It’s important to brush your long-haired cat regularly to keep their coat knot-free and healthy. To do it correctly, you need the right accessories, healthy habits, and a healthy lifestyle.
The right equipment to brush my long-haired cat
A few tools are necessary to brush your long-haired cat. You will need a brush or comb, scissors, and a few care products such as cat shampoo.
Should I use a brush or a comb?
Brushing a cat with long hair requires the right equipment. Brushes and combs are two possible tools.
If your cat has knots in their fur, a comb is preferable as it is better at untangling them. Also, if you notice that your cat is scratching themselves regularly, this could be caused by parasites. In this case, a comb is a good option because of the length and fineness of its teeth. If you decide to use a comb, it is best if it is made of metal or stainless steel. These kinds of combs are more durable.
Brushes are also another good option. However, they are typically better for short-haired cats. This is because brushes sometimes have a harder time grabbing on to all of the hairs. With that being said, brushes are useful because of how fast they are to use.
Choosing the right tool to brush your pet is important as it will determine the quality of their grooming.
Scissors
As we explained earlier, brushing a long-haired cat requires the right equipment for every job. Scissors can also be very useful. It is recommended to use cat hair scissors for a few different reasons. First, to remove persistent knots. Secondly, to control the volume of the coat. And lastly, to style your cat’s fur. Depending on what your goal is, there are several types of scissors.
Curved scissors are usually used for knots. Regarding straight scissors, they allow a precise and clean cut. Another type of scissors is sculpting scissors, which are used to thicken the hair and get rid of knots. They give the coat a softer, livelier look. Lastly, thinning scissors, as their name suggests, allow you to thin out the coat.
The way in which you use the scissors is important. You have to be extra careful to avoid hurting your cat. To avoid any potential danger, it is recommended to use a cat comb at the base of the hair before cutting it. If the knots are too big, or the cut is difficult to make, it is best use a brush specifically designed to get rid of knots or call a professional cat groomer. It should also be noted that cats generally do not appreciate having their hair cut. Long-haired cat owners must proceed delicately and avoid cutting their cat’s hair too often.
Using care products on a long-haired cat
To facilitate and guarantee better results when brushing, it is recommended to use appropriate care products. If the comb is not enough to remove parasites from their coat, it is worth using a veterinary shampoo specifically designed for this. However, keep in mind that this type of shampoo should not be used more than three times a week as it may cause an irregular production of sebum. If your little hairballs really does not like water, dry shampoos are available for this type of situation. These help to restore the coat’s shine.
There are also other ways to fight excess sebum. For example, you can use talcum powder and corn flour. They help regulate secretion and make detangling easier. The only drawback to this practice is that you’ll have to brush the hair thoroughly to remove all the powder. For long-haired cats, conditioner sprays also exist to make brushing easier and coat the hair. The quality of a cat’s brushing also depends on the products used. Combing a coat that has not been cleaned beforehand does not guarantee very good results. Don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian or groomer for advice in case of parasites.
Techniques for brushing your long-haired cat
Here are few techniques that you can follow in order to keep your cat’s coat nice and healthy.
Adopting a brushing technique is necessary for good coat care. Make sure to brush your cat with gentle strokes. If you start brushing your cat when they are young, they are more likely to get used to these types of strokes more easily.
When using a comb, it should always be used in the same direction as the hair. For long-haired cats, it’s best to start with a wide-tooth comb and use a finer one right after. This will help with difficult spots and knots. The comb is used preferably by body zones. Around the hindquarters or the base of the tail, it’s recommended to use a comb with wide teeth. A finer comb is more suitable for sensitive areas such as the belly and the legs.
Brushes allow for more delicate strokes and are useful when you want to remove as much dead hair as possible. It also allows you to brush certain sensitive areas such as the face much more gently.
Why should I brush my cat regularly?
It’s important to take into account how often your cat needs to be brushed. This can be determined by weighing several factors. For your cat’s health, it’s best to brush them regularly to ensure that they do not have any parasites. Brushing also allow you to notice wounds, lumps, or roughness. If dirt is not removed from these, it can lead to bacteria or infections. Combing cats regularly is also great because it lessens the amount of dead hair falling around the house.
The type of hair that your cat has is another factor that affects how frequently your cat needs to be brushed. In general, cats with longer hair are more likely to get tangles in their hair. To prevent this, brushing should be done regularly. Another reason that it is important to brush your long-haired cat regularly is so that your cat could get used to it. It is highly recommended to start brushing them as a kitten when possible.
The benefits of brushing your cat
There are many benefits when it comes to brushing a long-haired cat. First, from a health perspective, it helps with their blood circulation. This is because the stimulation brings oxygen and nutrients to their cells, allowing them to evacuate body waste. Brushing also strengthens muscle tone and keep the skin tissue nice and firm. Furthermore, they are less likely to have hairballs because brushing removes a lot of their dead hair.
Additionally, by stimulating the glands at the base of the coat, it helps protect them from hot and cold temperatures. Lastly, one of the benefits of grooming is that it allows you to develop a better bond with your cat. It’s a time for you and your cat to really enjoy each other’s company.