
Some cats love to be brushed - others are not as fond. If you start to get the cat used to brushing as a kitten, it may be easier to brush when the cat becomes an adult. You can also try different types of brushes to see if the cat likes plastic brushes better than metal spikes or rubber for example. If the cat thinks it is uncomfortable to be brushed, you can try to be extra careful, not hold the cat too firmly, praise and give a treat as a reward. If it is completely impossible to brush with a brush, you can try a brush glove or just use your hands. Brushing the coat has several beneficial functions. Partly you get loose loose and dead fur, work out ropes, spread the cat's natural oils in the fur, give a nice massage and then you get a cozy moment together. ♥ Brushing helps get rid of loose fur is good for two reasons; you reduce the risk of hairballs that can cause digestive problems in the cat and you keep your home and furniture free of fur.
Mats and tangles are two examples of when the cat's own tongue may not be enough to keep the coat nice. Then, with the help of a comb, slicker brush or regular brush, you can help detangle the coat and keep it tangle-free. Tangles can occur when the coat is long and has tangled into small knots. It can also get tangles if small twigs, clay or other stuff gets stuck in the fur when the cat has been outdoors. If the tangles are not taken care of, it can become uncomfortable and painful for the cat because the tangle can pull on and stretch the skin - so it is good that you regularly check your cat's coat when you have a long-haired cat. If a tangle is large or difficult to sort out, it may be better to cut or shave it out instead of trying to brush it out.
Bathing the cat is something that can be part of the routine for a show cat, or it is something you rarely do. If the cat has happened to get something stuck in the coat such as oil or resin, it may be necessary to bathe the cat. It is not uncommon for the cat to find it uncomfortable to be bathed or showered, so be prepared to keep the cat still in a calm yet steady manner. Be very careful with the cat's head, face and eyes. Soak the coat with water with temperature between 37-38 degrees Celsius and then use a cat shampoo that is soldered into the coat. When it comes to shampoo for cats, there are a variety of options to choose from. You can use a shampoo that cleans, moisturizes, helps relieve itching, has a conditioning effect or enhances the cat's coat color. The reason you should use a shampoo specifically for cats is that the pH of the shampoo is then balanced to suit the cat's skin and coat, and they do not contain any perfumes or chemicals that can be harmful to the cat. Color shampoos are available for black cats and white cats. A color shampoo for white / gray / silver-colored cats contains blue-violet pigments, just like a silver shampoo for humans, which helps counteract unwanted shades and accentuate the light coat.
After thoroughly rinsing the shampoo, you can use conditioner. A cat conditioner gives shine and has a detangling effect. Some conditioners are direct-acting and can be massaged and rinsed out immediately, while other conditioners should sit in the coat for a few minutes before rinsing. After using the cat conditioner and drying the cat it will be very easy to brush or comb the cat as the coat becomes easy to sort out.
Once the cat shampoo and conditioner has been rinsed out, it's time to dry the cat. Using a warm towel is usually appreciated, and try to dry the cat as well as possible. Then it is good to keep the cat indoors in the heat so that it is allowed to dry completely. Do not let a cat outside into the cold when wet. If you have a cat who is used to a hair dryer, you can dry the coat faster with the help of a hair dryer - be careful not to keep the hair dryer too close and not to use a too hot setting.
It is possible to "bathe" the cat without water. Then you can use dry shampoo for cats. This is a good alternative if you do not have time to bathe the cat, if you do not have access to water or if you have a cat who absolutely does not want to take a bath. Dry shampoo is easily sprayed or sprinkled over the cat's coat, then rubbed or brushed into the coat. Leave the dry shampoo in the coat without rinsing. Cat conditioner is also available as "dry conditioner", also called conditioner spray or spray conditioner. This is sprayed on the coat and does not need to be rinsed out. With a conditioning spray, the coat becomes soft and glossy and it is easy to sort out tangles.
If you have a cat that is difficult to handle, there are various tools that can make grooming easier and safer for both you and the cat. A cat bag, or grooming bag, can be used to keep the cat still so that it does not accidentally scratch you or injure itself. You can also use a muzzle that covers the eyes, which can keep the cat calm. The cat muzzle makes it difficult for the cat to bite, and it can make handling easier when, for example, you need to brush, cut out a tangle or cut the claws.