4 Grooming Tips For Long-Haired Cats
Posted on: 15 June 2016
Cats with long, thick fur are often considered stunning by people who adore them. Unfortunately, there is significant care that comes along with this beautiful coat to prevent their fur from tangling and keep them healthy. Read on to find out about some regular grooming you should do on your cat.
Develop A Grooming Schedule
You should consider implementing a grooming schedule from the moment your new friend comes home. Since you cannot always tell how long your cat's coat will become when they are a kitten, you should recognize the schedule you choose may change as they grow. You may choose a specific day of the week to thoroughly brush their coat. For cats with long, thick coats, they may need significant brushing several times per week.
To help your cat become more comfortable with the idea of brushing, you should integrate small amounts of grooming daily. When you are petting your cat, gently brush them a few times. The more comfortable they become with small grooming sessions, they may be more tolerant of thorough brushing. When the seasons change from the colder to warmer months, you should brush your cat more often since they will shed more.
Use The Right Brush
The appropriate brush for your cat may depend on its temperament and their coat. If possible, you should try out a couple of different brushes that are specifically made for cats and find one that your cat enjoys. The longer and denser your cat's coat, the longer bristles you may need to ensure you are reaching their undercoat. Find a brush that does not require you to apply significant pressure to brush through their fur. You want to minimize the chances of causing skin irritation as you brush.
Do Occasional Trimming
Even if you will take your cat to the groomer's periodically, you should do a few trims between visits. The part of your cat that may require extra maintenance is their backside and tail. Stool and litter can easily become matted within their fur. When particles become stuck in their fur, it can make brushing out tangles impossible and large chunks of fur may need to be cut away. An occasional trim can keep their fur at a manageable level and make it easier for your cat to clean itself.
Incorporate The Appropriate Food
Since long-haired cats are more likely to develop hairballs, it helps to incorporate food into their diet that is designed to reduce hairballs. Many food formulations, both wet and dry, are specially designed for long-haired cats. You can buy or grow your own cat grass to help with digestive concerns. In nature, cats often chew vegetation when their stomach is upset. If you grow your own cat grass, your cat will have a safe supply of plants to eat as needed.
There is added responsibility that comes with being the owner of a long-haired cat. By putting in extra effort, you can minimize tangles and hairballs before they become a significant problem. If you have any concerns about your cat, take them to a place like Columbine Animal Hospital & Emergency Clinic.
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