Cat brush FAQs
What type of brush is best for cats?
The best brush for your cat depends on their hair type. Cats with long hair need a slicker or pin brush and possibly a tool to remove dead hair and dirt from their topcoat and undercoat. Long-haired cats that are prone to mats may also need a comb that can dig into dreadlocks and gently remove them. A slicker or pin brush can also be used on a short-haired cat, but they may prefer the feel of a soft, rubber curry comb. A grooming glove is another good option for short-haired cats, especially if they are sensitive.
Is brushing good for cats?
Yes! Cat brushing removes dead hair and skin cells that would otherwise end up being ingested while grooming or shedding on your floor. The less hair a cat ingests, the less likely they are to develop regular hairballs. Brushing also distributes natural oils to the coat to keep it shiny, stimulates blood circulation, and helps a cat and their caretaker bond.
How often should I brush my cat?
Opinions differ even among professionals about how often a cat should be brushed. According to the ASPCA, brushing once or twice a week can help keep a cat’s coat healthy. VCA Hospitals recommend brushing your cat daily, especially if they have long hair or thick coats. Tillman’s rule of thumb is to brush your cat as often as they’ll let you, while Harper says she doesn’t have a rule of thumb but recommends at least running your hands through it, if not a brush or comb. , on your cat’s body once daily. Older cats who cannot self-groom may need more regular sessions than younger cats.
How often should I use a deshedding tool on my long-haired or thick-coated cat?
No universal rule exists for brushing with a deshedding tool. For example, Andis recommends using its deshedder several times a week, while Furminator recommends using its tool once a week.
How long should a brushing session with my cat last?
Cats “can quickly go from purring to flitting sharp claws in your face” while grooming, Miller says. Instead of sticking to a set time, pay attention to your cat’s body language. If they become agitated or try to walk away from the brush or comb, end the session and pick it up again later.
How can I make brushing pleasant for my cat?
The earlier you start to introduce your cat to brushing, the better. “Kittens who get their nails groomed and clipped regularly are used to being handled,” says Simpson. To set your cat up for brushing success, Simpson recommends positioning them in a comfortable, quiet spot and combining gentle strokes of the brush or comb with treats. Meaty foods such as Easy Cheese and Inaba Churu are particularly valuable to many cats. Simpson says cats are less likely to become agitated if you work alone without restraining them.
Why do cats shed?
Shedding is a normal activity of any animal with hair. “Everything has an expiration period,” Harper said. “The hair will run its course, it will fall out, and it will be replaced by a new follicle.”
How does a cat’s tongue work to remove hair?
A cat’s tongue is covered with papillae, small rounded nubs that face backwards and help a cat retain food while eating. Those papillae also pick up dead, loose hair when they are licked and they groom their body.
Why do cats get hairballs?
The same papillae that capture hair during grooming prevent a cat from spitting out what they are removing. Hair has nowhere to go but the throat and stomach. Most of the hair that the cat ingests will dissolve normally and be excreted in the litter box. In some cats, especially those with luxurious and long coats, some hair will remain on the stomach, where it slowly accumulates. Eventually, that hairball becomes irritating, and there’s only one way to get it out: by vomiting.
If a cat is going out more than usual, what could be happening?
A cat may start shedding more than usual for a variety of reasons, Harper says. Skin irritations due to parasites such as fleas or allergies to a new food or something in the environment can cause the cat to scratch more often and lose additional hair. After a traumatic injury, a cat may also shed more around the wound, especially if they can scratch the area.
What should a cat parent do if they see a rash, scabs, or other skin irritation?
Most minor scratches and scabs resolve on their own, either without intervention or with an over-the-counter skin ointment or salve like Neosporin, according to Harper. But if there’s no change in three days or the itching worsens, he recommends contacting your vet.
Does my cat need a bath?
While cats don’t need to be bathed, Miller says baths are effective for removing dander and dead undercoat and keeping a cat’s coat fresh. However, not many cats enjoy being bathed by their caretakers. If you think your cat might be ready for a bath, introduce it carefully and use a shampoo designed specifically for cats, not people. If your cat really needs a clean but doesn’t want to bathe, try a grooming wipe like Earthbath’s hypoallergenic version.
When should I take my cat to a professional groomer?
Any time a cat has thick mats and needs shaving, it’s best to consult a professional. “Cat skin is easy to cut, so it’s best to leave that to us,” Tillman says. If you have a cat that doesn’t like to be brushed, don’t hesitate to hire a groomer to do the basics. “It’s best not to push a cat’s limits where you’re at risk of injury,” says Miller.
