Caring For Kitties With Long Hair

Does your feline pal have long hair? While all cats are adorable, longhaired cats are especially cute. Fluffy can wear a variety of colors and patterns, she does look purrticularly regal if she is extra fluffy. There aren’t many disadvantages to having a super cute pet, but you will need to assist your furry buddy with her grooming routine. Continue reading for advice from a local Peterborough, ON vet on how to care for a longhaired cat.

How Often Should You Brush Your Cat?

This is going to vary slightly. If your cat is very fluffy, brush her on a daily basis. Older cats require additional assistance with this and may require more frequent brushings. Brushing your cat once or twice a week should be sufficient in most circumstances. Ask your Peterborough, ON vet for specific advice.

Should You Give Cats Baths?

You should not have to wash Fluffy, though you can if you like. However, if you have a kitten, it’s a good idea to introduce the little one to the process. That way, if she gets something stuck in her fur, you’ll both have an easier job of it.

There are a few caveats here. (Or maybe we should call them catveats.) The most important thing is to avoid giving Fluffy too many baths. Doing so would deplete her skin and fur’s natural oils. This could make her appear dry and frizzy. Furthermore, it could irritate her skin.

It’s also critical to employ the correct tools and methods. Choose a mild shampoo designed specifically for cats. People-sized ones are too powerful for Fluffy. Also, use lukewarm water rather than hot water. Finally, do not get suds in your cat’s eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. A pitcher can be used for rinsing. Alternatively, you can just clean your cat’s head with a facecloth.

What else should you remember? A matted cat should never be bathed. That will only exacerbate the situation—in this example, the mats.

What Should I Do If My Cat Becomes Matted?

Fluffy cats are prone to mats. They are especially common in older cats. This could be due to a number of factors. For starters, your pet will find it more difficult to bend and stretch as she gets older. Furthermore, older cats’ skin may produce more oil than younger cats’ skin. This can also create matting.

However, mats can occasionally be an indication of a medical problem. If your feline friend is getting a lot of mats, consult with your Peterborough, ON veterinarian.

Gently remove any mats that may have formed on your cat. You don’t want to pull too much. Cats’ skin is very sensitive and easily torn. You may need to put some effort into it. Petting your cat and possibly giving her a treat will reassure her.

Begin at the very end of the mat. You might apply a detangling spray on it. Getting a special mat-removing comb isn’t a bad idea, either.

Some mats may require shaving. You might be able to remove a little one, but large mats would necessitate a visit to your doctor or groomer. When cutting mats, take extreme caution. It’s easy to accidentally injure your feline friend!

Do I Need To Shave My Cat?

Kitties sometimes need to be shaved. This is generally the case when cats become too elderly or ill to care after their fur. Chubby cats also have difficulty bending and stretching enough to reach their complete bodies.

This is not something that should be done at home. Consult with your veterinarian or groomer. Fluffy hair may also benefit from just a trim.

Are Long-Haired Cats More Prone To Hairballs?

Hairballs are an undesirable byproduct of one of Fluffy’s better qualities: cleanliness. When washing herself, your tiny diva will undoubtedly swallow a bit of her own fur. Unfortunately, cats can’t digest their own fur. We probably don’t need to tell you much about what happens next, except to say that it’s not Fluffy’s cutest trick.

Hairballs are more than simply an unsightly annoyance. They can be dangerous.  If the hairball becomes caught in Fluffy’s gastrointestinal tract, it may result in a blockage, which may be both painful and hazardous.

This is another reason why longhaired cats require grooming. Also, make sure your kitty companion is properly fed and has access to fresh water at all times. If your pet appears to be having a lot of hairballs, consult your vet.

Are Fluffy Cats Very Hard To Care For?

Longhaired cats, for the most part, require the same care as any other felines. Fluffy needs good food, a clean litterbox, comfortable shelter, and, of course, proper veterinary care. That should cover the fundamentals. To start that little engine, you’ll also need to supply affection, toys, and lap space. (Your feline overlord will also appreciate catnip, sunbeams, and boxes). The main difference is Fluffy will require more assistance with grooming than a shorthaired kitty would.

Cats, by nature, are extremely clean. Aside from the fact that they are really cute, cuddly, fun, and amusing, this is one of the nicest things about them. Your kitty companion will take time out of her hectic daily snoozing and mischief schedule to keep her coat in good condition. Longhaired cats may find it difficult to follow that beauty maintenance regimen. That is a lot of fur to keep up with!

Brush your pet on a regular basis. This will not only make things easier for Fluffy, but also for you, because cat fur will no longer be everywhere. You’ll use a brush to remove any loose fur before it ends up on your sofa.

Grooming A Longhaired Cat

Brushing Fluffy is simple … assuming she agrees. Wait until your kitty companion is calm and relaxed. (Given that cats spend so much time napping, this won’t take long.) If your cat prefers to sit on your lap, you can wait until she has gotten comfy. Just begin petting her, moving your hand in the direction of her fur. Next, add the brush.

Grooming is something that many cats appreciate. Fluffy is likely reminded of when she was younger and her mother used to groom her. Kitties who have formed a strong bond with each other frequently groom one another. Cats are not the only ones who do this; horses, primates, and birds do as well. Don’t be surprised if your pet begins to purr or lick your hand. Then again, she may also bite you. You never know with kitties.

Of course, all of our feline friends are unique individuals. Some cats appreciate being groomed. Others … don’t. You don’t want to force the issue. If your pet can only handle a few brush strokes at a time, you may need to space them out. Don’t try to make her submit if she wants to get away. That will just make her less agreeable to getting groomed in the future. Plus, you could very well get scratched.

Another tip? Try to brush your pet’s complete body, not just her back. Longhaired cats frequently get tangles in their ‘armpits,’ so your pet may require special assistance there.

Schedule An Appointment At Our Peterborough, ON Pet Clinic

Have any questions regarding how to care for a longhaired cat? Contact your local Peterborough, ON veterinarian clinic now!