Whether or not you realized it at the time, when you adopted a long-haired cat into your house, you committed to providing daily coat care. It’s essential to brush your cat’s hair every day to prevent mats, which can cause sores and even infections. Here are five suggestions to aid you in maintaining your beloved friend’s beauty.
1. Get the appropriate equipment for the work
Grooming long-haired cats requires some specialized tools. Most groomers recommend a wire slicker brush, an undercoat brush with a combination of wide and narrow teeth, a finer-toothed comb to go through the undercoat after you use the narrower brush, a flea comb for short-furred areas like the head, and a mat splitter. You may be able to substitute a letter opener like the one shown here for a mat splitter.
2. Get them started young
It’s best to start getting your cat acquainted with grooming at an early age. Professional groomers and breeders say you can begin grooming your kitten as young as eight weeks of age.
3. Establishing trust gradually
Not all long-haired cats get used to grooming as kittens, however, so you may still have a job in front of you when you begin grooming an adult cat. The good news is that while you’re acquainting her with the joy of a good brushing and combing, you can start easy. In the beginning, groom her back first. Cats tend to be less stressed when you’re not approaching vulnerable parts like the belly. Be sure to reward her patience with her favorite treats. Popular Read: Why Does My Cat Scratch The Sides Of The Litter Box? – Simple Explanation
4. Don’t forget to groom your entire kitty
Mats are most likely to form in the armpits and abdomen, so don’t neglect these areas when you brush and comb your cat.
5. Be kind if you come across mats
Don’t tug on mats. It hurts and you may rip your cat’s delicate skin. Instead, use a mat splitter to cut the mat into smaller pieces, which you can then remove with a comb. I’ve also found that if you can grasp the hair by the roots and begin combing the mat out from the end of the hair, it relieves some of the pain of tugging and allows you to get the mat out a little bit at a time.
This video shows a groomer working on a long-haired cat. The production value isn’t awesome, but you can see what’s involved.
If you go to a professional groomer, ask her or him for tips on how you can keep your cat’s coat in good shape between appointments.