Almost all cat owners, except for the lucky owners of Sphynx cats, sooner or later wonder: how to comb a cat and is this procedure really necessary for a pet?
Wool is a real barometer of a cat's health and mood. Smooth and shiny speaks of excellent health and excellent state of mind. Dull and disheveled - that the animal is sick or sad. To restore a cat to its former beauty, hygiene procedures alone are not enough. However, by combing her fur with the right tools and caring for her, you will help your pet cope with her illness much faster.
Why do cats shed?
Shedding is a natural process that is typical for any age and different breed. Even cats such as Sphynxes cannot do without the process of hair renewal. Of course, long-haired pets cause more trouble for their owners than their short-haired counterparts.
Cat owners need to understand that it is useless to fight shedding. Here you can only influence the intensity of hair loss and the condition of the fur.
The cat is shedding
It is worth noting that molting in cats occurs seasonally, that is, 2 times a year - in spring and autumn. The process is first observed at six months of age. During this period, the animal loses its soft coat, and in its place, stiffer hairs, characteristic of an adult, are formed. In addition, a beautiful outlined pattern appears on the fur, and the point becomes more expressive.
Domestic cats are also prone to shedding. In long-haired beauties, this process is more intense in the spring. In autumn, hair loss is not so noticeable. In short-haired breeds, shedding occurs more evenly. The period lasts from 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, the animal acquires a new coat.
A cat that cleans up after itself is every owner's dream
Varieties
There are a lot of furminator models. They may differ in the set of attached devices and functionality. But the main difference is whether they are intended for brushing which cats – long-haired or short-haired.
How often do you need cat ear care, and what lotions, drops and other products are used at home?
For longhaired
Long hair most often has a soft and thin undercoat. Dead hairs fall off very quickly, become confused with the guard hairs and form unsightly tangles. The lumps are almost impossible to comb out, so they need to be cut out using a special tool - a tangle cutter. Because of this, the cat loses the appearance characteristic of its breed.
The appearance of a cat after brushing with a furminator
Furminators designed for combing long hair have:
- long teeth that easily reach the problem area (undercoat) do not cause injury to the skin and healthy guard hairs;
- The teeth are spaced far apart - this also helps keep the guard hairs intact.
The models offered by manufacturers take into account not only the age, but also the size of the pet. For example, you can buy a device not only designed specifically for an adult Nibelung, Ragamuffin, Ragdoll or British Chinchilla, but also for a kitten of the same breed. The necessary information can be read in the attached instructions.
Furminator models for long hair are labeled Large and are offered in two modifications. The first is used for combing cats with hair length up to 10 cm and weight up to 10 kg. The second is used when the size of the guard hair exceeds 12.5 cm.
For shorthaired
Shedding in these cat breeds comes with its own problems. Their hair is short and coarse. It is very difficult to clean and gets stuck everywhere it can: in clothes, carpet, upholstery.
Furminators for short-haired pets have short and frequent comb-trimmer teeth. Manufacturers offer models for all types of wool: hard, with virtually no undercoat, and densely padded.
The models also take into account the age and size of the cat. Available in Small, X-Small and Medium versions. The first is recommended for pets whose weight does not reach 5 kg, and the length of the guard hair is 4.5 cm. The second is used for combing kittens and small adult cats with 3.3 cm of hair. The third has teeth 6.7 cm long and is designed for pet weighing up to 10 kg.
The devices are offered in the Classic and Deluxe categories. They differ in external design and the material used for the handles. Deluxe models have an injector button. It allows you to remove hair from the comb automatically.
Well suited for cats from the Bobtail breed group. Owners, as a rule, are happy to use the Furminator for breeds such as the Kurilian Bobtail, American Bobtail, Mekong Bobtail, and Pixie Bob.
For combing hair separately from the undercoat
There are no separate models for combing out the fur and the undercoat. All furminators presented on the pet products market combine both functions, i.e. Both shedding hair and dead undercoat hairs are removed.
Causes of severe shedding
But not all cats shed according to the season. Many owners of furry cats complain that their pet “throws” its fur all year round. The reason for this is the constant presence indoors. The fact is that the cat simply stops feeling seasonal changes, since the microclimate in the house is almost always the same. Another reason for prolonged “apartment shedding” is the heating season in the winter-spring period.
The source of excessive hair loss can be severe stress - moving, changing owners, switching to a different diet, adding another animal to the house, visiting a veterinary clinic, etc.
The cat is sick
Improper care and unbalanced nutrition also lead to severe hair loss in cats. A lack of vitamins and minerals and a mono-diet primarily affect the condition of the coat and disrupt the natural process of coat renewal.
The same applies to incorrectly selected care products. If, after using a new shampoo, you notice that the animal’s fur has begun to fall out or change in some way (for the worse), then it should be replaced with another product.
Rating of cat shampoos for different purposes
Often, severe shedding occurs due to diseases - allergies, ringworm, dermatitis, etc. Often, intense hair loss is a symptom indicating a malfunction in the animal’s body.
Both uncastrated cats that are not allowed to copulate, and cats that have just given birth can suffer from severe hair loss. This category also includes cats who are already nursing kittens.
And further…
But what should your animal do if he can never, ever go for a walk?..
And you... replace his tree trunks and grass - natural “self-groomers” - with homemade or purchased models:
Read about them in our article “There are different types of scratchers for cats.” Good luck to everyone!
Why do you need to comb cats?
Over the course of months, unkempt fur results in unsightly tangles. If you continue to ignore the combing procedure, the fur coat will no longer be similar to the previous one, but will turn into a hard shell. Imagine how difficult this will make the animal’s life—you won’t be able to wash yourself or scratch yourself. Why scratch it, the poor animal can’t even stretch properly.
Neglected case
But this is just part of the problem. Next, an inflammatory process will begin to develop under the shell, and for bacteria this situation is simply ideal. As a rule, it is at this moment that the owners begin to fuss, looking for an answer to the question: “Who infected my cat?” Although the thought that all this could have been prevented by brushing the pet daily, of course, will never occur to them.
They will be informed about the need for the procedure by a veterinarian, who will come with a clipper and trim the coat of the once beautiful Angora or Persian under anesthesia. In addition, during the conversation it turns out that the fight against mats was constantly carried out with the help of a special shampoo, the label of which read “To remove mats.” It's worth noting that this is just a publicity stunt. Shampoo for tangles is used only for preventive purposes, and once they appear, the product is absolutely useless and even harmful.
Freeing a cat from tangles
After removing the shell, the veterinarian will explain to the owner that combing should be done daily with special brushes and combs. Moreover, long-haired beauties must go through this procedure several times a day during the molting period. As for their brothers with a short fur coat, you can get by with once every 2 days.
You don't need to bathe your cat often either. Once every 2 weeks is enough for heavy shedding. If the pet itself does not mind, then the procedure can be performed more often.
It is worth saying that tangles are not so catastrophic. The trouble is that the cat will zealously lick the dead hairs. What can you do here - it’s laid down by nature. This cannot be done without the hairs from the mouth getting into the stomach. Can you imagine, if the shedding is intense, and the pussy has long hair, then in what quantities does it penetrate the gastrointestinal tract? Many will ask: “Well, what’s the big deal, just throw up once and that’s it?” Not all. Hairballs that get into the stomach can cause intestinal obstruction, and then it’s not far from the operating table.
The cat clears its stomach of fur
Therefore, combing is a very important procedure, which allows you not only to remove dead hairs, but also parasites, as well as their metabolic products. In addition, regular brushing will help:
- Clean your apartment from fur less often;
- resist eating falling hairs;
- prevent stomach and intestinal congestion;
- speed up blood circulation and metabolism;
- prevent and get rid of tangles;
- grow wool beautiful and strong.
In order for the procedure to be as useful as possible and bring a lot of pleasure to the cat, it should be carried out correctly.
Many cats enjoy brushing
Which comb to choose
We think that there are more than enough arguments proving the benefits of combing. To ensure high-quality care for your pet’s fur, you should take care in choosing a tool, that is, a comb, a brush. There are many varieties of such devices. How not to make a mistake and make the right choice?
The choice will directly depend on:
- length of the animal's fur;
- her condition;
- purposes of combing (removing parasites, getting rid of dead hairs, massage, etc.).
Basically, to get rid of old and unnecessary fur, they use:
- a brush with bristles made of natural materials;
- mitten;
- furminator;
- brush;
- crest;
- double-sided brush;
- powder brush, etc.
Brushes with bristles made from natural materials
Natural bristle brushes have a good advantage. Bristles, when exposed to fur hairs, do not create static electricity and do not electrify it. And this is very important. After all, the cat monitors the condition of its coat very carefully. If its fur sparkles while brushing, this will give the cat a lot of negative emotions. Next time she is unlikely to voluntarily agree to this procedure.
Attention! You should not buy a cat comb with plastic or plastic teeth. They will make your pet's fur very electrified.
Brush with natural bristles
Mitten
The mitten is suitable for both dry and wet fur coats. On its surface there are rubber or metal teeth of various lengths. The mitten perfectly massages the animal’s skin, thereby improving blood circulation and metabolism, and the coat becomes shiny and healthy in appearance.
But this brush is not suitable for complete removal of dead hair. It is not used to comb the fur, but to remove hairs that are ready to fall out. It is more advisable to use this device at the final stage of combing or if your cat completely refuses to comb with other tools.
Comb-mitten of two types
Fine-tooth comb
The combs are suitable for daily grooming of cats. Such devices will help not only remove all dead hairs, but also get rid of parasites. A comb is an ideal tool for evenly combing outer hairs. It can also be used in the presence of tangles and matted fur.
Comb with rare metal teeth
Double-sided brush
A double-sided brush is a very convenient and versatile option that replaces several devices for combing cats. On one side of the tool there are bristles made of natural or artificial material, and on the other there are metal rounded teeth.
Double sided brush
Puhoderka
A special feature of the slicker is its teeth. They are made in such a way as not to touch the hard (guard) fibers. The teeth are made of metal, rounded at the ends. You should choose such a tool depending on the length of your pet’s fur. The higher and thicker it is, the larger the teeth should be.
It is worth noting that the slicker is not used in the case of “shell” or matted wool. It is used only for a healthy coat or after combing with a rare-tooth comb. You should not use this brush every day. Enough 2 times a week during the molting period. If you use it more often, it threatens to turn your beautiful cat into a shabby miracle. After the end of the molting period, the slicker is used no more than once a week, or even less often.
Puhoderka
Furminator
The Furminator is perhaps one of the most popular for combing wool. It is a tool that resembles a small rake. There are two types - deluxe and classic. They differ in comb size and appearance. So, for adult cats, a comb 4–6.8 cm wide is required. For kittens, 3.2 cm is enough.
Furminators are available with teeth of various lengths, which makes it possible to choose a tool specifically for your animal’s fur coat. Many owners note that after using this device, the amount of hair falling out is noticeably reduced, and the coat looks healthier, well-groomed and beautiful.
Furminator
Attention! If there are wounds, abrasions, or scratches on the furry skin, then furminators cannot be used.
Unlike their long-haired counterparts, caring for short-haired cats is quite simple. It is enough to comb them once a week (during the molting period, once every 2-3 days). To care for the short coat of animals, it is recommended to use such brushes.
Table 1. Combs for short-haired cats.
| Comb | What is it used for? | Note |
| With short teeth and plastic handle | Used for short coats with fine hairs. With its help, you can comb out not only unnecessary hairs, but also any parasites, as well as dried dirt. | Number of teeth - 49. Price - 120 rubles. |
| With thick teeth close to each other. Plastic handle | You can remove parasites and their metabolic products, as well as dried dirt. Suitable for delicate, smooth, fine wool. Attention! You need to watch your teeth. If they lose their original appearance, become distorted, they will begin to tear out the fur. | Number of teeth - 49. Price - 140 rubles. |
A rubberized comb and furminator are also suitable for combing beauties with short fur.
Rubberized comb
Before the procedure, walk over your cat's coat with a damp hand. This will prevent the wool from flying in different directions. After this, use a comb several times - run along the hair growth - from the scruff to the tail. If your cat does not experience discomfort, then you can brush against the grain. This will remove unnecessary hairs much faster. If the animal actively resists, do not insist. Perhaps he is uncomfortable or in pain. Next, you need to use a massage brush or mitten to remove loose hairs or a damp palm.
This cat loves being brushed
Review of popular models
In addition to the original Furminator, there are also trimmers from other manufacturers. There are many of them, but let's look at a few of them. One of the most popular brands in Russia is Trixie Heimtierbedarf GmbH & Co KG (Trixie). This German company has been producing pet products for over 40 years. The manufacturer offers its trimmers as a universal anti-shedding product. The operating principle of this device is the same as that of trimmers of other brands. The developers named the following properties as advantages:
- the device helps to comb and cut tangles;
- the nozzle can be easily changed using a built-in mechanism;
- stainless steel blade;
- plastic handle with anti-slip rubber coating.
Trixie is about 2 times cheaper than Furminator. This trimmer has a button to change the attachment. And although the manufacturer claims that the blades are sharp enough and made of stainless steel, they still have to be replaced. Moreover, the instructions for use do not mention the shelf life of the blades. In practice, a replacement nozzle is installed after about a year. The cat owner should purchase a replacement attachment as the blades become dull. The price of a new comb with blades is not much different from the cost of the trimmer itself.
The Trixie trimmer has a modest design (this is due to the fact that trimmers are not the main product of this manufacturer)
Another alternative to the original furminator is the Foolee trimmer. The French manufacturer boasts a wide range of combs, brushes and trimmers for cats. The main advantages of furminators of this brand are the following qualities:
- the nozzle can be changed as the blades become dull;
- wool is removed from the blades by pressing an additional button;
- any model of the Foolee trimmer is equipped with a handle of an unusual, comfortable shape;
- All Foolee devices have a non-standard design (unusual shape, bright color).
And although the manufacturer pays more attention to the appearance of the device than to other parameters, the price of the French Furminator is one of the highest. Foolee offers trimmers and other grooming tools for pets of all sizes. You can purchase a trimmer for cats with different hair lengths. The device is beautiful and safe, but subsequent treatment of the wool with a slicker is necessary.
All Foolee trimmers have a striking design
Another brand, HelloPet, is a product of a Taiwanese manufacturer (founded in 1969). The official distributor in Russia is. Buyers are offered devices in an affordable price range. The simple design does not detract from the functionality of the devices. In addition to furminators of different sizes, HelloPet produces rake furminators. By the way, the Taiwanese manufacturer clearly distinguishes between the concepts of “trimmer” (a machine for cutting hair) and “furminator” (a comb with a blade), and uses only steel and plastic as materials. There are several types of HelloPet comb trimmers:
- small furminator - 43 teeth;
- medium furminator - 65 teeth;
- large furminator - 79 teeth;
- super-large furminator - 97 teeth.
The greater the number of teeth, the wider the surface area being machined. Typically, for medium-sized domestic cats (up to 5 kg), the smallest Furminator is chosen.
A distinctive feature of HelloPet trimmers is the presence of many small nuances in each model. For example, a furminator rake is equipped with teeth that can rotate. This device is convenient to use for caring for unruly animals. Large furminators (79 teeth) are equipped with a button for removing combed wool.
All Hellopet furminators have a handle with a pattern in the form of paw prints (this is the official logo of the manufacturer)
After reading reviews and studying different types of furminators, I decided to buy the most budget-friendly device, although my cat does not shed much (a massage mitten is enough for us). I went to two pet stores. On display there are original devices and cheaper options from Chinese manufacturers. I didn’t find HelloPet in any of these stores. Perhaps the brand is not one of the well-promoted brands. And, most likely, the affordable price is explained precisely by this, and not by low quality.
How and with what to comb long-haired cats
Cats with long and semi-long hair should be brushed every day. During molting, the procedure should be carried out 3-4 times a day. It is preferable to use the following comb options:
Table 2. Combs for cats with long hair.
| Comb model | Methods and areas of use | Note |
| Hallow Pet's side splitter (mini) | Used to remove tangles. It is a device with curved teeth-blades. | Number of teeth - 8. Handle with thumb rest. The blades are made of stainless steel. Price — 435 rub. |
| Slicker Ferplast GRO 5944 Medium | The teeth of the slicker of this model are curved at the ends. Frequently located. The tool is used only for the fluffy tail, collar area and panties. Suitable for all breeds. | The bristles of the slicker are made of steel. The set includes a comb that removes hairs from the slicker. Product color: red, black. Price - 430 rub. |
| Hello Pet brush with iron teeth | Used for combing the area of the tail, collar, and pants. | Very light, does not slip on your hand. The teeth are rounded, do not scratch, are not pressed into the animal’s skin and do not fall out. The handle is made of wood. The height of the cloves is 2 cm. Price is 517 rubles. |
| Comb with teeth of various lengths Furminator Ferplast | Suitable for all types of wool. Does not damage guard hairs. Attention! For fluffies, furminators are considered the most acceptable (in terms of comfort and painlessness). | The tips are rounded at the ends. The pressure of the teeth on the cat's skin is minimal. Price – 990 rub. |
| Comb with teeth of various lengths | Used for tight, dense hairs and the same undercoat. With its help, the fur coat can be styled and fluffed. | The handle is made of plastic, the teeth are made of metal. Elegant design. Price – 480 rub. |
Attention! Many cats don't like their tails being touched. And this is no wonder, because the tail is one of the most sensitive places in animals. Therefore, if during the process of combing the cat does not allow you to touch it, do not insist. After all, the tail is the area that “throws” fur around the apartment the least.
Combing a long-haired cat with a comb with metal teeth of various lengths
How to comb your pet?
How to comb a cat is an important question. An ordinary human comb will not work, because animal hair has a different structure from human hair. Therefore, you need to purchase a special comb. Pet stores have a large selection of cat brushes.
- Furminator. This is a rectangular comb with teeth and a rubberized handle. Ideal for combing an animal when shedding, it effectively removes dead hair from the animal. In addition, with a furminator you can give the animal a kind of massage: accelerating the blood and balancing the layer of fat throughout the body. Owners who often wonder how to comb out a cat’s mats will also benefit from this device.
- Mitten. It is a mitten equipped with teeth or pimples. Worn on the hand. The owner can only run his mittened hand over the animal’s fur. This mitten is convenient for brushing a smooth-haired or short-haired cat. Even if the animal usually does not give in and interferes with the combing procedure, it will not be able to do anything against the mitten.
- Pukhoderka. Comb with teeth. There are several varieties depending on how long the teeth are and how often they are set, straight or curved. If your cat has long hair, it is better to choose a slicker brush with long, close-toothed teeth.
- Scallop. A comb with teeth of different lengths is good for shedding, and is also used when combing out parasites.
- Double sided brush. This is both a comb and a massager - depending on which side you turn it.
How to comb out correctly
There are 7 actions that will allow you to get the maximum benefit from combing.
- Scratch from tail to head. Comb hard guard hairs and soft undercoat in the direction opposite to the growth of the coat (but do not insist if your pet resists!). This will rid your pet of dead hairs much faster.
- Sequencing. Long-haired breeds need to be brushed first with a wide-toothed brush, then with fine-toothed brushes (closely adjacent to each other). The manipulation is completed by using a mitten or a cylindrical brush to remove all unnecessary hairs.
- Combing time. Depends on the length and thickness of the coat. Long-haired pets should be scratched for at least a quarter of an hour. Grooming a cat with a short coat takes significantly less time – 10 minutes.
- Tummy. Scratch this area after turning your pet onto its back. If he actively resists, leave this idea. Ask family members for help. Have someone grab the cat's front paws and lift him up. In a standing position, the tummy and “pants” are also easy to comb.
- Accuracy. In the area of the collar, armpits and panties, comb carefully, since in these areas the hair tends to clump, which causes pain during the procedure.
- If tangles have formed on the animal's fur, they must first be removed. Otherwise, combing will be useless and will bring a lot of unpleasant sensations to the cat.
Important! Take a basin of water, wet your hand and run it along the animal’s back several times. Then proceed to treat other areas of the body. Continue until there is not a single hair left on your hand. This is a very good way to get rid of unnecessary hair (even without the help of a brush!).
Video - How and with what to comb a cat
Operating rules
There are no rules regarding the use of combs. The main thing is to use the tool strictly for its intended purpose - combing wool.
Before you start brushing, you need to bathe your cat with shampoo, but do not use hair conditioner.
The use of a comb does not require any specific skills from the cat owner. You just need to follow the general recommendations:
- For the procedure, you need to choose a place that will then be easy to remove. There will be a lot of wool. To simplify the cleaning procedure, the cat can be placed on a bedding.
- If there are tangles in the wool, they need to be removed. You can try to sort out the lumps - if they are not very matted - or cut them off with scissors if they have become real felt.
- You need to comb your pet strictly in the direction of hair growth. Not only will your cat not like brushing in the opposite direction, but it can also damage the structure of the guard hair.
- There is no need to press the comb too hard during the procedure.
- When treating the surface of the abdomen and groin area, you must be as careful as possible. These parts of the body are very sensitive and if the cat doesn't like something, it may scratch or bite.
How to comb out correctly
There are 3 actions that will allow you to get the maximum benefit from combing.
- Scratch from tail to head. Comb hard guard hairs and soft undercoat in the direction opposite to the growth of the coat (but do not insist if your pet resists!). This will rid your pet of dead hairs much faster.
- Sequencing. Long-haired breeds need to be brushed first with a wide-toothed brush, then with fine-toothed brushes (closely adjacent to each other). The manipulation is completed by using a mitten or a cylindrical brush to remove all unnecessary hairs.
- A helping hand. Take a basin of water, wet your hand and run it along the animal’s back several times. Then proceed to treat other areas of the body. Continue until there is not a single hair left on your hand. This is a very good way to get rid of unwanted hair from kittens (even without the help of a brush!).
If tangles have formed on the animal's fur, they must first be removed. Otherwise, combing will be useless and will bring a lot of unpleasant sensations to the cat.
Video - How to properly comb a cat
Attention! Accustom your pet to brushing from childhood. There have been cases when adult animals refused this procedure.
Before starting the procedure, you should carefully examine the animal's skin. If abrasions, wounds, or cuts from claws are found on it, then it is better to stop combing for a while, otherwise there is a possibility of even greater damage to the skin, infection, and the development of an inflammatory process.
Let's start with the cat's favorite places
Veterinarians recommend choosing a moment for brushing when the cat is in a good mood. There is no need to pull your pet by the tail and threaten with a comb when he has just woken up or eaten. Nothing good will come of combing an animal while it is kicking, biting and screaming at the top of its lungs. You can hardly call such a procedure combing; rather, tearing out tufts of fur. And after such horror, the poor cat will never want to repeat the procedure, and at the sight of a comb he will convulse or climb onto the cabinet.
This is how some cats react to a hairbrush
It is better to carry out manipulation before feeding. After all, after the successful completion of the procedure, you can praise your pet by giving him his favorite treat. Only after this will the cat associate combing with something good and kind.
Basic equipment for combing cats
Why is it so important to brush a kitten, some people don’t even think about the importance of this issue, while devices for this process are sometimes not considered at all by some breeders. For the most part, irresponsible owners can simply wet their hand and stroke the animal, just as a cat does, however, this is a very big misconception.
You can properly comb your pet using the following devices:
- special glove;
- brush for combing out the undercoat.
These devices differ in the shape and frequency of the teeth, material of manufacture and purpose. Thus, if you go to a pet store and tell the consultant the breed of your pet, he will definitely advise which device is best to choose for the purpose of high-quality combing.
This is due to the fact that some combs are designed specifically to comb only the hair of cats, but not to provide additional massage to the animal’s skin. These brushes are quite effective at removing remaining dirt from your cat’s fur, thereby making it fluffy and beautiful.
If you need a brush only for massage, then you need a model that has rare, not very long teeth. If you brush your cat with this device, it will not only give your pet a pleasant sensation, but will also perfectly stimulate the growth of new fur and blood circulation.
How to train an adult cat to brush
Never shout at an animal, tie its paws, or hold it seven. Think about it, maybe the procedure is really very painful for him. Perhaps the problem is the wrong brushing tool, which tears out his fur or scratches his skin.
The mistake of many owners is surprise and persistence. So, if your neighbor told you a beautiful story that after combing his cat stopped shedding and now fur does not appear in the mouth, in the food, or in the air, then there is no need to quickly run to the store, buy a comb and use it on the cat. .
The cat saw a comb for the first time
In this matter, the main thing is gradualism. If you don’t want your pet to associate you with the notorious Freddy Krueger, and your comb with a sparkling metal hook, then start with this:
- Show the animal the comb. Let her smell it and understand that this item is absolutely safe.
- Maintain consistency. Every day at the same time, brush the fur for several minutes. Let the cat begin to take the procedure for granted.
- Start moving to the places that the cat most likes to touch - the neck, chin, cheeks, head. Then move on to more difficult to reach areas.
- Do not put pressure on the animal's body.
- If the cat resists, then at first use a massage mitten, and then move on to more effective combing tools.
- After each procedure, praise your cat and give her her favorite treat.
Remember that the animal cannot reach the ears, withers and back of the head on its own. So be sure to brush these areas.
All movements should be as smooth, gradual, and gentle as possible. Take your time. At the same time, caress the cat, speak quietly, praise him, call him by name. This procedure is a kind of unity with the animal, after which your cat will trust and love you even more.
Grooming is a real challenge for this Siberian cat
Attention! Under no circumstances put pressure on the comb, trying to grab as much hair as possible. This will cause pain to the cat and cause aggression. The animal simply will not allow the procedure to be completed, and it will be useless.
Features of grooming British cats
If we talk about British cats, then the combing procedure should be carried out 1-2 times a week throughout the winter. The fact is that during this period of time, a dense undercoat forms on the fur coat, on which tangles can form.
The result of combing a British cat during a period of intense shedding
It is best to use a slicker with metal rounded, long and densely set teeth for combing fluffy British cats.
Attention! For the British, it is better not to buy a powder brush. If the undercoat is damaged, the coat of a cat of this breed will lose its attractiveness and will not seem plush.
Resourceful owners remove hairs with a damp hand. And it is right. This method can remove much more dead hair than any other comb. Of course, we are talking about daily care.
Contraindications
Even such an important and necessary procedure for a cat’s health may have contraindications.
You cannot use a furminator to comb animals if their fur does not have undercoat or has a special appearance, these include:
- Cornish Rex;
- Devon Rex;
- Turkish Angora;
- Burmese and Singapore cats;
- orientals.
In addition, it is prohibited to use combs and brushes with metal teeth, which can further damage the animal’s skin, which has scratches, scratches and abrasions, irritations and ulcers.
If there are tangles, they should be disassembled carefully. In particularly advanced cases, it is better to contact a groomer who will do it professionally.
How to properly comb Scottish cats
Scottish cats are perhaps the only one of their kind - they can be scratched against the grain of their fur. At the same time, the likelihood of damage to the undercoat and dissatisfaction of the cat itself is small.
For Scottish straights and folds, it is preferable to use brushes with natural bristles or metal teeth with balls at the ends. The ideal option would be a double-sided comb.
It is recommended to comb Scots first according to the growth of their hair, then against it. It is better to remove the remnants of dead hairs with a damp palm. You need to start the procedure with a wide-toothed comb, then move on to using a brush made of natural material or a furminator.
Brushing a Scottish cat with a furminator
