Grooming Tips for Long-Haired Cats
Cat owners tend to think of their cats as fairly self-sufficient. Cats enjoy a lot of alone time, they groom themselves and they teach themselves to use their litter box. However, if your cat has long hair, they will require your help with regular grooming. Long-haired cats can become matted easily, leading to painful sores and infections. They are also more prone to problems from digesting hair.
Cat Grooming Tools
You’ll need a few tools to keep your pet looking and feeling its best. Start with a good quality wire slicker brush. You’ll also need an undercoat brush with a combination of wide and narrow teeth, a comb and a flea comb. Before using these, you will need to make sure that all of your tools are intended for use on cats. Dog grooming tools are typically too hard for use on a cat’s delicate skin. If you are unsure of which tools to use, contact your local cat groomer.
Start Young and Build Your Cat’s Trust Over Time
Starting your cat’s grooming routine when they are young ensures long-term success. You can introduce your cat to a gentle comb or brush when they are as young as eight weeks old. Work slowly and use a soft voice as your kitten adjusts to being brushed. Groom all areas, including their belly and tail. Start slowly, and only do what they will allow. Offer treats after each grooming session. For the best results, groom your cat daily.
If your cat is older, it’s important to begin a grooming routine as soon as possible. Start by brushing their back. Talk to them and offer treats. Once they are used to having their back brushed, you can start moving to other areas of their body. Work slowly and never do more than they will allow.
What To Do When You Find Mats
Mats are clumps of tangled fur. They can be small like peas or large like golf balls. They are usually found against the skin. When left alone, mats grow in size and pull on your pet’s skin. They can be extremely painful and sores can easily develop underneath them.
If you find mats on your cat, it’s important that you don’t try to pull them out. Because a cat’s skin is so thin, pulling and cutting mats is dangerous, and can cause serious injury to your cat. A professional cat groomer can remove mats from your cat quickly and safely. They can also provide you with some tips on how to prevent them from returning.
For more information about cat grooming, please call us at 714-962-1005.