Professional Guide to Cat Brushes: Simple Steps for a Shiny Coat

Pet owners understand the importance of grooming their pets, but how can we improve the process?

Here is a guide on cat grooming from a professional hairdresser.

Brushing and Combing for Short-Haired Cats

(1) Use a wire brush or metal comb to comb the fur in the direction of hair growth from the head to the tail.

(2) Use a rubber brush to groom along the direction of the fur.

(3) After brushing, use velvet or silk to gently wipe and massage the fur in the direction of hair growth to increase its shine.

(4) The brushing sequence is to start from the back, following the order of head to back to the waist, then flip the cat over and brush from the neck down to the abdomen, finally combing the legs and tail. Due to the short and coarse nature of their fur, short-haired cats only need to be groomed twice a week, each session lasting about 30 minutes.

(5) For routine care of short-haired breeds, use a soft damp cloth to gently stroke the fur, removing dead hair and dirt. Only perform a wash when the fur is visibly dirty.

Brushing and Combing for Long-Haired Cats

(1) Long-haired breeds should be brushed once a day for about 5 minutes each time.

(2) Use a brush to remove shed fur, especially from the hindquarters where a lot of fur tends to accumulate.

(3) Hold the brush at a right angle to the body and brush in the direction of hair growth from head to tail. When dirt is hard to remove, brush against the grain.

(4) Use a wide-tooth comb to comb against the grain, detangling any matted fur to promote fluffiness and remove dandruff.

(5) Use a fine-tooth comb for combing. Comb the fur around the neck against the grain to remove the fur and create a mane.

(6) Use a flea comb or toothbrush to gently brush the fur on the cheeks, being careful not to damage the eyes.

(7) Long-haired cats should be combed once a day for 15-30 minutes each time. When the fur becomes damp, sprinkle some talcum powder before grooming to make the fur easier to handle. Note:”
Before grooming, wipe the cat’s body with a warm, damp towel to enhance the shine of the fur.

Use specialized tools for brushing, avoiding human combs and brushes.
Groom gently to prevent breakage. Be especially cautious when grooming sensitive areas to avoid causing the cat stress or pain.
Use moderate force during brushing to avoid unnecessary pulling and be careful not to scratch the cat’s skin.

Observe the cat’s skin during grooming; a clean, pink color indicates good health. Address any wounds promptly, and if redness or eczema is present, it may indicate parasitic or skin diseases, requiring timely treatment.

If parasites such as fleas or ticks are found, use a wire brush to wipe them away promptly, or use insecticides for treatment.
If the cat’s fur is severely soiled, use conditioner and pet dry shampoo in addition to brushing.

For severe matting in the undercoat, use a comb or wire brush to gently comb in the direction of hair growth from tip to root. Avoid forcefully combing to prevent pain or pulling out fur.

Cats can be challenging to control, so start training them early and groom them regularly to establish a routine. Trim the cat’s nails before grooming to prevent scratches. Cats are sensitive to noise, so groom them in a quiet environment.
For particularly difficult-to-handle cats, it’s best to have an assistant help with the grooming.

When grooming a cat, choose a brush that is less prone to static electricity.
Wear a mask during the grooming process and wash your hands promptly after completing the task.