Difference between revisions of "Brush a Cat"

#Recognize what healthy fur and skin look like. Make sure the fur is glossy and smooth. After your stroke it, it should spring back into place.<ref name="rf1">https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-grooming-tips</ref> Make sure the skin is soft and free of blemishes.

#*Call your vet if you find dandruff, bumps, bald spots, or wounds. Although these symptoms might signal conditions that can be treated with simple lifestyle changes, they might signal something more serious like mange or a hormonal imbalance.<ref name="rf2">https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/coat-and-skin-appearance-in-the-healthy-cat</ref>

#Search for signs of fleas. Do this especially if you notice your cat scratching more than usual. Use a flea comb for this step.<ref name="rf3">https://icatcare.org/advice/how-groom-your-cat</ref> Look for flea droppings. They're small, dark objects that look like grains of sand. You should also look and feel for flea eggs. Because they're white, they can blend in with your cat's skin. Like flea dirt, they feel like grains of sand. Other symptoms include bald spots, skin irritation, and pale lips/gums.<ref name="rf4">https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/fleas-and-ticks</ref>

#*If the tick has its head in your cat's skin, smother the area with petroleum jelly first. This will cut off the tick's source of air and cause it to back its head out. When it does back out, grab it with the tweezers and drown it in the rubbing alcohol. Disinfect the area before proceeding with grooming.<ref name="rf5">http://www.petmd.com/dog/parasites/how-to-remove-a-tick-from-dog-cat</ref>

#Check under the tail. Look for any fecal matter that might have gotten matted in with your cat's hair. This is often a problem in older cats and cats with long hair. You should also check for small tan objects that look like grains of rice. This could indicate tapeworm, which requires immediate veterinary attention.<ref name="rf1" />

#Move from head to tail. Use a metal brush or fine-toothed comb. Brush with the grain of the fur. If you go against the grain, you could cause your cat great discomfort. Move gently, yet with enough force to remove loose fur.<ref name="rf1" />

# Brush your cat's sides and abdomen. Continue to move with the grain of your cat's fur. Brush the sides first. Using caution, gradually and slowly move toward their belly. If they let you brush their belly, continue in the direction of the hair growth. If they hiss or start to swat, stop what you're doing. Most cats are very protective of this area of their body, as it makes them feel vulnerable.<ref name="rf6">http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-things-people-do-that-cats-hate.html</ref>

#Finish with damp rubber gloves. Apply a small dab of water to your gloves and spread it around the palm and fingers. Pet your cat as you normally would. This will help to relax them and give their coat a glossy shine. It will also pick up any loose hairs that the comb or brush missed.<ref name="rf3" />

#Repeat 2 to 3 times a week. Make a note of how much shedding you see at different times of the year. Depending on the climate, your cat might need an extra brushing session on certain weeks. Stick to a regular schedule so that your cat can get used to the routine. This will also lessen the risk of hairballs.<ref name="rf7">http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?articleid=214</ref>

#*Start combing at your cat's head and gradually move toward their tail.<ref name="rf3" />

#Comb the longer locks on the armpits and belly. Continue to move with the grain of the fur. Look and feel for tangled balls of fur called mats, which are very common in these areas. Be very gentle as you brush and search. Many cats feel threatened when touched in these areas. It might take them several brushing sessions to get used to being combed there.<ref name="rf3" />

#Detangle any mats. Try using your fingers first. Gently work out each mat in downward strokes. Start at the bottom of the matted hair and gradually work your way up as it detangles. If this doesn't work, use a mat-splitter, working in the same manner as your did with your fingers.<ref name="rf1" /> You can buy a mat-splitter in any  pet supply store.

#*If you encounter one or more stubborn mats, don't try to cut or shave them off yourself. You might unknowingly cut your cat's skin. Call your vet or groomer for a professional detangling as soon as possible.<ref name="rf3" />

#*Breeds like the Norwegian forest cat require extra care due to the long tufts of fur that grow from the pads of their feet.<ref name="rf8">http://cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsKthruR/NorwegianForestCat/NFCArticle.aspx</ref> If you're lucky enough to have a cooperative kitty, comb any mats or kitty litter out of these tufts with a finer-toothed comb. If they put up a fuss, contact your vet.

#Use a rubber mitten. After you put the mitten on, pet your cat in a normal fashion. This will pick up any dead hair from the undercoat or topcoat. It will also help to relax your cat, especially if you had to de-mat their hair.<ref name="rf3" /> Rubber mittens are available in most pet supply stores.

#Finish with damp rubber gloves. Apply a small dab of water to your gloves and spread it around the palm and fingers. Pet your cat as you normally would. This give their coat a glossy shine. It will also pick up any loose hairs that the comb or brush missed.<ref name="rf3" />

#Repeat every one to two days. It's a myth that all long-haired cats shed more often than short-hairs. However, they are more prone to matting and hairballs. Daily brushing (or brushing every other day) will make these hazards less likely to occur.<ref name="rf7" />

*There is no set rule on how long each brushing session should be. It all depends on what your cat is comfortable with.<ref name="rf3" />

*Avoid brushing your cat right after nap time or during mealtime. Wait until they're relaxed and content.<ref name="rf3" />