8 Grooming Secrets for Long-Haired Cats
Your long-haired cat might look fluffy and mighty, but let’s face it: their fur is hard to care for. It’s more prone to tangles, knots, and mats compared to short-haired cats, plus it’s easier for debris to hitch a permanent ride. Grooming is a must for long-haired cats, and you’ll need to plan on home care in between professional grooming sessions.
We asked our Kitty Spaw experts for their best tips on grooming long-haired cats. Here’s what they had to share.
1. Brush Your Cat Regularly
Persian, Maine Coon, Birman, Turkish Angora, Ragdoll, Himalayan, Scottish Fold—they all have one thing in common: long fur that starts to look unkempt without regular brushing.
It’s important to brush your long-haired cat on a regular basis, regardless of whether they live indoors or outdoors. Brushing your cat every few days is the best defense against tangles and knots, which only get worse the longer they’re left alone.
A slicker brush and a wide-toothed comb are must-have grooming tools for cat owners. These special bristles are designed for long-haired cats and can gently pull through knots and tangles without hurting your cat. As an added bonus, brushing helps distribute the fur’s natural oils to keep their coat shiny and healthy.
2. Introduce Your Cat to Grooming Early
Grooming can be a startling experience for many cats. The earlier you start, the more natural it feels. Introduce grooming while your cat is young. Or, if they were adopted at an older age, ease them into grooming gradually.
Don’t try to do too much at once. Slow, gentle strokes will put them at ease and minimize the risk of pulling your cat’s fur. You might not get a complete brushing in one sitting, and that’s okay. Slow and steady will win the race.
3. Use Cat-Safe Detangling Sprays
Like humans, cats can benefit from detangling sprays. These lightweight mists allow fur to unfurl from knots and tangles as the brush glides through. This reduces pulling, which might encourage your cat to stay in place for longer.
Make sure you’re using a cat-safe detangling spray. The ones meant for humans may have harmful essential oils your cat can’t digest or fragrances that will irritate your cat’s skin.
4. Trim Excess Fur
The longer the fur, the greater the chances of your cat getting tangles or mats. It’s also more likely your cat will accumulate dirt or debris (or litter box leavings), which can also cause tangles and make your cat look messy.
Trimming excess fur can reduce problem areas. Focus on fur around the paws and rear (known as a sani clip), as these areas won’t alter your cat’s appearance much. This makes it easier for your cat to groom itself, too.
5. Avoid Bathing Your Cat Too Often
It might sound counterintuitive, but there is such a thing as bathing your long-haired cat too much. All cats need baths beyond the daily lickings they give themselves. Bathing gives you a chance to remove buildup, remove loose fur, and restore the shine to their coat.
Many long-haired cat owners make the mistake of bathing their cats more frequently than the average cat owner. But too much bathing can dry out your cat’s skin, strip them of their natural oils, and even cause the fur to tangle and mat. More is not always better.
Instead, stick to regular brushing and trimming and only bathe every 4-6 weeks, or when necessary. Use a cat-safe shampoo and brush your cat before and after the bath. Make sure your cat is completely dry after their bath to reduce tangles and matting.
6. Take Lots of Breaks While Grooming Your Cat
Grooming sessions may take time. Your cat has a lot of fur to manage, and you might not be able to target all of their problem areas in one sitting.
If your cat becomes restless, take breaks to avoid making the experience stressful. Choose a quiet space without distractions or escape hatches. Use treats and soothing words to keep them calm. Breaks will help to prevent stress and can make future groomings easier and more productive.
7. Monitor Your Cat’s Diet
Diet plays a role in your cat’s fur and its overall appearance. A healthy diet is key for a shiny, tangle-free coat.
Make sure your cat is getting the proper nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids that will support their skin and fur. Look for changes in their coat’s appearance as they age, and if you switch cat food brands.
8. Invest in High-Quality Grooming Tools
Use grooming tools specifically designed for long-haired cats, such as:
- Grooming gloves
- Slicker brush
- Wide-tooth comb
- Shedding blade
- Soft bristle brush
- Detangling spray
- Dematting tools or mat splitter
- Cat-safe scissors
- Cat fur trimmer with various guards
- Variable speed dryer
Professional groomers can recommend the best tools and products to keep your long-haired cat looking their best in between professional services. The right tools can make for a better experience, for both of you.
Get Professional Grooming for Long-Haired Cats
Your long-haired kitty has unique grooming needs, and our Kitty Spaw experts can help them feel their best. We’re a team of Certified Feline Master Groomers specializing in cats-only mobile grooming services.
We work with all long-haired and exotic breeds, including Persian, Maine Coon, Birman, Turkish Angora, Ragdoll, Himalayan, Scottish Fold, and mixed breeds. Our groomers understand the special nuances of long-haired fur and have the tools and expertise to safely and gently remove tangles and buildup, leaving your feline feeling like a brand new cat.
Learn more or book your appointment online—let our cat grooming services come to you!
