Did you know that cats have three different layers of fur? The down fur forms a thick, soft under layer that insulates your cat’s body and keeps them warm. The middle layer, called the awn fur, makes up the majority of your cat’s coat. But there’s also the guard fur, the longest layer that helps keep your cat dry and gives their coat its color and pattern.
With all that fur, brushing is very important. It keeps their coats healthy and clean, prevents matting and hairballs, and leaves less cat hair around your house. It’s also a good bonding ritual. Cats groom each other to show affection and as a sign of friendship, so when you brush your cat, it helps them feel closer to you.
Our vets explain why you need to brush your cat, how often to do it, which type of brush to use, and how to prevent hairballs.
How Often Do You Need to Brush Your Cat?
The answer to this question mostly depends on the length of your cat’s fur.
- Short-haired cats need to get brushed once or twice a week.
- Medium-haired cats should get brushed at least every other day.
- Long-haired cats need daily brushing.
How often you should brush your cat depends on their age, as well.
- Older cats often need brushing every day, as self-grooming becomes more difficult.
- It’s good to brush kittens every day, too, even if it’s just a few strokes. Brushing helps them get used to your touch and form a closer bond with you.
It’s also important to note that some cats simply will not tolerate things like nail trimming and brushing. If you have a cat that fights the brush, attempting to groom them could lead to injuries. You will need to bring your cat to a professional groomer or a veterinarian.
Which Kind of Brush Does My Cat Need?
Again, this is going to depend mostly on the length of their fur. You need a brush or comb with tines long enough to reach through all three layers of your cat’s fur and down to their skin. For example, long-haired cats like Maine Coons will need a de-matting brush and a wide-tooth comb to keep their fur from getting tangled.
A slicker brush (the kind with wire bristles) will work for most cats. And a silicone curry brush is gentle enough for kittens and cats that are new to brushing. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation.
How to Prevent Hairballs
Hairballs are normal, but they can be dangerous. That’s why cats need frequent brushing. The more loose hair you can collect on a hairbrush, the less your cat will be able to swallow.
You should also make sure that your cat is drinking plenty of water. The ideal amount will depend on their size and their diet. For example, a cat that weighs ten pounds and eats only dry food should drink at least 1 cup of water in a day. Staying hydrated will help them pass any hair that accidentally gets swallowed.
Long-haired cats and devoted groomers may benefit from a special diet. If your cat is getting frequent hairballs, ask your vet about switching to a hairball-control cat food.
Ask the Cat Experts at Anasazi Animal Clinic
If you’re looking for the best veterinarians for cats in Gilbert, Arizona, you found us! Nobody else will give your cat the same loving attention and dedicated care as Anasazi Animal Clinic. If you’re still wondering how often you should brush your cat, or what type of brush to use, or have any other questions about cat care, be sure to ask us at your next visit! Give us a call to make an appointment today.
Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 11/6/24.