Cats will nearly always groom themselves. But you can help!! If you groom your cat it is less likely to bring up hairballs.

Grooming a Longhair...

Longhairs need grooming one a day to keep they're long fur from tangling. It also reduces the amount of hairballs because they are licking cleaner fur which lessens stomach irritation. Here is how you should brush your longhair...

 

1. Comb the abdomen, (stomach) area of your cat to remove any knots from where it has been dragging on the floor.

2. Comb the fur upwards working toward the head. It is easier to divide the cats body into sections and comb each at a time.

3. If your cat is dirty, sprinkle talcum powder on its coat. But only do this once a week or it may irritate the cat. Talcum powder will also help ease out and remaining tangles.

4. Gently comb the fur arount the neck and head in an upward direction.

5. Once you have removed all tangles you have found, brush the cat all over with a bristle brush to keep it looking glossy.

6. Finish by gently brushing the cats tail.

Grooming a shorthair...

Short hairs only need grooming once a week. Shorthairs are not as comfortable being groomed so only groom them when they are in a relaxed, playful mood.

 

1. Remove any tangles with a metal comb. Part the fur and check for black specks on the skin which indicate fleas.

2. Using a soft bristle brush, brush all of the coat, including the abdomen. (stomach)

3. Once brushed, use a rubber brush to remove dead hair and make coat smooth and glossy.

4. Every 2 weeks, rub in a few drops of coat conditioner using chamois leather. This is available from most pet shops and will bring out natural shine and colour of a cats coat.

5. Regular grooming, stroking and a healthy diet will also keep the cats fur looking great!