Why you Should Brush your Cat Regularly
Keeping your cat’s coat in good condition is not only about aesthetic appearance but also has a positive impact on her general well-being. The condition of a cat’s coat indicates her state of health. Brushing is necessary for cats. And it is important to ensure that the brushing sessions occur regularly. It helps maintain the balance of the skin’s ecosystem. It is even more crucial if a family member in the house is allergic to cat hair. Besides that, brushing your cat regularly is a fun activity. As a pet parent, you should have a brush your cat routine with you.
The number of times that you brush your cat depends on how long their coat is. For long-haired cats, brush at least once daily. For shorthaired cats, brush at least once a week. Here are several reasons why you should regularly brush your beloved cat.
-
Less Shedding
Brushing your furry friend regularly reduces the amount of excess hair that they carry. This means that there is less hair falling from the cat onto the floor, rubbing off on the furniture, turning your clothes into fur coats, and clogging up your vacuum and furnace.
-
Pain-free Grooming
Older cats have arthritis or other mobility issues that are often difficult to groom. When you lend a hand in brushing, grooming will become much easier and the cats will be immensely grateful.
-
Better Bonding
You will often notice cats grooming each other, that is if you have more than one cat. Cats do this as a way of building mutual trust and showing affection. By brushing your four-legged friend, you help build that same trust and is a way of being affectionate to the cat.
-
Flea Spotting
Regular brushing is a great way to spot fleas in the cat’s fur. You should of course keep your cat on a good, vet-recommended flea and parasite preventative to keep fleas at bay and stave off health problems such as anemia, flea allergy dermatitis, and heat worms.
-
Fewer Hairballs
Hairballs can be a normal part of being a cat. However, just a few hairballs can mean that there is a problem. The hairballs can be gross to clean up and step in. The more you brush your cat and help them get rid of excess fur, the less likely you may be to find an unpleasant, gooey surprise underfoot.
-
Makes the Cat More Tolerant of Other Procedures
Not all cats like being handled by their owners or just anyone else. If your cat becomes used to a grooming session with regular brushing, it is likely to be more relaxed during other situations too. These situations include administering medicine or taking them to the vet for examination or treatment. Brushing daily or weekly means that your cat will become more relaxed if they are not naturally happy with the handling.
-
Prevents Matted Fur
Matted fur is more likely to occur in longhaired cats, even though shorthaired cats are not immune to them. A knot can easily get worse when it occurs especially when no attention is paid to it. They are difficult to spot in longhaired cats until they reach a stage where they cannot be missed. Knots also tend to pull on the cat’s skin, making it painful and uncomfortable for them. Regular brushing helps prevent these knots from even getting started.
-
Stimulates Blood Circulation and Secretion of Cutaneous Sebum
This mechanical action ensures that blood in the cat flows properly and ensures that the cutaneous sebum is secreted. This cutaneous sebum is important for keeping the skin soft and pliable and maintains proper hydration. It also gives the hair coat sheen and has antimicrobial properties.
Related post Best cat grooming gloves
Tips for Brushing your Cat
- Get comfy
To begin, ensure that your feline companion is comfortable and receptive to being touched. Stroke their fur for a bit to ensure that they are in the mood for brushing.
- Move slowly
Start with gentle strokes of the brush. Begin brushing the areas where the cat loves to be petted, which is most likely the back, under the chin, or between the ears.
- Venture further
As your furry friend becomes more receptive to the feel of being brushed, slowly make your way toward more sensitive areas such as the belly. If the cat tries to scratch or bites you while brushing the belly, do not force it but instead go back to brushing where they are more comfortable. Over time, you will build trust and the cat will let you brush those areas that were not comfortable earlier.
- Reward
End each brushing session with a bit of play or a special treat so that the cat begins to associate being brushed with fun and food.
You could be interested in Best Catnip
Common Cat Skin Problems
- Mange
This is an inflammatory skin disease caused by various types of mites. It causes scratching and swelling.
- Ear mites
They can be very itchy and cats often spend long periods scratching and rubbing their ears. They lead to inflammation of the ear which if not treated, causes a bacterial infection.
- Abscesses
Cuts and grazes as a result of catfights can lead to skin problems for the cat. This is because they irritate the affected area by itching and scratching. Their sharp claws can cut the skin, creating an open wound for bacteria to enter. Cats with this problem often look unwell, quiet, and go off their food.
- Fungal infection
Ringworm is highly contagious in both humans and animals including cats. If you spot any of its symptoms n cats, contact your vet immediately. It looks like a raised, red circle on the skin of the cat which can get crusty, red, and thickens the skin. Fur loss may also occur in the infected area.
Excessive excretion of oils can create a foul-smelling and waxy substance at the top of your cat’s tail. Feline acne can appear around the area and the fur can become greasy.
Conclusion
Brushing your cat gets rid of dirt, dead hair, and grease from her coat. Nonetheless, it helps eliminate skin flakes and stimulates blood circulation. All this helps to improve the overall wellbeing of your cat’s skin. One or two brushings weekly will help your furry friend maintain her healthy glow.You will also find that regular cat brushing sessions are really beneficial when your cat becomes old and is no longer able to groom so meticulously on her own.