Brushing your cat can be one of the best pampering sessions you give them while also taking their hygiene to a greater level. Here are five tips for brushing your cat just the way they like it. A cat has about 130,000 hairs per square inch of its body. And while it’s a master at self-grooming but a little help from a brush will go a long way in removing any extra dirt or debris caught between those strands.
Regular brushing prevents fur from getting tangled and matted as it spreads the natural oil secreted by your cat’s skin to smoothen their coat and maintain its luster.
This simple act of grooming your cat will also ensure adequate blood circulation and help you spot any fleas camping out in their fur.
Short-haired cats can be brushed once a week. Long-haired cats will appreciate a thorough brush daily or every alternate day. Brushing your cat shouldn’t be done in mindlessly or in haste. Take the opportunity to bond with them while they’re happy and relaxed.
Here are five tips to making a brushing experience as enjoyable as possible for them.
1. Pay attention to your cat’s comfort level
Start by gently brushing the areas where your cat usually likes to be stroked, like the back, between the ears or under the chin. As your cat gradually relaxes and becomes more receptive to the brushing sensation, slowly move on to more sensitive areas like the belly. If this causes annoyance or aggression, stop immediately and go back to brushing the areas that they enjoy.
2. Select the right brush
Metal brushes can be used to dislodge loose and dead cat fur while rubber brushes are great at removing dead hair. Use a dual-sided brush with softer bristles or a pin brush side according to the intensity of matting and the area you’re brushing.
3. Use dematting sprays and conditioners
Dematting sprays and conditioners are a godsend when it comes to smoothing your cat’s fur. It also needs less effort when brushing matted fur. Dematting sprays are available online or in the local stores for a very reasonable price.
4. Use professional shaving tools
The best way to remove heavily matted cat fur is by shaving it off completely. Ideally you would get a vet’s help with this but if you’re doing it at home, be sure to use a professional clipper with multiple blades especially if the matted area is large. An electric trimmer can reduce the chance of cutting your cat’s skin, and aids in shaving and trimming difficult-to-reach areas such as between the legs. These trimmers also shorten the shaving time – very helpful when dealing with an agitated cat! If you’ve had to completely shave your cat, put a small T-shirt or soft fabric over them as protection.
5. Reward your cat
Complete the brushing session with a special treat or fun activity that your cat will associate with the act of grooming. It will also help you view this session a fun one rather than an added responsibility.