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Cats are famous for being fastidious groomers. Their fluffy paws, pink tongues, and lounging poses make bathtime look like a luxurious spa day for them. But this routine is truly vital for their well-being. Consistent grooming helps maintain your cat’s overall health—and sometimes they need your assistance.
Understanding your cat’s fur is the first step to effective grooming. It generally consists of three types of hair: guard, awn, and down. Shedding is a natural process in early spring and fall, but molting, which is the shedding of the undercoat, can happen throughout the year.
In this article, you will learn why and how to brush a cat cooperatively and keep them tangle-free for years.
Why Does My Cat Need Regular Brushing?
Consistent brushing can help prevent your cat from ingesting loose hair, reduce furball formation, and minimize vomiting while keeping its coat healthy and shiny. It also improves muscle tone, stimulates blood circulation, and helps regulate body temperature in hot weather. Brushing for cats with long or thick coats prevents fur tangling and removes debris.
Brushing is crucial to preventing matting and knotted fur in elderly, sick, or joint-problem cats who may struggle to groom particular body parts. Combing keeps their coat in good condition and stimulates the release of endorphins and other mediators, providing a therapeutic effect. It can relax an arthritic cat and help them to cope better with pain.
Brushing is not just a grooming routine; it’s a beautiful bonding experience. It’s a time for you and your cat to connect, strengthening your relationship and providing a positive interaction for both of you.
Brush your cat at least once or twice weekly to prevent matting and reduce flaking. Long-haired cats need frequent daily brushing to avoid tangles and mats. Brushing not only helps to keep your cat’s coat healthy, but it also reduces the amount of loose fur in your home.
When Should I Start Brushing My Cat?
It’s best to start when your kitten first joins the family or when your cat is young. For kittens or adolescent cats not used to grooming, I like to start with gentle stroking on the head and face region to get them used to human touch.
Then, I ease them into grooming using a soft, clean toothbrush (similar to the mom’s tongue) while they eat or pair it with treats. Once they’re comfortable with that, I gradually introduce a hairbrush to get them used to the sensation of brushing.
The Best Grooming Equipment
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Get the right grooming tools for your cat’s unique coat and needs. You’ll want to consider your cat’s fur length and thickness, their tolerance for brushing, and any health issues such as skin and joint problems. Try different tools until you find the perfect combination that gets the job done while keeping your cat relaxed. Here are some ideas to get started:
Short-Haired Cats
Flea comb
Soft, slicker brush for young, arthritic, or elderly cats
ZoomGroom
Rubber gloves for cats that dislike grooming
Long- or Thick-Haired Cats
Wide-toothed comb or double-sided comb
Long-toothed flea comb
Prong brush for dense coats
Pin brush
Rubber pad
De-shedding equipment
Include treats and toys as part of your grooming toolbox.
Six Steps to a Healthy Coat
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Grooming can be an enjoyable experience for some cats, while it can be exciting or overstimulating for others. Selected cats may dislike it, especially if they have had a negative encounter.
Here are essential steps to brushing a cat through reward-based training and desensitization.
1. Begin When Your Cat Is Calm
Cats usually groom themselves when they are feeling relaxed. Slowly introduce brushing to your cat when they are happy and calm. Approach your cat and observe their body language to determine if they are stressed, hesitant, or relaxed. Gently pet your cat with your hand on the places you wish to groom to check if they are in the mood to be brushed.
2. Introduce the Grooming Tools
Place the brush or comb on the floor and allow your cat to explore and sniff the grooming tool. At this stage, you can give your cat a treat. Then, pick up the brush and let them explore it in your hand, allowing her to rub her head or cheek against the grooming tool.
If your cat is fearful, nervous, or hesitant about being brushed, start by picking up the brush/comb and stroking it with your hand while holding it without actually grooming it. Once your cat is relaxed (maybe the next day), start brushing its head and treating it after each brushing.
Alternatively, try simultaneously feeding your cat Churu creamy paste as you stroke it with the comb as a short-term solution. This will help your cat learn to associate brushing with a reward, making grooming a more positive experience.
3. Start With a Mat-Free Cat
Ensure your cat is mat-free. Brushing out tangled and matted fur can be very painful for your cat. Your daily grooming routine should prevent mats, but if your medium or long-haired cat does get them, or if you adopted a cat with severe matting, it’s best to seek help from a professional cat groomer or your veterinarian.
Matts usually occur under the front legs, under the chin, and around the back end, including the back legs. Removing mats or shaving your cat on your own is not recommended. Never use scissors to cut out the mats, as you may harm your cat’s skin.
4. Check for Parasites
Check your cat’s skin for fleas, lice, or ticks using a flea comb. Flea excrements are tiny black dirt that looks like a slight pepper and turns red when exposed to water. Lice can be spotted when you part the fur looking for eggs or lice movement on the skin. Ticks are usually more significant than a flea and feel like a bump or swollen area. Ticks are oval-shaped and will have an enlarged abdomen once engorged with blood.
Consult your veterinarian about appropriate parasite treatment and prevention if you find any bloodsuckers.
5. Start With the Easy Spots
Start by grooming your cat where they like to be petted, such as the cheeks and the top of the crown. Later, move on to less-tolerant areas such as the chest, back, and legs. Work in some pets and treats if they get a little nervous.
Don’t try to groom the entire body in one go. Many short bouts are much more likely to be tolerated than one long session. Move the brush or comb along the same direction as the coat and minimize handling your cat while brushing unless you need to reach a vulnerable area, such as the belly.
6. Watch for Signs of Irritation
Pause grooming immediately if your cat is uncomfortable or showing signs of distress. Indicators include flattening the ears, becoming tense, twitching their skin, lip licking, growling, or swishing their tail. Resume only when your cat is calm, and aim to set smaller goals that your cat can tolerate.
Never prevent your cat from running away to safety, as this will only hurt your relationship with your cat. If they’re not ready today, you can try again tomorrow. Always end the grooming session positively by rewarding your cat with treats and praise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you brush an unwilling cat?
When brushing an unwilling cat, be patient and gentle. Let the cat sniff the brush, stroke it with your hand, and use a soft-bristled brush. Keep the brushing sessions short (no more than a few minutes) and offer treats for positive reinforcement. If the cat is still fearful or stressed, try a human toothbrush or a rubber mitt instead.
Is brushing a cat good for them?
Brushing a cat is very good since it serves several purposes, the most important of which is maintaining healthy skin. Removing loose hair helps keep the coat unmatted and free from dander. Grooming is also essential to minimize external parasite infestation.
Do cats feel better after brushing?
Brushing your cat not only helps to keep its fur in tip-top condition, but it’s also a great way to reduce shedding, prevent mats, and provide a calming massage experience, which is particularly helpful for anxious felines.
Additionally, static electricity may build up in the cat’s fur, so brushing defuses the charge and tension. So, remember to give your cat extra TLC with a good brushing session today!
