Cats with long hair possess a striking beauty due to their smooth, velvety coats and fluffy bellies. Nevertheless, they require additional attention as the abundance of fur can be cumbersome for them to groom independently. At Kennesaw, our vets will provide valuable advice on how to avoid a messy fur day.
How to Groom a Cat with Long Hair
Even short-haired cats require some grooming attention. A weekly quick brush is usually enough. However, grooming long-haired cats need daily brushing to prevent their fur from getting tangled and matted.
If you have a long-haired cat that needs grooming, we have some top tips to help on how to groom a cat with long hair:
- Set a routine: It's best to establish a routine when grooming your cat as they thrive on consistency. Choose a time when they are most likely to be relaxed and composed, avoiding post-mealtime hyperactivity. Devoting daily grooming sessions to your feline pal is an excellent bonding experience while also providing a chance for you to inspect their overall health by checking for fleas or unusual lumps during the grooming process.
- Brush up on your technique: Explore an extensive selection of grooming equipment for your feline friend, such as combs, brushes, and grooming gloves designed for specific needs. It may require some effort to identify the tool that best suits your cat's comfort. Once you have found their preferred grooming tool, learn effective techniques by watching our instructional video.
- Monitor their grooming habits: make sure to observe your cat's grooming habits even if they regularly brush themselves. If you notice any significant increase or decrease in their grooming behavior, it could indicate a potential health problem. In such cases, it's important to schedule a vet appointment promptly.
- Feed a healthy diet: providing your cat with the appropriate food that meets their nutritional requirements can help keep their coat shiny and healthy. It is advisable to choose a "complete" cat food that is suitable for their life stage and to refrain from feeding them human food or excessive cat treats, as they lack the necessary vitamins and minerals for luxurious fur. minerals for luxurious fur.
- Look out for mats: To prevent the formation of large mats of fur in your cat's coat, it's best to regularly brush them. However, if you do notice any mats, it's important not to try and brush them out yourself. If the mats have grown close to the skin, there's a risk of injuring your cat while trying to remove them, and using scissors is particularly dangerous. In the event that your cat's fur becomes matted, it's advisable to take them to a veterinarian who can safely sedate them and perform a 'de-mat' haircut. It's not recommended to take your cat to a groomer as they won't be able to sedate your cat, and the procedure could cause them a lot of pain and distress.
- Clean up the hair: To prevent mats from forming in your cat's fur, removing loose hair during brushing sessions and vacuuming regularly to clear away any debris is important. This will ensure that your feline friend's coat stays healthy and free of tangles.
To make grooming a positive experience for your long-haired cat, it may be helpful to break down the sessions into shorter periods. It's important to make grooming a regular part of their routine and reward them with treats or affection to reinforce good behavior. Not only does it help maintain their health, but it's also a great opportunity to strengthen your bond with your furry friend.
Professional Cat & Dog Grooming Services
Even though long-haired cats require assistance with grooming, they may not always enjoy it. If you are considering professional cat grooming services, it's important to know that it can help keep your pet looking and feeling healthy, clean, and well-groomed. At North Cobb Animal Hospital, our experienced groomers are experts in grooming cats of all breeds, sizes, and shapes. They are gentle and attentive to every aspect of your pet's appearance, ensuring they receive the best care possible while saving you time and energy.
Learn more on Pet Grooming & Bathing