Cat Grooming

The choice between a long-haired or short-haired cat comes down to how much time you can devote to regular grooming. Long-haired cats require frequent grooming to be matt-free. Short-haired cats also require brushing, though less frequently. Most cats enjoy regular brushing and will look forward to this daily ritual with you.

With patience and gentle handling, regular grooming sessions can become a real treat for your kitten or cat. Grooming not only provides an opportunity to check for skin irritations, lumps or ticks but is also a way of strengthening the bond between you and your feline companion.

Kittens can be groomed once or twice a week and this is an excellent way to help them become comfortable with being handled. Long-haired cats will benefit from a short grooming session each day.

Benefits of grooming

By removing loose hair, you're helping to reduce hairballs, which can form in a cat's stomach. These hairballs have been known to cause blockages in the stomach. Brushing also helps to remove matted hair and gives your cat a shiny coat by distributing the skin's natural oils.

Another plus of regular grooming is that shedding of the coat will be reduced considerably and your furniture, carpet and clothes will not have that seriously "hairy" look.

Grooming tips:

• Patience will make this process more enjoyable for both the cat and groomer.
• Start with short, gentle sessions, being especially careful of ear and stomach areas, which can be extra sensitive. Comb gently to remove tangles and use your fingers to tease apart any stubborn knots.
• A comb can remove loose or matted hair. Use a wide-toothed comb for long-haired cats and a fine-toothed comb for shorter coats.