With their soft, plush coats and elegant looks, long-haired cats make wonderful companions to have around the house. That beauty does come with a bit more grooming responsibility, though.
Regular brushing is a must to keep mats from developing. While long-haired cats groom themselves just like any other cat, they still benefit from a helping hand from their owners.
Below are some pointers to help keep both you and your long-haired companion content.
What Long-Haired Breeds Need for Grooming
The amount of grooming a long-haired cat requires depends largely on their particular coat type. Cats with fine, silky fur may rarely tangle, whereas cats with a thicker coat can run into snags much more often.
Persians, for instance, carry an especially thick, long coat that tangles readily, so they need daily brushing along with a monthly bath.
Turkish Angoras, on the other hand, lack an undercoat entirely, so their fur seldom tangles and they shed very little—weekly brushing is generally enough.
Selkirk Rex cats are a bit different since their long coat is curly, similar to a Poodle’s. Combing them two or three times a week helps prevent tangles and limits shedding, and finishing up by running your fingers gently through their fur helps fluff the curls back up.
Brushing and Combing Techniques
Before getting started, pick up brushes and combs made specifically for cats, since these will give you the best results. Pet stores carry these tools, and your vet or groomer can point you toward good options.
Many cats genuinely enjoy being brushed, so don’t be surprised if yours starts bumping its head against the brush as soon as it comes out. Cats that are initially more sensitive to it often warm up to brushing after a handful of sessions.
Even if your cat never quite comes to love the process, regular brushing still matters, since long-haired cats are more likely to develop hairballs when loose fur isn’t removed consistently.
If you’re introducing brushing to your cat for the first time, these tips can help:
- Let your cat sniff the brush beforehand so it becomes a familiar object.
- Brush in the direction the fur grows so it doesn’t feel uncomfortable.
- Begin at the head and work slowly, giving your cat time to get used to the sensation.
- Keep the first few sessions short—just a couple of minutes—and reward your cat with a treat afterward, gradually building up to around 15 minutes over time.
Bathing Your Long-Haired Cat
Long-haired cats sometimes need an actual bath, particularly if litter or waste ends up stuck in their coat.
Some cats will scratch or bite if you attempt a bath, while others—Maine Coons especially—tend to enjoy it, particularly when the water is kept nice and warm.
Starting bath time early, while your cat is still a kitten, tends to produce the best long-term results.
Handling Matted Fur
Matting is a common issue for long-haired cats, and once it happens, you may need to clip the mats out.
Work gently and avoid tugging too hard on the fur, and make sure to use clippers designed specifically for cats, available at your local pet store.
Never reach for regular scissors—an unexpected movement from your cat could result in an injury!
You can also try gently combing the mat out first. For particularly stubborn mats, a trip to the vet for professional grooming may be necessary.
Fur Growth Between the Paw Pads
Long-haired cats can also develop lengthy tufts of fur growing between the pads of their paws—Turkish Vans are especially prone to this.
These tufts can tangle, snag on objects, or make litter box use uncomfortable. When they grow too long, trimming with clippers works well, but be careful to cut only down to pad level so you don’t accidentally nick your cat’s feet.
Grooming may feel like a lot of work at first, but it’s genuinely essential for long-haired cats. Over time, your cat may come to enjoy brushing sessions, and the time spent combing them can turn into an enjoyable bonding ritual for you both.
