A magnificent “mane”, a tail as fluffy as a feather duster, a thick, soft coat…if this description matches your kitty, then you are no doubt the proud owner of a long-haired cat! You’re also probably already aware that your favourite ball of fur requires quite a lot of care. By grooming your cat correctly, you can be sure to keep your home clean but, above all, it’s important for your animal’s health and well-being.
A properly groomed coat to keep your kitty healthy
Even though the same problem occurs with short-haired cats, long-haired cats are particularly prone to fur balls. It is therefore important to limit the amount of hair they are likely to swallow by brushing them regularly. Another problem that is common with long-haired cats is knots in their fur as a result of it becoming tangled.Not only do these knots not look nice, they can also be a source of discomfort to your cat and even cause injury should one of their claws become caught. Too many knots can also lead to skin problems, which is why it is important to get rid of them by regularly grooming your kitty. If your cat already has knots in their fur, try to gently undo them with your fingers first and then use a comb. If absolutely necessary, you can use a round-edged scissors to cut them out or take your cat to a pet grooming salon or vet.
How to groom your long-haired cat
As you’ll have gathered, taking care of a long-haired cat’s fur starts with regularly grooming their coat, ideally once a day, or even twice a day during moulting season. To make sure your cat willingly accepts this routine, it’s best to get them started young. Otherwise, you’ll need a lot of patience and determination! Take things slowly and have some treats ready as a reward. Clicker training can also prove effective.In addition to an obliging cat, you’ll also need the right material. We recommend using a fairly wide-toothed comb (avoid plastic combs which create static) and starting with the tail, paws and body, before brushing your cat’s head. Remember to work in the direction of the hair growth first, finishing in the opposite direction to get rid of any knots and to fluff up their coat. Brush gently so as to avoid hurting them.
A bath from time to time
Cats wash themselves naturally by licking themselves, but you can still give your cat a bath from time to time (no more than three or four times a year) to prevent their coat from getting too greasy and to restore its shine and volume. There are two golden rules, however: use a special shampoo for cats and brush your cat well beforehand to get rid of any knots before you bathe them.
Lastly, it’s important to note that your cat’s diet is the main way to ensure your cat has a healthy coat. Make sure their diet is balanced and meets all of their nutritional needs. You can also give your cat some beer yeast, a natural supplement which is well known for its beneficial effects on their coat.
