Is your kitty’s fur long and fluffy? While all cats are adorable, longhaired cats are particularly charming. Fluffy can wear a variety of colors and patterns, but she looks especially stunning with flowing locks. There aren’t really any drawbacks to having a super cute pet, but you will need to help your furry buddy with her grooming routine. Continue reading for ideas on how to care for a longhaired cat from a local Hiawassee, GA veterinarian.
Do Long-Haired Get A Lot Of Hairballs?
Hairballs are an unintended consequence of one of Fluffy’s best qualities: her cleanliness. When washing herself, your pet will unavoidably swallow some of her own fur. Unfortunately, cats cannot digest fur. We don’t really need to go into detail about what happens next, except to say that it isn’t the best part of having a kitty.
Hairballs are more than just an unpleasant inconvenience. They can actually be harmful. Occasionally, cats are unable to eliminate hairballs in the typical manner. If the hairball becomes caught in Fluffy’s gastrointestinal tract, it may cause a blockage, which may be exceedingly painful and dangerous.
This is another reason why longhaired cats should be groomed. Also, make sure that your feline companion receives adequate nutrition and has access to fresh water at all times. If your pet appears to be producing a lot of hairballs, consult your Towns County, Georgia veterinarian.
What Are Some Long-Haired Cats?
The International Cat Association now recognizes 73 different cat breeds. We think they are all absolutely adorable! Of course, not all have long hair.
That super cute list includes the following kitties:
- Maine Coon
- Norwegian Forest Cat
- Birman
- Himalayan
- Siberian
- Ragdolls
- Turkish Angora
- Turkish Van
- British Longhair
- Persian
Of course, there are plenty of fluffy cross-breed cats, as well as plenty with medium fur.
Are Long-Haired Cats Really Difficult To Care For?
For the most part, longhaired cats require the same care as any other feline. Fluffy will need nutritious food, a clean litterbox, comfortable shelter, and, of course, regular veterinarian care. That will cover the fundamentals. To get that engine running, you’ll also need to supply love, toys, and lap space. (Your feline overlord will also enjoy catnip, sunbeams, and boxes.)
The main difference is that Fluffy will need assistance with grooming. Cats are naturally hygienic. This is one of the best things about them, other than the fact that they are adorable, cuddly, fun, and amusing. Your feline friend will take time out of her hectic daily schedule to groom herself and keep her coat in good condition. Longhaired cats may find it difficult to maintain their beauty regimen. That’s a lot of fur to keep up with!
Simply brush your pet on a regular basis. This will not only make things easier for Fluffy, but also for you, as you will not have to deal with cat fur everywhere. You’ll use a brush to pick up any loose fur before it sticks to your sofa. And your bed. And your clothes.
What Is The Best Way To Groom A Long-Haired Cat?
Brushing Fluffy isn’t hard, providing she agrees and doesn’t mind. You’ll want to wait until your furry companion is relaxed. (This shouldn’t take long.) If your cat is a lap cat, wait until she has draped herself across your lap. Start petting her, moving in the direction of her fur. Then, include the brush.
Many cats love the grooming process. Do not be startled if your pet begins to purr or lick your hand. Being brushed most likely reminds Fluffy of when she was younger and her mother would groom her. Bonded cats frequently groom each other. This is not limited to cats; horses, primates, and birds also do it.
Of course, our feline buddies are all unique. Not all of them love the grooming process. You don’t want to force anything. If your pet can only handle a few brush strokes at a time, you may need to spread them out. You do not want to try to keep her down. That will just make her more resistant to being groomed in the future. You may also get scratched.
Aside from that, we’d like to point out that you should brush your pet’s entire body, not just her back. Longhaired cats frequently get tangles in their ‘armpits’, so your pet may require additional assistance there.
How Often Should You Groom A Long-Haired Cat?
This will vary a little. If your cat is particularly fluffy, brush her every day. Older cats may require further assistance and should be brushed more frequently. However, in most circumstances, you should be able to brush your cat once or twice every week.
Should I Give My Furry Pal A Bath?
You should not have to bathe your cat. However, if you have a kitten, it’s a good idea to get him acquainted with the process. That way, you’ll both have it easier if she gets something trapped in her fur.
There are a few caveats here. (Maybe we should call them catveats.) The most important thing is to avoid bathing your pet too often. This would strip her skin and fur of their natural oils. This could make her look dry and frizzy and may irritate her skin.
It’s also critical to use the correct tools and procedures. Get a mild shampoo designed specifically for cats. Fluffy cannot handle human-made ones. Also, use lukewarm water, not boiling. Finally, avoid getting suds into your cat’s eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. Rinse with a pitcher. Alternatively, use a facecloth to clean your cat’s head.
Something else to remember? You should never bathe a matted cat. That will just exacerbate the issue!
What Should I Do If My Kitty Gets Matted?
Mats are not unusual on fluffy cats. Older cats are especially vulnerable to them. There are a number of causes behind this. For starters, your pet’s ability to bend and stretch will deteriorate as she ages. Furthermore, elderly kitties’ skin may produce more oil than that of younger cats. This can also result in matting.
However, matting might occasionally indicate a medical problem. If your kitty companion is developing a lot of mats, consult your veterinarian.
If you notice a mat on your cat, remove it gently. You shouldn’t pull too hard. Cats’ skin is very delicate and can easily rip.
Start at the end of the mat. You might wish to apply a detangling spray to it. Consider purchasing a specific mat-removal comb. Petting your cat and even giving her a treat will help to reassure her.
Severe matting may require shaves. You might be able to get a little one, but large mats would necessitate a call to your veterinarian or groomer. Be extremely cautious when cutting mats. It’s easy to unintentionally cut your feline friend!
Should I Shave My Feline Friend?
Sometimes kittens need to be shaved. This is frequently the case when cats grow too elderly or ill to care for their fur. Chubby cats have difficulty bending and stretching to reach their entire bodies.
This is not something you should attempt at home. Speak with your Towns County, Georgia vet or groomer. Fluffy may also benefit from a simple cut.
Make An Appointment At Our Hiawassee, GA Pet Clinic
Do you have any queries about caring for a long-haired cat? Please contact us, your Hiawassee, GA veterinary clinic, today!
