Tips for Grooming Long Haired Cats at Home

Long haired cats are beautiful pets to own but they come with an added chore that short haired cats don't have. It's vital to properly maintain your long haired cats coat. While you could pay a groomer to maintain your cats beauty, you can also learn to do it at home. Grooming long haired cats at home can easily be done using a few simple tips.

Grooming Long Haired Cats

It's vital to groom your long haired cat because it can actually produce a number of benefits for you and your pet. Grooming long haired cats prevents hair balls and eliminates matted hair. The grooming reduces the shedding a cat causes, which in return reduces allergens. This special time spent grooming your cat will strengthen the bond between you and your beloved pat.

Preparation

Before taking on the task of grooming your long haired cat, you'll need to be properly prepared. Preparation requires the correct tools. You'll need both a regular comb and a shedding comb, as well as a pin brush and slicker brush. You will also need a non aerosol coat spray.

Preparation also includes preparing your cat. If this is the first time your pet has been groomed keep the session short and simple. You can gradually build the length of the sessions as your pet becomes more comfortable. Make sure your cat's happy and relaxed through the entire experience. This will make the experience not only pleasant for the cat, but you as well because the chance of being bitten or scratched is reduced.

Find a counter or table to use to groom your cat. If one's not available, cover your lap with a towel and place the cat on your lap. If you do use a table or counter, make sure the surface is covered with a non-slip mat.

Getting Started

When grooming your long haired cat, start with the nails. Although it's handy, you don't need animal nail clippers. You can use human nail clippers just as easily. It's easy to cut cats claws properly because their nails are translucent. Make sure you cut above the quick in the cats claws to reduce pain and bleeding.

Brushing and Combing

To begin maintaining the cats coat use the slicker brush first. Fluff the coat with your hands to loosen the layers and then lightly brush the coat from the skin to the end of the hair. Next, spray the coat with the coat spray to reduce static.

Next, use a comb that has medium spacing to reduce pulling and promote detangling. The comb will remove any excess in the undercoat. Afterwards, use the shedding comb. Your cat will probably enjoy the shedding comb the most because it doesn't pull the hair.

Finishing Up

It's important to end the grooming session with a happy cat. Spend a few minutes just petting and praising the cat. Maybe give a few treats. This will let your cat know something enjoyable comes at the end of each session. The grooming should be repeated weekly.

References:
"Grooming Long-Haired Cats at Home" www.cats.com

"Grooming a Long-Haired Cat" www.marshu.com