Does your kitty companion have lengthy hair? While all cats are adorable, longhaired kitties are especially appealing. Fluffy can wear a variety of colors and designs, but she looks extra regal with flowing locks. There aren’t many drawbacks to having a really cute pet, but you will need to help your furry buddy with her grooming routine. Read on for advice from a local Jensen Beach, FL veterinarian on how to care for a longhaired cat.

Are Fluffy Cats More Prone To Hairballs?

Hairballs are a terrible side consequence of Fluffy’s best quality: cleanliness. When washing herself, your furry little diva will almost certainly ingest some of her own fur. Cats cannot digest their own fur, unfortunately. We won’t go into detail about what happens next, except to suggest that it isn’t the best thing about having a cat.

Hairballs are more than simply an unpleasant annoyance. They can actually be dangerous. Sometimes cats are unable to get rid of hairballs in the typical way. If the hairball gets caught in Fluffy’s digestive track, it may form a blockage, which is both really painful and really dangerous.

This is another reason it is critical to groom longhaired cats. Also, make sure your kitty companion is well-nourished and has access to fresh water at all times. If your pet appears to be getting a lot of hairballs, consult your Jensen Beach, FL veterinarian.

What Are Some Breeds of Longhaired Cats?

The International Cat Association now recognizes 73 cat breeds. We think they’re all super cute!

Here are some of the adorable floofers in the list:

• Maine Coon
• Norwegian Forest Cat
• Birman
• Himalayan
• Siberian
• Ragdolls
• Turkish Angora
• Turkish Van
• British Longhair
• Persian

Of course, there are plenty of fluffy crossbreed cats out there, as well as those with medium fur.

Do Longhaired Cats Need Extra Care?

Longhaired cats require the same care as any other feline. Fluffy will require adequate nutrition, a clean litterbox, a comfortable shelter, and, of course, proper veterinarian care. That will cover the essentials. To get that motor going, you’ll need to supply love, toys, and lap space. (Catnip, sunbeams, and boxes will also satisfy your feline master.)

The only difference is that Fluffy will require assistance with grooming. Cats are naturally very clean. (They are also really cute, cuddly, fun, and amusing, but that’s another topic.) Your feline friend will take time out of her hectic daily napping schedule to groom herself and keep her coat clean. Longhaired cats may struggle to keep up with that beauty care regimen, though. There’s a lot of fur to take care of!

Brush your pet regularly. This will not only make things easier for Fluffy, but also for you, as you will not have to deal with finding cat fur all over the place.

How Do You Groom a Long-Haired Cat?

Brushing Fluffy is straightforward … as long as she is willing to participate. You’ll want to wait till your feline companion is relaxed. (Given how much time cats spend napping, this shouldn’t take too long.) If your kitty is a lap cat, wait until she has draped herself over your lap. Start petting her, moving your hand in the direction of her fur. Then, you can slowly incorporate the brush.

Many cats like getting brushed. It probably recalls Fluffy of when she was younger and her mother would groom her. Bonded kittens frequently groom each other. This is not exclusive to kitties; horses, primates, and birds also do it. Do not be startled if your pet starts purring or licking your hand.

Of course, our feline companions are all unique individuals. Some cats really seem to enjoy getting groomed. Others? Not so much. You do not want to force it. If your pet only tolerates a few brush strokes at a time, you may need to spread them out. You do not want to try to hold her down. That will just make her less inclined to be groomed in the future. It is also a great way to be scratched.

Aside from that, we recommend that you brush your pet’s complete body, not just her back. Longhaired cats frequently get tangled in their ‘armpits’, so your pet may require additional assistance there.

How Often Should You Groom Your Longhaired Cat?

This will vary slightly. If your cat is exceptionally fluffy, you may need to brush her every day. Older cats require further assistance and may need to be brushed more frequently. However, most cats can be brushed once or twice a week.

Should I Bathe My Cat?

You should not have to bathe your feline pal. However, if you have a kitten, it is a good idea to familiarize your tiny buddy with the procedure. That way, you’ll both have an easier time if something gets stuck in her fur.

There are a few caveats. (Maybe we should say catveats.) The most important thing is not to bathe Fluffy too often. This would remove the natural oils from her skin and fur, and could leave her looking dry and frizzy. Furthermore, it could irritate her skin.

It’s also important to use the appropriate products and practices. Get a mild shampoo formulated just for cats. Fluffy cannot handle the ones designed for humans. Also, always use lukewarm, not boiling, water. Finally, take care not to get suds into your cat’s eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. You can rinse with a pitcher. Or simply use a face cloth to clean your cat’s head.

Another thing to remember? Never bathe a matted cat. That will just worsen the situation!

What Should I Do If My Cat Gets Matted?

Fluffy cats frequently develop mats. Older cats are also more prone to them. There are several explanations for this. For starters, as your pet ages, she will have a tougher time bending and stretching, which makes it harder for her to clean herself. Furthermore, older cats’ skin may produce more oil than younger kitties does’. This can also result in matting.

However, mats can occasionally indicate medical concerns. Consult your Jensen Beach, FL veterinarian if your kitty companion is getting a lot of mats.

If you notice a mat on your cat, carefully remove it. You do not want to pull too hard. Cats’ skin is sensitive and easily ripped. You may need to put in some more effort. Reassure your cat by caressing her and even giving her a treat.

As for the mat, begin at the end. You might wish to apply a detangling spray on it. We would consider purchasing a specialized mat-removing comb.

Severe matting may require shaving. You might be able to get a little one, but large ones would necessitate a contact to your doctor or groomer. When cutting mats, proceed with extreme caution. It’s easy to accidentally cut your kitty companion!

Should I Shave My Cat?

Kitty cats do need to be shaved sometimes. This is common when cats get too elderly or sick to care for their fur. Chubby cats struggle to bend and stretch enough to reach their entire bodies.

This is not something you should try at home. Contact your veterinarian or groomer. Fluffy hair may only require a trim.

Book An Appointment At Our Jensen Beach, FL Pet Clinic

Have you got any queries about caring for a longhaired cat? Contact your Jensen Beach, FL veterinarian clinic now!