Is your feline companion sporting long hair? While all kitties are adorable, longhaired kitties are almost impossibly cute. Fluffy can wear a variety of colors and patterns, but she looks most beautiful with flowing locks. There aren’t many drawbacks to owning an extra cute pet, but you will need to assist your furry buddy with her grooming routine. Continue reading to learn how to care for a longhaired cat from a local Cherry Hill, NJ veterinarian.
What Are Some Examples of Long-Haired Cats?
The International Cat Association now lists 73 different cat breeds. We think they’re all cute!
Here are some of the floofers on the list.
- Maine Coon
- Norwegian Forest Cat
- Birman
- Persian
- Turkish Van
- British Longhair
- Himalayan
- Siberian
- Ragdoll
- Turkish Angora
- Balinese
Of course, there are plenty of fluffy crossbreed kitties, as well as several with medium fur.
How Do You Care For A Longhaired Cat?
Longhaired cats, for the most part, require the same level of care as regular kitties. Fluffy will require nutritious food, a clean litterbox, a comfortable home, and, of course, regular veterinarian care. That’ll cover the fundamentals. To get that engine running, you’ll need to supply love, toys, and lap space. (Catnip, sunbeams, and boxes will all delight your feline master.)
The only difference is that Fluffy will require help with grooming. Cats are naturally highly clean. This is one of their best traits, actually. Your kitty companion will take time out of her hectic daily resting schedule to clean herself and maintain her coat tidy. Longhaired cats may find it difficult to maintain their beauty routine. That’s a lot of fur to deal with!
Brushing your pet on a regular basis is all that’s required. This will not only make things easier for Fluffy, but also for you, because cat fur will not be everywhere. That brush will remove any loose fur before it sticks to your sofa, bed, and clothing.
How Often Should You Groom Your Longhaired Cat?
This will vary a little from kitty to kitty. If your cat has a lot of fur, brush her every day. Older cats require further assistance and may require more frequent brushing. In most circumstances, though, you should be able to brush your cat once or twice per week.
Should I Give Fluffy Baths?
You should not have to bathe your feline companion. However, if you have a kitten, it’s a good idea to familiarize your pint-sized pal with the process. That way, if something gets stuck in her fur, you’ll have an easier time of it.
There are a few limitations here. (Perhaps we should say catvets.) The most important thing is not to bathe your pet too frequently. This would cause her skin and fur to lose their natural oils. This could result in her looking dry and frizzy. Furthermore, it may irritate her skin.
It’s also critical to employ the proper products and practices. Get a mild shampoo specifically designed for cats. People-sized ones are too strong for Fluffy. Also, use lukewarm water instead of boiling water. Finally, avoid getting suds in your cat’s eyes, ear, nose, or mouth. To rinse, use a pitcher. Simply use a facecloth to clean your cat’s head.
Something else to consider? Never give a matted cat a wash. That will only make things worse!
How To Groom A Longhaired Cat?
Brushing your furry friend shouldn’t be too difficult, as long as she does not object. wait until your feline companion is comfortable and relaxed. (Given how much time cats spend napping, this shouldn’t take very long.) If your cat is a lap cat, wait until she has draped herself across your lap. Simply begin petting her, moving your hand in the direction of her fur. Then, you can start to incorporate the brush.
Many cats like having their hair done for them. It most likely reminds Fluffy of when she was younger and her mother groomed her. Do not be startled if your pet begins purring or maybe licking your hand. Bonded cats often affectionately groom one another. Cats are not the only animals that do this; horses, primates, and birds do as well.
Of course, not all cats like being brushed. You don’t want to force the issue. If your pet can only endure a few brush strokes at a time, you may need to try spacing them out. Avoid attempting to restrain Fluffy. That will simply make her even less willing to be groomed in the future. It’s also an easy way to get yourself scratched.
Another note? Try to brush your pet’s full body, rather than just her back. Longhaired cats frequently get tangles in their ‘armpits,’ so your pet may require additional assistance there.
What Can I Do If My Cat Gets Matted?
Mats are pretty common in fluffy cats. Older cats are more likely to develop them. There are a couple of reasons behind this. For starters, as your pet ages, it will become more difficult for her to bend and stretch. Furthermore, the skin of elderly cats may produce more oil than that of younger cats. This can also lead to matting.
However, matting can sometimes indicate medical problems. If your kitty companion is getting a lot of mats, speak with your Cherry Hill, NJ veterinarian.
Gently remove any mats from your cat’s fur. You should avoid pulling too hard. Cat skin is highly sensitive and easily ripped. You may have to put forth some effort. Pet and treat your cat to reassure her.
Begin at the mat’s end. You could wish to apply a detangling spray. You may want to get a special mat-removing comb.
Shaving may be necessary for severe matting. You might be able to get a little one out by yourself, but larger mats would necessitate a visit to your doctor or groomer. When cutting mats, be extremely careful. You don’t want to accidentally cut your feline friend!
Should My Cat Be Shaved?
Sometimes kitties need to be shaved. This is frequently the case when they get too sick or old to properly care for their fur. Chubby cats also struggle to bend and extend far enough to reach their full bodies.
This is not something to do at home. Consult your vet or groomer. Fluffy hair may be OK with just a cut.
Are Long-Haired Cats More Likely To Get Hairballs?
Hairballs are an unintended consequence of one of Fluffy’s best characteristics: her cleanliness. When washing herself, your furry little diva will invariably ingest some of her own fur. Unfortunately, cats are unable to digest their own fur. We won’t go into detail about what occurs next, except to say that it’s not the best part of having a cat. Fluffy cats are prone to hairballs. More hair on your cat translates to more hair in your cat.
Hairballs are more than simply an unpleasant inconvenience. They can be harmful. Kitties are sometimes unable to get rid of hairballs in the typical way. If the hairball becomes caught in Fluffy’s gastrointestinal tract, it may cause an intestinal blockage, which may be excruciatingly painful and hazardous.
This is another reason why it’s critical to groom longhaired cats. Also, ensure that your feline companion receives sufficient nutrition and has access to fresh water at all times. If your pet seems to be having a lot of hairballs, consult your Cherry Hill, NJ veterinarian.
Schedule An Appointment At Our Cherry Hill, NJ Pet Clinic
Do you have any queries about taking care of a longhaired cat? Call us, your Cherry Hill, NJ veterinary clinic, today!
