Believe it or not, there are a few secrets to grooming a long-haired cat. Cats with longer fur tend to mat and tangle quickly, becoming terribly unruly in a short period of time. This can create significant grooming difficulties, and, ultimately, a very unhappy kitty. After all, just like a human’s hair feels uncomfortable when it’s tangled, a cat’s fur can be equally unpleasant when matted and clinging to the skin in messy clumps of tangles and old fur. Grooming a long-haired cat is essential not only for their comfort but for their safety as well.
Cats with severe tangles and mats are at a much higher risk of infection. The discomfort caused by tangled fur can make the cat scratch and gnaw at it, leading to irritation on their skin. This scratching often results in open sores, which, if unnoticed, can easily develop into infections. These infections can become quite severe by the time they are discovered, usually marked by a foul odor and other infected material.
Grooming a long-haired cat is only as easy as the cat makes it. Some cats make the process so difficult that the human involved is tempted to give up. If you’re considering giving up, it’s best to pick up the phone and book an appointment with a professional groomer. The small cost of paying for professional grooming is negligible compared to the potential vet bills if an infection develops. That said, some cats actually love grooming time and will even help out by rolling over, stretching, and providing a cooperative surface to work with. Most cats fall somewhere in between.
Grooming Tips for Long-Haired Cats
Some humans bathe their cats, which may be necessary depending on the cat, its aroma, and other factors. However, never, ever bathe a long-haired cat and then immediately follow up with a cat comb or brush. Brushing a long-haired cat’s wet fur can be torturous for the cat. Pulling and yanking at wet fur makes for a painful experience. Always wait for the fur to dry completely before combing out any knots, and then follow up with a brush.
Perhaps it need not be said, but using a vacuum cleaner on a long-haired cat is not a good idea. While some cats actually enjoy being vacuumed, the rolling brush in the vacuum cleaner can get their fur caught, causing pain. Even attachments without a roller brush can hurt a long-haired cat. The way a long-haired kitty runs for its life when the vacuum appears is usually evidence enough that they don’t appreciate the experience. Cats who enjoy it will often stretch out, awaiting their turn for a “vacuuming session.”
There are specially designed combs and brushes that make grooming a long-haired cat much easier. A long-haired cat is a commitment—commitment to the daily brushings required to keep their long, luxurious fur under control. If you’re not willing to make that commitment, a short-haired cat may be a better choice for you. While short-haired cats still require grooming, they don’t need the same level of attention as their long-haired counterparts.
The most important thing is to keep a regular grooming schedule. No brush, no matter how perfect, will make up for an ignored grooming routine. If you try to groom your long-haired cat only once a month, you’ll likely find that nothing short of scissors will get the job done. If scissors are becoming your only option, it’s time to either step up your grooming schedule or seek professional help. A professional groomer can offer invaluable advice, check your grooming tools, and even recommend better equipment or techniques for getting your cat to sit still during grooming.
Cats are not as fond of human attention as dogs are. Unlike dogs, who often see grooming as a treat, cats would prefer to be left alone if it means avoiding the brush. However, cats who were routinely groomed as kittens are more likely to tolerate and even enjoy grooming as adults. Even though most kittens’ fur doesn’t require much care in their early stages, starting grooming habits early can ensure that your long-haired cat gets used to it. For those with uncertain futures, who aren’t sure how long their cat’s fur will grow, starting early is the best way to avoid problems later.
If you become adept at grooming your long-haired cat, and your cat cooperates, the likelihood of encountering the common problems associated with neglected grooming is minimal. While grooming doesn’t prevent flea infestations, it can help you catch one early—before it escalates from a few fleas to hundreds. It can also help you spot a tick before it spreads Lyme disease to your feline friend, as well as prevent the uncomfortable mats and tangles that result from scratching. Proper grooming can save you and your kitty from the hassle of those nasty furballs that fall out during the inevitable scratching. These concerns are important to consider before bringing a long-haired cat into your home and calling it yours.
