It’s common knowledge that cats are more than capable of grooming themselves, yet they also need some extra brushing from their owners. Medium and long haired cats will need brushing every day or two, while short-haired cats can be brushed weekly.
Grooming your cat will improve circulation and stimulate your cat’s natural oils to promote a healthy, shiny coat. And the more loose hair you brush out, the less you’ll have to clean from around the house.
On the health front, brushing will help prevent furballs, which can cause vomiting and stomach upsets. It’s also a great opportunity to check for skin irritations, wounds, ticks and fleas.
The best thing about regular grooming is the quality time you’ll spend together.
Most cats love to be brushed and will express their pleasure with an enthusiastic purr. It’s best to get into a grooming routine as soon as possible, ideally when they’re still a kitten.
Never restrain or force a cat to be brushed – it needs to be a positive experience for you both. If she needs some encouragement, her favourite food will work a treat. Start slowly by patting her, then alternate each pat with a gentle brush. Then gradually introduce more brush strokes until she’s comfortable.
