How to Care for a Longhair Cat
Longhair cats can be so adorable, but they also require high maintenance. You have to take care of that coat frequently to avoid matting and the harmful skin conditions that it may cause. Proper care is especially important if your cat prefers the outdoors, as tree sap and dirt is more easily trapped in long, loose fur. A healthy diet in addition to regular bathing and grooming is the best way to prevent coat complications.
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Things You'll Need
- Protein-rich food
- Rubber bath mat (or towel)
- Shed-control shampoo
- Coat conditioner
- Hair dryer
- Slicker brush
- Long-tooth flea comb
Instructions
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Nourish your cat's coat with a protein- and vitamin-rich food. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine states that a diet rich in protein, amino acids and fatty acids fuels healthy coat growth and revitalizes the skin.
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Bathe your cat monthly if he prefers the outdoors. Place a towel or rubber mat in the bottom of a large sink or bathtub. Wet the entire coat with a gentle stream of warm water. Work a quarter-sized amount of shampoo into into a lather over the coat and rinse out completely. Follow with a coat conditioner applied in the same manner and rinse. Dry your cat's coat using a hair dryer on its coolest setting.
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Brush away any tangles in your cat's coat using a slicker brush. These brushes have widely spaced steel bristles on one side and dense synthetic bristles on the other. Working in the direction of your cat's coat, first brush thoroughly with the steel side. Follow with the synthetic side.
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Remove dead hair and massage the skin using a long-tooth flea comb. This comb is smaller than the slicker brush, allowing you to reach all regions on your cat. Work in the direction of the coat for best results.
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Groom breeds with very long hair, such as the Persian or Himalayan, daily. Other long-haired breeds should be groomed at least twice weekly.
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Tips & Warnings
Most indoor cats do not require regular bathing. Regular grooming will suffice.
Avoid neglecting grooming duties. Matted coats can result in severe health consequences for your longhaired cat.
While bathing your cat, keep shampoos and conditioners away from the eyes and mouth.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
