With their soft, luscious coats and fluffy tummies, long-haired cats are magnificent. But they also need a bit of extra maintenance. All that fabulous fur is often too much for your cat to groom by themselves. They need a bit of help to keep it in tip-top condition.
Short-haired cats need a bit of help grooming too. A quick brush once a week should do it. But long-haired cats need brushing daily to prevent their fur from becoming tangled and matted.
If you have a long-haired cat who needs some grooming help, follow our top tips for preventing a bad fur day.
1. Set a routine
Cats are creatures of habit, so try to brush your moggy at around the same time each day. Find a time when they are likely to be calm and relaxed enough to sit still for you. Try to avoid when they’ve got the post-mealtime zoomies!
Setting aside some time to groom your cat every day is a great way for the two of you to bond. It also gives you the opportunity to give them a quick health check. Look out for any fleas or lumps while you brush. Find out more about fleas.
2. Brush up on your technique
There are lots of different types of grooming tools you can use. From combs and brushes to special grooming gloves. It may take a bit of time to find the one your cat is most comfortable with. Once they’re happy with your tool of choice, watch our video to find out how to master your grooming technique.
3. Check their grooming habits
As well as a daily brush, your cat is likely to still groom themselves from time to time. Keep an eye on their own personal beauty routine so you can look out for any changes. If they start grooming a lot more or less than usual, this could be a sign of a health issue. Book them in for a vet visit as soon as possible.
4. Feed a healthy diet
Giving your cat food packed with the right nutrients for their needs will help to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Choose a ‘complete’ cat food that is right for their life stage. Avoid feeding them human foods and too many cat treats. These wont contain the vitamins and minerals needed for luscious locks. Find out what to feed your cat.
5. Look out for mats
Regular brushing should prevent any large knots of matted fur from forming. But if you do spot any mats in your cat’s fur then do not try to brush them out yourself. If the knots have grown close to the skin, there is a risk of ripping or tearing the skin when you brush them out. It is especially dangerous to try to cut them out with scissors.
If your cat’s fur has become matted, take them to a vet. They will be able to perform a ‘de-mat’ haircut while your cat is sedated. Avoid taking them to a cat groomer as they will not be able to sedate your cat. Your cat will likely experience a lot of pain and stress if they are awake during the procedure.
6. Clear up the hair
It’s possible for the loose hair you groom off of your cat to become tangled in their fur, leading to mats. It's a good idea to vacuum to clear up the debris from your brushing sessions.
