Brushing Your Cat

Kitties are very clean, which is one reason they make such wonderful pets. Fluffy will take time every day to carefully groom herself and keep her fur soft and smooth. However, that doesn’t mean she can’t use a bit of help with her beauty routine. A Brampton, ON vet offers some tips on brushing your feline pal in this article.

Benefits Of Brushing

Cats are pretty diligent about keeping themselves clean, so why brush them? There are actually several reasons. By brushing Fluffy, you’ll be getting that dead fur with a brush before she swallows it. That means less furballs, which are no fun for either you or your pet. You also won’t find as much kitty fur stuck to your belongings. Brushing can also be a good way to spend time with your feline buddy and bond with her. It’s particularly helpful for older cats, as they can’t always bend and stretch well enough to groom  their whole bodies.

Getting Started

You’ll of course need to get your feline friend on board with the process. Choose a time when she’s feeling relaxed. (Given that cats spend so much of their time sleeping, that really shouldn’t be hard.) Start by gently petting her, going in the direction of her fur. Then, slowly incorporate the brush. Talking to Fluffy in a sweet, gentle tone will sweeten the deal. Catnip and treats won’t hurt, either. Most kitties relax and go with it once they realize that they are being pampered. However, some will only tolerate being brushed for a few minutes. If your pet struggles, don’t force the issue. Just let your furry buddy go, and try again another day.

Tips And Tricks

For short-haired cats, you can use any brush. If Fluffy has long fur, you may need to get her a special detangling  brush. Longhaired kitties also need some extra attention as they can be prone to getting knots and tangles. If you come across a snarl, don’t pull too hard. Kitties have very delicate skin, so you could accidentally cause a rip. Instead, gently clip the knot out, using blunt-end scissors.

We’d also recommend using this time wisely. Take the opportunity to inspect your furry pal. Look for things like lumps, bumps, lesions, swelling, heat, weight gain or loss, or tenderness. If you notice anything unusual, contact your vet right away.

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us anytime! As your local Brampton, ON pet hospital, we’re always here to help.