Long-haired cats are beautiful, most definitely, but they require more work than normal short-haired breeds. If you are the proud owner of a furry meow friend, you probably have tried just about everything to keep the fur from covering your upholstery (and pant leg). No doubt, there is more work involved to curb the fur tumbleweeds from flying.
This is where your team at Union Lake Pet Services come in. Not only can we groom your long-haired bestie, we can also give you tips on how to groom a long -haired cat (without too much struggle).
Helpful Tips to Groom a Long-Haired Cat
If you are like most cat owners, the thought of giving your cat a shampoo or a brush-out is the stuff of nightmares. It’s true that most cats need to be eased into grooming and to get used to being handled in that way. But it is entirely possible to do a great job grooming your fur friend without much fuss.
Cats with longer fur require more frequent grooming to avoid tangles, mats, and other fur catastrophes. Here are tips to make the session a positive one and to keep your cat’s skin and coat healthy.
1. Daily brushing is a must – Yes, yes, it may seem excessive, but when it comes to long-haired cats, they need this routine. Even cats with medium-long fur can benefit from your focused attention on the coat and on them! You will notice a distinct difference in the amount of fur that ends up on the floor and furniture, and your cat’s coat will shine.
2. Ease your pet into brushing – Many cats enjoy the brush, but it takes a while for them to acclimate to it. If you start your kitten off on a usual daily brushing routine, all the better. Keep brushing sessions short and stop brushing if your cat is noticeably uncomfortable. Resume a session later.
3. Choose a time when your cat is relaxed – After your cat wakes up from a nap, eats their meal, or is self-grooming are all times when they are calm and relaxed. This is also a good time to bond with your cat, while brushing them and giving them treats for the effort.
4. Choose your tools – To effectively remove loose and dead fur from the coat, we recommend the Furminator or a good quality comb. This helps pick up the loose fur that is down close to the skin and it reduces tangles and matted fur.
5. Brush the tail – After you comb the body, switch to a brush that’s designed for cats. Brush your cat’s tail from the base out, paying careful attention not to pull or tug on the fur.
6. Detangle the fur – Long hair tangles and then turns into tough mats that are hard to brush. Mats can lead to skin problems when left unmanaged. Use a great spray-on conditioner for cats, or deflecting sprays that are perfect for long-haired kitties. Some cat owners also swear by certain oils (like coconut) that you can comb into the fur for manageability and coat health.
7. The dreaded bath – The good news is that most cats don’t need baths unless they are either ill or geriatric, or they got into something outdoors. Cats are adept self-groomers when they are in good health, but there may be occasions that they need a bath. Speak to us about ways to bathe your cat without creating stress for them or you, or call us to schedule an appointment for your best friend.
When There’s Trouble
If you maintain your cat’s coat health, they shouldn’t have any major problems with matted fur or an unkempt coat. If you notice that your long-haired cat has issues with their fur, such as hair loss, redness of skin, dull or dry coat, etc. then health issues might be the problem.
Here are issues to watch for:
- Vitamin deficiency
- Change in food
- Parasite infestation, such as fleas, worms, etc.
- Stress related hair loss
- Strain or stress on the body, such as right after a surgery or labor
- Certain diseases, such as hormonal changes, metabolic changes, and auto-immune disorders
If you suspect that your cat’s coat health should be better, or if you notice any of these signs, then make an appointment. It’s important that your pet gets a clean bill of health before addressing other coat specific problems, which we can also help you with!
Don’t let a hairy house get you down. With the right tools and techniques, you can reduce shedding, and your furry friend will have a healthy and amazing coat that shines. For more suggestions on how to groom a long-haired cat, we are here for you. Please call!