My Cat Doesn't Like to Be Brushed.....

I hear this comment frequently as a reason for their kitties becoming severely matted. Here are a few simple things you can do to make the process more comfortable and acceptable for your beloved feline. They may surprise you and start to enjoy their brushing time!!

There are so many different brushes, combs and tools- how do you choose? In most cases where the cat “hates to be brushed" it’s often because the brush used is too aggressive on their delicate skin. A cat’s skin is thinner than dogs, and some brushes can cause “brush burn”. This is a valid cat complaint and the brushing process doesn’t have to be a painful one!!  

A slicker brush should be your primary tool for everyday brushing, regardless if your cat has short or long hair. Yes, I did say everyday and I’ll expand upon this later. Look for protective nubs on the pins to prevent brush burn and the pins of the brush should be thin wire to facilitate gliding through the thicker, more dense coats. 

 Here is the slicker brush we use and recommend:

Well and Good brand from Petco

Here is the link to acquire this slicker brush.

For long haired kitties and dense coats found on some short haired kitties- an under coat comb is essential. Look for tines that rotate freely to facilitate the removal of the undercoat. and has 2 different length of tines. Hold this comb with the tines flat against and parallel to the body of the cat. This will allow for the tines to get underneath the coat to help removed the loose, dead fur that gets trapped during shedding process. Generally, this loose, dead undercoat gets tangled and causes matting issues as the new, replacement undercoat is trying to grow. Typically this comb is used once a month or as needed during shedding events. Here is the undercoat comb we use and recommend:

Well and Good Undercoat Comb from Petco

Here is the link to acquire this undercoat comb

Tools to avoid: 

Furminator- not only is this tool overly expensive- it tends to cut the fur as you use it. This gives you a false impression that it is working well!! I have seen cats with bald spots from over grooming with this tool. It gives you a false sense of effectiveness so you use it more often.  However, in reality it’s shaving your cat. Additionally, uneven cut fur can lead to future matting issues as the new fur regrows. Please, don’t bother giving away this tool to avoid it becoming a problem for another cat! 

Furminator for cats

Shedding blades- these tend to be more useful for a horse as their coat isn’t as thick or dense. It is not effective for cats- despite the labeling/marketing/branding towards felines. Avoid any of these types of metal blades.

Shedding blade- round

Rakes- generally the tines are too short to be effective at removing any undercoat, and the tines are too thick to glide through the fur. Another tool that is a waste of money and can make your cat hate being brushed.

Rake

Dematting tool- this is unnecessary for daily brushing. If your cat has a mat- then this is one of the options to remove that mat. This tool is not designed for daily grooming or brushing. In my opinion, this tool is too bulky, heavy and intimidating. Moreover, it can be painful to chew through a mat that is already pulling on the skin. It’s easier to use electric clippers to remove mats. 

Dematting tool

In summary, using the proper tool will make a huge difference in brushing your cat. Try to incorporate 1-2 minutes of brush time into your cat’s daily routine. All cats love routines!! They probably know your home routine better than you. Routines provide stability and confidence for cats as they feel more in control and can anticipate when certain activities are going to occur- such as when their next treat is coming. Rather than trying to brush your entire cat everyday, work on a small section and brush a different section each day. Any amount of fur brushed off your cat is less fur floating around your house or future hairball to clean up.

• Start with treats and/or praise- lots of cats love chin scritches! This is also a good distraction for when you need to brush the"off limits" areas

• 1-2 minutes of daily brushing- a dozen or so brush strokes may fill up the brush

• Brush small section (right flank, tummy, chest, etc)

• Brush new a section each day, and gradually work towards “off limits” areas as your cat relaxes during brush time

• End with a treat, cuddles, praise and playtime

• Goal is to change your cats attitude towards brush time 

This should help your cat look forward to and enjoy brush time and feel like a Better Kitty.