Long-haired cats require more grooming because their tongues can’t comb through their long coat effectively.
Every cat breed has their own specific needs and characteristics. Cats are typically divided between long and short haired. Naturally, a long-haired cat requires more grooming maintenance than a short-haired one. Though cats instinctively clean themselves, their tongues can’t comb through that long fur. Long-haired cats have beautiful fur coats, giving them a stunning appearance. Here is how to care for your long-haired cat.
Breed Specifics
Each long-haired breed is different, so they have different maintenance needs as well. The type and amount of grooming required depends on the type of fur that the cat has. If your cat has thin, silky fur, then there may never be issues with tangling. However, cats with a thicker coat may have more problems. Persian cats have very thick, long fur that needs to be brushed daily. On the contrary, Turkish Angora cats don’t have an undercoat so their fur doesn’t tangle and they don’t sheed often. Be sure to do your research on your cat’s breed so that you know what to expect.
Brushing/Combing
You want to purchase brushes and combs that are made specifically for cats which are easily found in any pet store. A lot of cats enjoy being brushed, but not all, so be sure to introduce brushing slowly and at a young age. Even if your long-haired cat never grows to enjoy brushing, it is something that still must be done. When introducing your cat to a brush or comb, allow them to smell it first. You want to always brush in the direction of the fur, starting at their head and slowly moving through the body. Start with short time increments and treats to reward them at the end, building up to longer brushing sessions as they get more comfortable.
Matting
Your long-haired cat is always at risk of getting matted fur. If the fur gets matted, you can try to use a comb to comb out the mats. Be sure to do this gently because you don’t want to yank the fur. If the matting can’t be combed out, you should take your cat to a professional and allow them to take care of it. NEVER try to use scissors to cut mats out of a cat’s fur because it’s very easy to accidentally cut their skin.
Bathing
Some long-haired cats may need to be bathed on a regular basis. How often they need baths depends on the breed and type of fur that they have. Long-haired cats can sometimes get litter or feces stuck on their fur that needs to be washed out. Some cats don’t like water, so it’s best to introduce them to bathing when they are kittens.
Contact Catonsville Cat Clinic Today!
For 20 years, the Catonsville Cat Clinic has been providing quality veterinary care to the cats of Catonsville and beyond! Dr. Pam Nesbitt, who purchased the practice in July of 2011, runs the Catonsville Cat Clinic with compassion in mind. A team of professionals with an advanced level of veterinary medicine is at your service to make sure your cat is healthy and happy. So stop on by; we’d love to get to know you and your cat!
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