Answers, Why, When & How of Cat Behavior Issues by Pam Johnson-Bennett Cat Behavioral Expert, Pioneer & Best-selling Author
If you have a longhaired cat you’re probably very familiar with the need for daily grooming. The coats of longhaired cats easily tangle and mat so regular grooming is a must. Unfortunately though, I’ve seen many longhaired cats who don’t get the needed daily grooming and end up with health complications as a result.
Even if you have a shorthaired cat, regular grooming is an important part of maintaining health. She may not have a coat that mats but frequent brushing will cut down on shedding and the amount of hair getting ingested through her self-grooming.
Benefits of Grooming
- Brushing distributes the natural oil which helps maintain skin and coat health
- With frequent brushing you can address tangles before they turn into mats
- Grooming enables you to check for parasites such as fleas and ticks
- Time spent brushing your cat can help deepen the bond between the two of you
- Frequent grooming helps desensitize the cat to being handled
- You’re able to check for any skin abnormalities or ear problems
- The more hair you brush, the less hair your cat will swallow
Grooming Neglect
- Tangles and mats can pull on the delicate skin and make it difficult for the cat to walk
- Mats around the armpits could result in tearing of the skin.
- Dense mats block air flow to the skin and can cause skin irritation or wounds
- Fleas can hide in the mats, making it difficult for you to find and remove them
- Mats on the cat’s backside can become encrusted with feces and/or dried urine
- A cat may chew or tear at a mat due to pain and end up ripping the skin
Grooming Shouldn’t Take Long
If you brush your cat on a regular basis, the daily maintenance shouldn’t take long. Grooming shouldn’t be torture sessions lasting 30 minutes. With a longhaired cat, brush just a few minutes every day to keep his coat in good condition. For shorthaired cats, brushing two or three times a week will do the trick.
