Does your cat have long fur? Although every cat has its own appeal, longhaired felines tend to have a little extra charm. Fluffy can come in a variety of colors and patterns, but she looks especially regal with her flowing locks. As adorable as she is, you may need to assist your furry friend with her grooming routine. Continue reading as a local Marin County, CA veterinarian shares valuable advice on how to care for a longhaired cat.
Are Longhaired Cats Difficult To Care For?
Generally, longhaired cats need the same level of care as any other cat. Fluffy requires nutritious food, a tidy litterbox, cozy shelter, and of course, appropriate veterinary care. This will address the fundamental aspects of her wellbeing. To get that motor running, you’ll also need to offer affection, playthings, and some lap space. Catnip, sunbeams, and boxes will surely delight your feline ruler.
The difference with longhaired kitties is that they often require assistance with grooming. Cats have a natural inclination towards cleanliness. One of the greatest things about having them is that they are incredibly cute, lovable, fun, and highly entertaining. Your cat will pause her busy routine of napping to groom herself and keep her coat in pristine condition. The beauty care routine can be somewhat demanding for longhaired cats. That’s quite a bit of fur to manage!
You don’t need to overdo it here… Simply groom your furry companion on a regular basis. This will not only simplify things for Fluffy, but it will also make your life easier, as you won’t have to deal with cat fur scattered everywhere. You will be collecting that stray fur with a brush before it adheres to your sofa, your bed, and your wardrobe.
What Are The Steps To Groom A Longhaired Cat?
Brushing Fluffy is quite straightforward, provided that she is cooperative. It’s best to wait until your cat is feeling calm and at ease. (Considering that cats dedicate an astonishingly large portion of their day to slumber, this likely won’t be a problem.) If your cat enjoys sitting on your lap, you can simply wait until she has comfortably settled there. Begin stroking her in the direction of her fur. Then, start to introduce the brush.
Many cats genuinely take pleasure in being groomed. It probably brings back memories for Fluffy of her childhood, when her mother would groom her. Bonded kitties often engage in mutual grooming. This phenomenon is not exclusive to cats; it is also observed in horses, primates, and birds. It’s not unusual for your pet to begin purring or even licking your hand while you are grooming her.
Certainly, our cat companions each have their own unique personalities. Certain cats take pleasure in the grooming process. Others? Not so much. It’s important not to force it. If your pet can only handle a few brush strokes at a time, you may need to take breaks in between sessions. It’s never a good idea to try and restrain her. That will only decrease her willingness to be groomed in the future. It’s also an effective method for getting yourself scratched.
Another important thing to note: brush your entire pet, rather than just focusing on her back. Longhaired cats frequently develop tangles in their ‘armpits,’ so your pet might require additional assistance in that area.
How Often Should You Groom A Longhaired Cat?
This may vary. If your cat has a lot of fluff, it might be a good idea to brush her every day. Senior cats often require additional assistance in this area as well and may benefit from more frequent brushing. In general, grooming your cat once or twice a week should be sufficient.
Do I Need To Bathe My Cat?
Your feline friend shouldn’t require bathing. Nonetheless, if you have a kitten, it could be beneficial to get the little furball accustomed to the process. This will make it easier for both of you if she happens to get something caught in her fur.
If you do bathe your kitty, there are several important considerations (or catveats) to keep in mind. First, avoid bathing your pet too frequently. Doing so can remove the natural oils from her skin and fur. This may result in her appearance being dry and frizzy. Additionally, it might cause irritation to her skin.
Using the appropriate products and techniques is crucial. Choose a gentle shampoo specifically formulated for cats. The ones designed for people are too strong for Fluffy. Additionally, opt for lukewarm instead of hot water. Lastly, take care to avoid getting suds in your cat’s eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. A pitcher can be utilized for rinsing purposes. Alternatively, you can use a facecloth to wipe your cat’s head clean.
Bathing a matted cat is not advisable. That will only exacerbate the situation and make the mats worse.
What Should I Do If My Cat Develops Mats?
Mats are quite common on longhaired cats. Senior cats are especially susceptible to them. Several factors contribute to this. As your pet ages, she will experience increased difficulty in bending and stretching. Additionally, senior cats may have skin that produces more oil compared to younger cats. This may also lead to increased matting.
However, mats can occasionally indicate underlying medical concerns. If your cat is developing a significant amount of mats, consult your Marin County, CA veterinarian.
Gently remove any mat you find on your kitty, being careful not to exert too much force. The skin of cats is notably delicate and can be easily torn. Removing mats might require some effort on your part. Comfort your kitty by gently petting her and maybe offering her a treat.
Begin with the end of the mat. Consider using a cat-safe detangling spray on it. We also recommend using a specialized comb for removing mats.
Severe matting might require shaving. A small mat might be manageable, but for more significant mats, it’s advisable to consult your Marin County, CA vet or groomer. Exercise caution when using cutting mats. It’s easy to unintentionally injure your cat!
Is It A Good Idea To Shave My Cat?
At times, cats may require a trim. This often occurs when cats become too old or unwell to maintain their fur. Chubby kitties often struggle to bend and stretch adequately to reach all parts of their bodies.
This is not something you should attempt to do at home. Instead, consult with your Marin County, CA veterinarian or groomer. Fluffy might also be perfectly content with just a trim.
Are Long-Haired Cats More Susceptible To Hairballs?
Hairballs are an unfortunate consequence of one of Fluffy’s most admirable qualities: her cleanliness. Your adorable little diva will naturally ingest some of her own fur while grooming herself. Unfortunately, cats are unable to digest their own fur. There’s no need to elaborate on what follows, except to mention that it isn’t the most enjoyable aspect of owning a cat.
Hairballs are more than just an unpleasant annoyance. They can indeed pose a threat. Sometimes, cats struggle to expel hairballs through the typical means. If a hairball becomes trapped in Fluffy’s gastrointestinal tract, it may lead to a blockage, resulting in significant pain and posing serious risks.
Grooming longhaired cats is essential for several reasons. Additionally, ensure that your cat is receiving adequate nutrition and has access to fresh water at all times. If your pet appears to be experiencing frequent hairballs, consult an experienced vet in Marin County, CA.
What Are Some Cats With Long Hair?
The International Cat Association recognizes a total of 73 distinct cat breeds. We find them all to be absolutely charming!
Here are a few of the floofers included in the list:
- Maine Coon
- Norwegian Forest Cat
- Birman
- Persian Cat
- Himalayan
- Siberian
- Ragdoll
- Turkish Angora
- Balinese Cat
- Turkish Van
- British Longhair
- Persian Longhair
There are also plenty of fluffy crossbreed kitties, along with many that have medium fur.
Schedule a Visit at Our Marin County, CA Pet Clinic
Are you seeking more information on how to care for a longhaired cat? Reach out to us, your trusted Marin County, CA veterinary clinic today!
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