Your Guide to Long Haired Cat Care
While silky hair and adorable toe tuffs make your long haired cat the ideal cuddling companion, all that fur requires extra attention in the grooming department. We’re sharing the fundamental steps you can take to keep your cat’s coat tangle-free and looking good.
Brushing
While cats are natural grooming experts, long haired cats typically require extra assistance from a brush to help maintain their silky coats. Regularly combing and brushing your cat will prevent any mats or tangles from forming within their fur while also helping distribute natural oils throughout their coat for a shiny appearance. Brushing your cat can also help reduce hairballs and prevent excess fur from covering your furniture and clothing. Create a relaxing environment by grabbing a brush or comb and cuddling up on the couch together while you detangle your cat’s fur. Beginning the routine of brushing during a cat’s first few months of kittenhood can help create a positive associate related to the experience.
Cleanliness
You may need to assist your cat with wiping away any litter remnants that adhere to their backside. To clean the area, moisten a cotton cloth in warm water and gently wipe away any grime. Long haired cats do not like the feeling of litter adhering to their backside, and as a result, they may decide to defecate somewhere other than in their litter box. Dr. Elsey’s Crystal Litter traps urine and odor on contact and has the right particle size that long haired cats prefer, which will not adhere to the cat’s long fur or color the coat.
Dander Prevention
Wiping down your cat’s coat with a cotton cloth can help prevent oil buildup and reduce cat dander. The fur of long haired cats tends to trap excess dander, which can trigger an allergic reaction for those living or visiting your home who suffer from an allergy to cats. If you’re looking for a deeper clean, bathing your long haired cat is also an option. While the tub is filling with lukewarm water, set a mellow mood for your cat with a brief moment of play. Before taking a dip in the tub, brush out any tangles in your cat’s fur and make sure to add a bath mat to the bottom of the tub for your cat to grip. Avoid soapy eyes, and make sure to have a warm spot and towel ready for drying off.
Say No to Shaving
Much like insulation in the walls of a home, a cat’s fur acts as a built-in temperature regulation system. Their fur coats help regulate both hot and cold temperatures, sealing in body heat during the winter months and allowing fresh air to flow through like air conditioning in the summer. While it’s easy to imagine a freshly shaved cat would be more comfortable in the warm and humid months, shaving off fur strips a cat of their natural defense to the summer sun. Shaving a cat can lead to a high risk of sunburn and overheating from time spent sunning their bellies and skin problems like ingrown hairs.
Visit Your Vet
A hygiene clip performed by your veterinarian can help keep the fur around your senior cat’s backside trimmed to help improve personal hygiene for those with limited mobility who cannot properly clean themselves.
A combination of grooming methods can help prevent any uncleanly or uncomfortable tangles for a soft and shiny coat. Learn more about how you can get your first bag of Dr. Elsey’s Crystal Litter for free by visiting our rebate page.
