sweater.

In addition, both cats and dogs enjoy the socializing aspects of a good brushing.  If you've not brushed them before, you may need to work into it gradually.  With cats, sometimes just holding the brush in front of them will cause them to rub against it -- first in experimentation, and then with enjoyment.  Be sure to brush all areas of your pet, and even brush backwards (against the grain) to get at loose hair (with a final brush in the right direction to straighten it all out again.)  Brush in smooth strokes, with a firm but not heavy hand.

Brushing every few days also gives you a good chance to examine your pet thoroughly, and keep an eye out for any problems. What should you look for?  Any changes in skin color, consistency or a swelling beneath the skin can indicate a problem.

• Common Skin and Coat Conditions -- A great site with information on pet allergies, fleas, skin conditions, parasites, and warning signs about when to see the vet.

There are different types and sizes of brushes. Be sure to get the right one for your size and type of pet. For cats, if the brush feels painful on the skin on the back of  your hand, it will probably be equally unpleasant for your cat.  For dogs, bigger dogs or those with thicker coats need different types of brushes.  There are even brushes made like gloves, so your pet thinks you're just being friendly, not grooming him.

Visit your pet supply store and if necessary, ask for assistance in picking out the right brush.  Then make brushing a habit every few days, and you'll see a significant reduction in pet fur on your clothing and furniture.

A Hairy Problem

Getting pet hair off your clothing and furniture is an unending battle, and so of course manufacturers have come up with all kinds of ways to help you.  We're all familiar with the old stand-by, the Lint Roller.  These really do work great... but somehow have the annoying habit of running out of sheets just when you're HALF through with an outfit.

Other Options

For the Pet:

• There are several items on the market that are food additives for your pet which will increase the oil in the skin and make it less likely to shed hair.  You can also check with your vet about products for this purpose.  The link above is for one you can check out online.
• Anti-Shedding Wipes for Cats -- these are pre-moistened cloths that you wipe over your cat to keep hair in place.  Some have a slight odor or leave a stickiness that you might not care for, but if you shop around you can find one you like.
• Pet Fur Net -- Really!  You can get a jacket-type garment to put on your dog (not sure if these come in cat sizes, and most cats we know would be out of them before you can say, "catnip!") that keep the hair from coming off on your furniture or clothing.

Your Clothing and Furniture

• Lint Rollers - We sell them!
• Lint Pick-up Sheets -- these are great for in your purse, wallet or car.  Packages come about the size of a credit card, and have several small sticky-backed sheets you can use for those last-minute discreet fix-ups.  Check in the laundry section.  These are often on small strip displays hanging in that area.
• Evercare Pet Hair Remover Sponge -- it's more than just a sponge, it has special surfaces on top and bottom that remove hair from clothing, upholstery, curtains, carpets.
• Pet Hair Grabber -- is the same shape as a lint-roller, but uses a special rubber-type roller that you can then rinse off and reuse, never needing a refill. (Click on link for item above.  These are on the same page.)
• When in a hurry and guests are on their way, the easiest is still the old damp sponge trick.  Dampen a sponge and brush with firm strokes on just about anything to remove the pet fur.

You tend to notice more fur in different light (bathroom light is notorious for not showing it all to you, and then you step into the sunshine or the boss's office and... oops!)  So whatever product you find that really works for you, get plenty of it.  Keep one in the bath or wherever you dress; keep one by the door so you can give yourself a quick touch-up after Bingo says his affectionate goodbye; keep one in the car; keep one at the office; one in your purse or something small in your wallet.  Pet fur is just a friendly reminder of their presence in your life if you can get it off simply and quickly,  so don't let it ruin your day.

...after a 
       hard day
          at the office!

                                                       (Piedmont, Greeley, CO)