Long-haired cats are known for their gorgeous coat, however, keeping your long-haired cat’s fur in pristine condition requires some maintenance. Follow these tips to keep your cat’s coat looking beautiful, silky, and full!
Brush Frequently
Although cats are natural groomers, it is still very important to brush your cat regularly, about 1-2 times a week. Doing so helps avoid tangles and matting while distributing natural oils to keep your cat’s coat looking silky and smooth. Regular brushing also helps prevent hairballs. Beginning to brush your cat’s coat from a young age will get him accustomed to being brushed and can help create a positive association around the experience. Find the perfect brush for your cat at Healthy Pet! We have a variety of brushes and grooming tools for your long-haired cat. Click here to explore.
Avoid Matting
Long-haired cats can be more prone to matting compared to their short-haired counterparts. The best way to avoid matting is to have a regular brushing routine. However, if your cat’s coat is already matted in some areas (around the neck and under the arms tend to be problem areas), use a dematting brush. Start at the top of the matt, holding it from the bottom. Patience is key when attempting to brush through a matt. After you untangle the top of the matt, start working your way down, towards the bottom part. For serious cases, seek help from your veterinarian.
Prevent Dander
While bathing your cat might not sound like the most enjoyable task, it helps to limit dander, or the microscopic pieces of dry skin that are the cause of allergic reactions for people with cat allergies. Be sure to put a bathmat in the bottom of the tub for your cat to grip onto and use a special cat shampoo. If there isn’t enough time to give your cat a full bath, wiping them with a damp cloth or using a grooming foam like this one from Earthbath also works!
Embrace the Long Hair!
A cat’s coat serves as a temperature regulation system. Their fur seals in body heat in the cold months and allows fresh air to flow through in the summer. Although it might seem logical to shave your cat in the summer, doing so takes away their defense to the sun. Shaving a cat often leads to sun damage, overheating and skin problems, like ingrown hairs.
Find a Quality Cat Food
Finding the right food for your cat is crucial to result in a beautiful, thick coat. Cats need lots of protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats to maintain a shiny coat. A low-fat diet would not only be detrimental to their health, but would also result in a less healthy coat. We recommend looking for high-quality cat food to improve your long haired cat’s coat. Check out our wide variety of great cat food options here!
Stop in one of our Healthy Pet locations to pick up products to keep your cat’s coat in impeccable condition!