Weekly brushing with a natural-bristle brush is sufficient. After brushing, the cat's coat may be gently combed, taking care not to damage the guard hairs or undercoat. While a comb penetrates the coat better than a brush, if not done properly, combing can damage the coat and irritate the cat's skin.
Before brushing and/or combing your cat, use the tips of your fingers to brush the coat against the grain to loosen dead hairs and fluff the coat without causing discomfort.
Cats, unlike many wild mammals, do not shed only at a specific time of year. Instead, they shed year round, particularly when living in the warm environment of a home. Some breeds shed profusely in spring and summer. During this period, the cat must be brushed more frequently. A glove with rubber tips is an effective way to remove dead hairs, and your cat will love the massaging action of the glove.
Cats have adapted their coats to their environment. In cold climates, cats grew thick, downy coats, whereas in warm climates, cats developed short coats with no undercoat. A cat's coat reacts to the climate in which the cat lives. During warm periods, cats lose their undercoat. If the weather is exceedingly hot, a cat will even begin to shed its guard hairs.
For extremely short coats, rubbing the cat with a chamois cloth is all that is required.
A chamois cloth may also be used at the end of the grooming session to give the coat of Singapuras, Abyssinians, Siamese, and other breeds a lustrous glow.
Whatever the breed or coat type, a cat must be introduced to brushing and regular grooming at a very young age. Grooming sessions are not only good for your cat, they also provide the opportunity for you and your cat to spend some quality time together.
Log in
