Taking Care of a Longhaired Cat 

Is your cat sporting some long fur? All cats are adorable, but there’s just something about longhaired kitties that makes them even more charming. Fluffy can rock a bunch of different colors and patterns, but she really looks stunning with her flowing locks. Having a cute pet is great, but you might need to lend your furry friend a hand with her grooming routine. Check out these tips from a local Villa Rica Area, GA vet on how to care for your longhaired cat!

Are Long-Haired Cats Tough To Care For?

Generally speaking, longhaired cats need pretty much the same care as any other cat. Fluffy’s going to need some good food, a clean litter box, a cozy place to hang out, and, of course, the right vet care. That should take care of the essentials. To really get that motor running, you’ll want to provide some toys, some comfy lap space, and of course lots of snuggles and chin scratches. Catnip, sunbeams, and boxes are also sure to make your feline overlord happy.

The area where Fluffy could use a little extra help is with her grooming. Cats are naturally clean animals. Your cat will pause her busy napping routine to groom herself and keep her fur looking great. Taking care of longhaired cats can be a bit tricky when it comes to their beauty routine. After all, that’s a whole bunch of fur to manage!

No need to go overboard with this. Just make sure to give your furry friend a good brush regularly. This will not only make things easier for Fluffy, but it’ll also lighten your load since you won’t be finding cat fur all over the place. Instead, you can grab that loose fur with a brush before it ends up all over your sofa. And your bed. And your clothes.

What’s The Best Way To Groom A Longhaired Cat?

Brushing Fluffy is pretty easy, as long as she’s okay with it and doesn’t put up too much of a fuss. Make sure your furry friend is nice and relaxed before you do anything. Since cats love to snooze, this probably won’t take too long. Once your kitty has settled in and draped herself over your lap, start petting her in the direction her fur grows. Then, add in the brush.

Believe it or not, a lot of cats enjoy getting groomed. It probably brings back memories for Fluffy from when she was a little one, and her mom would groom her. It’s also pretty common for bonded kitties to groom each other. This isn’t just something cats do; horses, primates, and birds do it as well. Don’t be surprised if your pet starts purring or even gives your hand a little lick.

Of course, each of our cat friends has their own unique personality. Some cats really like getting groomed, while others don’t. It’s best not to push it. If your pet can only handle a few brush strokes at a time, it might be a good idea to space it out a bit. Whatever you do, don’t try to hold her down. That’s just going to make her even less open to being groomed. It’s also a great way to end up with some scratches.

Quick tip: brush your whole pet, not just her back. Longhaired cats can sometimes get tangles in their ‘armpits,’ so your furry friend might need a little extra attention in that area.

How Often Should You Groom A Longhaired Cat?

It depends. If your cat is super fluffy, you may need to brush her every day. Older cats might need a bit more assistance with this as well, so brushing more frequently could be a good idea. In general, you can probably get away with brushing your cat about once or twice a week.

Should I Give My Cat A Bath?

Your cat really doesn’t need a bath. But hey, if you’ve got a kitten, it might be worth getting your little furball used to the process. That way, if she happens to get something stuck in her fur, it’ll be a lot easier for both of you.

There are a few things to keep in mind…we’ll call them ‘catveats’. It’s important not to give your pet a bath too frequently, as doing so can strip the natural oils from her skin and fur. This might make her hair look dry and a bit frizzy. Also, it might end up bothering her fur.

Using the right products and techniques is important, too. Get a gentle shampoo that was made just for kitties. The ones made for people are too strong for Fluffy. Go for lukewarm water, not hot. Make sure to keep the suds away from your cat’s eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. A pitcher works great for rinsing. Or, you can just grab a facecloth to give your kitty’s head a little clean-up.

It’s best to avoid bathing a matted cat. That will just make things—specifically, the mats—worse.

What Should I Do If My Cat Gets Matted?

You often see mats on longhaired cats. Older cats tend to be more susceptible to them. There are a couple of reasons for this. As your pet ages, she may find it a bit tougher to bend and stretch. Also, senior cats can have skin that produces more oil compared to younger cats. This might lead to matting as well.

That being said, mats can sometimes indicate medical problems. If your cat is dealing with a bunch of mats, it’s a good idea to chat with your Villa Rica Area, GA vet.

If you spot a mat on your kitty, gently try to remove it. Be careful not to pull too hard. Cats have pretty delicate skin, and it can tear easily. It might take a little effort on your part. Give your kitty some love by petting her and maybe give her a treat to make her feel better.

When it comes to the mat, just begin at the end. You can try using a detangling spray on it, but make sure it’s safe for pets. You might also want to grab a special mat-removing comb.

If the mats are really bad, they may need to be shaved off. If you have a small mat, you might be able to handle it yourself, but for those tougher ones, it’s best to give your Villa Rica Area, GA vet or groomer a call. Just a heads up, you should really be careful when using cutting mats. It’s super easy to accidentally nick your furry friend!

Is It A Good Idea To Shave My Cat?

Sometimes, those little kitties really do need a shave. This happens when cats get a bit older or aren’t feeling well enough to take care of their fur. Chubby kitties can also struggle a bit when it comes to bending and stretching to reach all parts of their bodies.

You probably shouldn’t try this at home. Have a chat with your Villa Rica Area, GA veterinarian or groomer. Fluffy might just need a little trim, and that could be enough.

Do Longhaired Cats Tend To Get More Hairballs?

Hairballs are just one of those pesky things that come with Fluffy’s awesome cleanliness habit. Your little diva is bound to swallow some of her own fur while she’s busy grooming herself. Cats have a tough time digesting hairballs. We can skip the details about what happens next, just know it’s not the highlight of having a cat.

Hairballs aren’t just gross; they’re a real hassle. They can also be risky. Sometimes, kitties just can’t seem to cough them up like they normally do. If Fluffy’s hairball gets stuck in her gastrointestinal tract, it could lead to a blockage, which can be really painful and quite dangerous.

Grooming longhaired cats is super important for this reason too. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your kitty’s nutrition and make sure she always has fresh water available. If your pet is dealing with a bunch of hairballs, it might be a good idea to chat with your Villa Rica Area, GA animal doctor.

What Are Some Long-Haired Cat Breeds?

Did you know that the International Cat Association recognizes 73 different cat breeds? We think they’re all super cute!

Check out some of the fluffiest floofers on the list: 

• Maine Coon 
• Norwegian Forest Cat 
• Birman 
• Persian Cat 
• Himalayan 
• Siberian 
• Ragdoll 
• Turkish Angora 
• Balinese Cat 
• Turkish Van 
• British Longhair 
• Persian Longhair

There are so many fluffy crossbreed kitties around, not to mention a bunch with medium fur too.

Schedule A Visit At Our Villa Rica Area, GA Pet Clinic!

Have questions about taking care of a longhaired cat? Reach out to our vet clinic today, serving the Villa Rica area!