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Long-haired cats with their luxuriously soft fur and beautiful appearance can be a joy to have in your home. But they also require a little more attention in the grooming department. You’ll need to be prepared to brush them frequently and keep mats from forming. Even though long-haired cats groom themselves like any other cat breeds, they still require some extra help from their humans. Here are a few tips to keep you and your long-haired kitty as happy as possible.
Special Needs For Special Breeds
How much grooming your long-haired cat needs really depends on the type of long fur they have. A cat with soft, thin, silky fur may rarely have tangle problems. But cats with thicker fur may run into problems frequently.
Persian cats, for example, have luxuriously thick, long fur and they need to be brushed every day and bathed once a month. Their fur tangles easily.
Turkish Angora cats, by contrast, have no undercoat, so their fur rarely tangles, and they barely shed. They only need weekly brushing.
Selkirk Rex cats are a special case because their long fur is curly like a Poodle’s fur. You should comb their fur a couple times a week to prevent tangles and cut down on shedding. When you’re done, run your fingers gently through the fur to fluff the curls.
Brushing And Combing
Before you start, make sure you purchase brushes and combs designed especially for cats for the best results. You can get these at any pet store, and you can ask your vet or groomer for suggestions.
Most cats absolutely love being brushed, so you may find that your cat starts head butting your brush or comb the moment you get it out. Cats who are more sensitive will often grow to love brushing after a few tries.
Even if your long-haired cat doesn’t grow to love brushing, it’s still important to brush them regularly because long-haired cats are more prone to hairballs if you’re not regularly getting rid of extra fur.
If you’re introducing a cat to brushing for the first time, here are a few tips from Woodgreen Animal Charity to help:
– Let them smell the brush first so they can be familiar with it.
– Always brush in the direction of the fur so the sensation isn’t unpleasant.
– Start at their head, and go slowly to help them adjust to the feeling.
– Keep the first session to just a few minutes, rewarding your cat with a treat at the end, and gradually increase the length to 15 minutes over time.
Bathing A Long-Haired Cat
Cats with long fur may need bathing, especially if they end up with an unfortunate problem of getting some litter or feces stuck in their fur.
Some cats will bite or claw you if you try to put them in a bath, but other cats, such as most Maine Coons, will absolutely love it, especially if you make the bath water warm enough.
If you can introduce your cat to bathing when they’re a kitten, you’ll have the best results. But if not, check out these tips from CatTime on how to introduce your cat to being bathed.
Dealing With Mats
Long-haired cats are especially prone to matted fur. If your cat’s fur gets matted, you might need to clip away the mats.
Do so gently, being careful not to pull too hard on the fur. Remember to use special cat clippers that you buy from your local pet store.
Don’t ever use scissors, since your cat may react unexpectedly and possibly cut themselves!
If you want, you can use a comb to try to brush out the mat very gently first. If the mats are really bad, you may need to take your cat to a vet for professional grooming.
Tufts Of Fur Between The Paw Pads
Cats with long fur may also grow long tufts of fur between the pads on the bottom of their paws. Turkish Vans, for example, are prone to developing these long tufts.
These tufts can get tangled, caught onto things, or can even make using the litter box uncomfortable for them. If the tufts get too long, you can trim them with clippers. Be careful to make sure you don’t accidentally cut your cat’s feet and trim only to the level of the pads.
Although grooming and brushing your cat may seem daunting, it’s very important for long-haired kitties. Your cat may grow to love being brushed, and the time you take to comb them could turn into a fun bonding time between the two of you.
FAQs
1. How often should I brush my long-haired cat?
The frequency of brushing depends on the type of fur your long-haired cat has. Thicker fur requires more frequent brushing, while softer fur may require less.
2. Can I use regular brushes on my long-haired cat?
No, it’s best to use brushes and combs specifically designed for cats. These can be purchased at pet stores or recommended by your vet or groomer.
3. How do I introduce my cat to brushing for the first time?
Start by letting your cat smell the brush and brush in the direction of their fur. Begin with short sessions and gradually increase the time as your cat becomes more comfortable.
4. Can I bathe my long-haired cat?
Some long-haired cats may need occasional baths, especially if they get litter or feces stuck in their fur. It’s best to introduce your cat to bathing when they are a kitten for the best results.
5. How should I deal with mats in my cat’s fur?
Gently clip away the mats using cat clippers purchased from your local pet store. Avoid using scissors to prevent accidental injuries. If the mats are severe, consider professional grooming.
Advice For Long-Haired Cat Owners
– Brush your cat regularly to prevent tangles and hairballs.
– Use cat-specific brushes and combs for the best results.
– Introduce your cat to grooming gradually and reward them with treats.
– Be cautious when bathing your cat and make sure the water is warm enough.
– Trim tufts of fur between your cat’s paw pads to prevent discomfort.
– Seek professional grooming if the mats in your cat’s fur are severe.
In conclusion, long-haired cats require extra grooming and attention to keep their fur healthy and mat-free. By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your long-haired kitty stays happy and well-groomed. Remember to be patient and gentle, and bonding with your cat during grooming can be a rewarding experience for both of you.

Becca The Crazy Cats Lady is an experienced and knoweldgeable cat owner with years of experience caring for a multi-cat household. She curates, writes and shares cat content at https://CrazyCatsLady.com.