In this article, we shall discuss a lot about brushing cats, starting from why you need to brush your cat, how often you should brush your cat, tips on how to brush the cat, things to avoid brushing your cat. We will also review some best cat brushes for your cats and answer some frequently asked questions about brushing cats by cat owners. Let’s go!
Why you Should Brush Your Cat
Why do I have to be brushing my cat? I know this is a question that most cat owners usually ask themselves. Because they think the fur of their cat is kept cleans and straight naturally, well this is somehow true, but you still need to take care of it. Here are some reasons why you have to be brushing your cat
- To get rid of hairballs
Hairballs can is seen as a normal thing to cats, however, the little hairballs will one day be much and turned into something that you wouldn’t like. These hairballs can be easily tacked by brushing the cat’s fur regularly. As you are brushing the cat’s hair, you are helping it to remove excess hair and also strengthening the hairballs formed.
- Reduces excess hair and less shedding
Brushing your cat’s fur every day or thrice a week will help the little creature to shed the excess hair it has grown. This in turn will reduce the amount of hair that will be falling on your rug, sticking on to your furniture, your vacuum and your clothes. This will save you the stress of wiping out or sweeping away a cat’s hair. Isn’t this a reason worth brushing your cat?
- It serves as pain-free grooming to older cats
Older cats or cats with mobility issues find t hard to groom their bodies. By brushing their fur frequently, you are indirectly helping them to groom their body which I know you will be glad you did.
- Easily Spotting of flea and flea poop
An easy and simple way to fish out flea and their dirt is by brushing your cat. By regular brushing of your cat’s body, you will know if the tiny beings are setting a camp on your pet’s body. Aside from keeping your cat in a good vet recommended parasite preventive, it is also good to brush its fur regularly to know if any parasite is breeding on it.
- It brings you closer to your cat
We all know that cats develop a bond by grooming each other; they have a more mutual trust and affection towards a fellow cat they use to groom with. By brushing your cat gently, you’re also serving as a grooming partner to it. This will make the little creature grow more trust and affection for you, which I know you will want.
- To keep the Fur cleaner and neater
When you brush your cat’s fur, tiny bits of dirt and dust that stick to eat will easily shed down. Also, the fur will look cleaner, neater and tidied. I trust you won’t love to see your cat with cluttered fur.
The above mentioned are a few of the reasons why you are supposed to be brushing your cat regularly but gently. For the above reasons, I know you have fallen in love with brushing your cat, but what if your cat doesn’t want to be brushed? Winks, I have some tips for you that will enable you to brush your cat’s hair without freaking the little creature.
Tips For Brushing Your Cat’s Hair
Generally, cats like brushing and grooming, but there are few who doesn’t enjoy these things. If your cat is one of them, then take a look at these two things; either your cat isn’t healthy, or you aren’t brushing your cat the right way. If you notice the little creature Is suffering from an ailment, hurriedly take it to a veterinarian. If not, then you have to try these brushing tips:
- Make sure your cat is in the mood to be brushed
Don’t just drag the little pet and start brushing it. No, you have to look for a time when it’s comfortable and welcoming. Because there are times that cats aren’t receptive to touch, those times they prefer to be left alone. To know if your cat is in a brushing mood, start by stroking its fur slowly and see how it will react.
- Brush Slowly, gently but firmly
Start brushing your cat slowly, with the areas that it likes to be petted. Mostly, cats love it when their back, chin or ear is touched gently. You can start by brushing those places to make the little creature comforts. Continue to other sides of the body, slowly and gently until you brush everywhere.
- Brush the sensitive parts with care
After brushing the receptive parts, then move to other parts of the body like the belly, and legs. If they try to resist it, don’t force them, just continue brushing their touch receptive areas gently, till they are calmed down. Slowly, your cat will grow trust to allow you to touch those sensitive areas. When it does so, do brush the areas with care so as not to lose the trust.
- Reward your cat after brushing it
At the end of each brushing, you can play with the cat, give it its a favourite toy or serve some food. This will make it associate brushing with food and fun. As such, I will always look forward to when you will brush it.
Try these tips on cats that don’t want to be brushed, trust me, the wonderful pets will change and they will always welcome you grooming them.
Mistakes to Avoid When Brushing Your Cat
There are certain mistakes that cat owners make when it comes to brushing their pets. This mistake cost a lot, as appropriately brushing a cat is very important and shouldn’t be overlooked. Let’s look at some of these mistakes and how to avoid them.
Not brushing your cat at all
This is the most common mistake made by vat owners. Most of them think it’s quite unnecessary to brush costs since they use to groom themselves. This is quite wrong, as there is too much hair for the cat to take care of on its own, the feeble creature need a helping hand, especially during shedding times. Older cats and cats with mobility problem are in more need to be brushed than young cats. Some cat owners, they brush their cats Only once in a Blue Moon, which is also not good. It is advisable you brush your cat every day or at least thrice daily, depending on the kind of hair it has.
Brushing Against the Direction of the Cat’s Coat
Many pet owners like brushing their cats against the direction of their coat. Some claim it removes specks of dirt easier and exposes fleas faster. However, most cats don’t like being brushed against the direction of their coats. If you are bend on going against the direction of the at’s coat, then use a blower, else you might end up getting a scratch or an annoying swipe from your cat. However, if your cat has stubbornly matted hair, you should take it to a groomer or a veterinarian to groom it. Else the little creature will grow animosity for brushing, which will make it hard for you to brush it.
Trying to remove mats yourself
Forcing yourself to remove mats off the cat’s coat is the wrong thing you should avoid when brushing the little creature. While some mats are already loose, so they easily disentangle upon brushing, some mats at still firmly attached and trying to remove them by force might provoke your cat making it mistrust you and the whole brushing process.
To avoid this, you should take your cat to a professional groomer or veterinarian to clip off the mats with a clipper. You can ask your vet to do so when you take the pet for a check up.
Brushing the cat roughly
This is a great mistake that you must avoid, yes, when you are brushing your cet roughly the little creature start seeing brushing as a form of punishment and it will develop hatred for it. Rather, brush your cat in a gentle way, just the way you’ll love to be brushed. Taking extra care when brushing its sensitive parts. Also, brush your cat only when it’s in the mood to be brushed.
Brushing at the wrong time
Another great mistake made by cat owners is brushing their cats at any time they wish. Well, you aren’t supposed to follow your wish in this aspect, rather you are to follow the wish of the cat. If your cat isn’t touching receptive and It’s uncomfortable, it is better to stay away from brushing it as if you try to brush it, it might react in a wild manner. To know if your cat is in the mood to be brushed, try touching its hair gently first, if it looks calm, then you can move on and brush it gently, starting with the areas it likes to be petted most.
Using the wrong Brush for your Cat
The biggest mistake you can ever make in brushing your cat is brushing it with the wrong tool. Different brushes are available for different types of cats. Using a long-haired cat brushes to brush a short hair cat will make the cat uncomfortable and provoked. To save you from this mistake we have decided to review some of the best cat brushes you can ever find on Amazon. But before then, let’s take a look at how frequently you should brush your cat.
How Frequent you should brush your cat
In terms of how frequent you should be brushing your cat, this depends on the kind of hair your cat has.
A short-haired cat should be less frequently as too much brushing will cause too much shedding, which will in turn cause injuries to the skin of the cat. Also, when brushing, brush from head to toe slowly to avoid removing excess hair, brush in a way that all the dirt, dust, and other tangles will be removed. Also, make sure you brush all areas including the belly and chest to remove dead hair. A short-haired cat can be brushed twice or thrice in a week. In the period of excess shedding, brushing your short-haired friend once a week is enough.
For a long-haired cat, frequent brushing is needed as they shed their hair throughout the year. You can be brushing it daily, to remove excess hair and entangles. Also, dirt tends to stick more to hairy cats than short-haired ones. Start with the legs, belly and chest, then make your way to the head. Gently tease hard knots with fingers or mat spitters, if the knots are stubborn, don’t put force as that will provoke your cat and make it dislike brushing. you can simply take it to a professional groomer or a veterinarian.
You can also ask your veterinarian on how frequent you are supposed to brush your cat, the best time to brush it and the right brushes to use in brushing your pet.
The 6 Best Cat Brushes in 2021Are Reviewed Below
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Below we shall review the six best cat brushes on Amazon this year. With many brushes available in the online market, it might be a bit overwhelming to choose the right brush for your pet, to save you from making the wrong choice, we have decided to review some of the best cat brushes you can ever find online. These brushes come at an affordable price, and they are very durable. Above all, they offer a comfortable brushing to your pet, making it feel good and look great.
Note: The below reviewed brushes are arranged in no order.
1
Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush for cats and
The Hertzko self-cleaning slicker brush is the perfect brush for both long-haired, short-haired or curly haired cats. The brush is designed in a way that it can increase blood circulation while penetrating deep into the cat’s fur without damaging the skin.
It works perfectly on all types of hairs removing knots, dirt and tangles. It also removes stubborn mats effectively without hurting the pet.
Hertzko brush has fine wire bristles designed to go deep into the pet’s coat to remove dirt without scratching the skin. The brush is comfortable, highly durable with a comfortable grip and anti-slip handle, which prevents strains.
An amazing feature of the Hertzko brush is its easy cleaning. Once you’re done brushing, just pressed the button and the fine bristles will go back into the brush, giving you the chance to remove all hair super easily.
With the Hertzko brush, your pet will not only look good, but it will also feel great as it carries its fine, shiny coat around.
Key Features:
- It can be used for both long-haired, short-haired and curly haired cats and dogs
- It gently removes tangles, dander, dirt and stubborn mats
- It has fine wire bristles which penetrate deep into the coat of the pet to remove dirt without injuring it
- It has a comfortable grip and an anti-slip handle giving the ability to hold it tightly without sustaining strains
- It can be easily cleaned by pressing the button which will retract the bristles into the brush so that hairs can be removed.
- It grooms and massages the coat of pets increasing healthy blood circulation
Specification:
- Brand: Hertzko
- Manufacturer: Hertzko
- Target audience: Cats and Dogs
- Age of target audience: All ages
- Colour: Purple
- Number of items: one
- Weight of item: 0.2 pounds
- Dimension of item: 5.8 x 3 x 8 [L x W x H]
- Dimension of package: 9.88 x 5.87 x 3.15 [L x W x H]
- Warranty Description: One year
Pros
- It removes knots, dirt and tangles without injuring the skin
- It can be used for both dogs and cats of all stages of life
- It can be used for all types of hairs
- It can be easily clean
- It comes with a warranty
Cons
- It comes in one colour only
2
Hartz Groomers Slicker Brush for Small cats and dogs
The Hartz slicker brush is made specifically for your little cat to remove dirt, knots and matted hair off its coat and make it feel comfy and great. The brush has fine soft firm bristles with breath holes to allow smooth and gentle injury-free brushing.
Its stainless steel tip feature a protective coating that helps remove excess hair and mats gently without scratching the skin of the pet. Its soft, firm bristles are also suitable for all kinds of hair and help in distributing natural oil in the skin.
It also has a comfortable none sliding handle that is easy to hold and control.
Key Features:
- It has fine bristles that come with breathe holes and removes knots, tangles and mats
- It offers a gentle firm and injury-free brushing
- It has a comfortable none sliding handle that prevents hand strain
- It can be used for all kinds of hairs
Specification:
- Brand: Hartz
- Manufacturer: The Hartz Mountain Corporation
- Material: Stainless steel
- Target audience: Small cats and small dogs
- Age range: Adults
- Colour: Violet Black
- Number of items: 1
- Weight of item: 1 ounce
- Dimension of item: 3.25 x 1.63 x 9 inch [L x W x H]
- Dimension of Package: 7.99 x 3.58 x 2.09 [L x W x H]
- Warranty Description: As seen on the label
Pros
- It is made from stainless steel
- It can be used for both cats and dogs
- It is suitable for all kinds of hairs
Cons
- It is to be used on adult pets only
3
Amareisbe Dog and Cat cleaning Slicker Brush for short and long hair
The Amareisbe dog and cat slicker brush gently and effectively remove dirt, debris, and mats from the pet’s coat, making it feel gentle, great, clean, and healthy.
The brush removes loose hair and loose mat without scratching or injuring the skin of the pet. It can be used to clean long hair, short-haired, thick and thin coat cats and dogs.
In terms of cleaning, the Amareisbe slicker brush can be easily cleaned by pushing the button on top to retract the bristles leaving the fur on top for discard.
It comes with an ergonomic handle with an anti-slip and a comfortable grip that prevent wrist strain no matter how long you use the brush. Indeed, the Amareisbe slicker brush is worth trying
Key Features:
- It removes dirt, debris, and loose mat off the coat of your pet, making it healthy, clean and neat.
- The brush can be easily cleaned by pushing the button to retract the bristles so that the hairs can be removed simply
- It has an anti-slip and a comfortable handle that doesn’t strain your hand and wrist
- It removes loose hair and mat gently without scratching the pet’s skin
- It can be used for both cats and dogs
Specification:
- Brand: Amareisbe
- Manufacturer: Amareisbe
- Target audience: Cats and Dogs
- Colour: Pink
- Number of items: 1
- Weight of item: 4.6 ounces
- Dimension of package: 8.19 x 4.21 x 2.05 inches
- Weight of package: 4.58 ounces
- Warranty: Nil
Pros
- It can be used for all types of hairs
- It can be used for both cats and dogs
- It can be easily cleaned
- It has an anti-slip handle
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a warranty.
4
Celemoon Silicone Ultra soft washable grooming brush for cats
Made from a high-quality Silicone material, this cat brush removes dirt, loose hair and met from the coat of your cat without harming it. Because of its soft nature, the Celemoon grooming brush doesn’t scratch a pet’s skin as such, your cat will develop a love for brushing.
The ceremony brush is also easily washable, you can wash it under running water or simply remove the hairs that stick on to it. It also has a perfect hand grip that stops it from slipping when you’re using it.
Key Features:
- The ceremony brush is made from an ultra-soft silicone material making it soft and none scratch
- It also removes 90% of loose hair from your little pet in few minutes making it the perfect brush for your grooming
- It is washed easily under running water or by removing the hair.
- It has a non-slip hand grip that perfectly fits into your hands without slipping.
Specification:
- Brand: Clemson
- Manufacturer: Clemson
- Material: Soft high-quality silicone
- Colour: Purple
- Target audience: House cats, house rats and dogs
- Weight of item: 0.05 pounds
- Dimension of item: 8 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches [LxWxH]
- Dimension of package: 3.82 x 3.15 x 2.91 inches [LxWxH]
- Warranty: Not specified
- Return policy: It is returnable
Pros
- It grooms 90% of loose hair in few minutes
- It is made from a soft highly durable silicone material
- It is easily washable
- It can be used for cats, dogs, and rats.
Cons
- It comes in one colour
5
Gorilla Grip Cleaning Comfortable Grooming Brush
Another perfect brush for grooming your cat is the Gorilla grip cleaning brush. This brush helps reduce shedding in cats and keeps their coat looking fine. It is made from a durable silicone material with a comfortable and strong grip handle that’s suitable for both lefties and righties. The presence of retractable bristles makes them easy to clean. The Gorilla grip is the best brush for cats that hate to be brushed.
Key Features:
- It helps reduce the shedding of a hair and keeps the pet’s coat looking fine
- It can be easily cleaned by retracting the bristles into the brush
- It has a slip-resistant and firm grip handle that is suitable for both lefties and righties
- Its soft nature makes it feels like a massage to pets.
Specification:
- Brand: Gorilla Grip
- Manufacturer: Gorilla Grip
- Colour: Purple black
- Target audience: Cats and dogs
- Weight of item: 6.4 ounces
- Dimension of package: 10.16 x 5.91 x 2.83 inches [LxWxH]
Pros
- It is easily washable
- It reduces shedding
- It has a slip-resistant and firm grip handle that’s suitable for all
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a warranty
Buying Guide Questions
What Kind of Brush is Best For Cats?
The kind of brush best for cats depends on the type of cat. Long-haired cats can be brushed with the Gorilla grip comfortable grooming brush. On the other hand, short-haired costs can be brushed with the Celemoon silicone ultra brush.
How do I Choose a cat brush?
Choosing a cat brush is pretty easy if you understand the kind of cat you have. First, you have to choose a brush that’s suitable for the kind of hair your cat has. Other factors to note include whether the cat likes brushing or not, brand and price.
Is the Furminator Bad for Cats?
No, Furminator is not bad for cats as it doesn’t hurt them. When buying a furminator however, but the one that’s suitable for the type of hair your cat has. Also, it is advisable not to overuse the furminator as it can bald the cat. To stay on the safe side be using a brush frequently to groom your cat and use a furminator once in a while.
How often should you brush a cat?
How often you brush a cat depends on the kind of hair your cat has. Long-haired cats are to be brushed frequently, like daily or five times a week, as they are always shedding all year. On the other hand, short-haired cats can be brushed once a week to avoid balding them and injuring their skin.
Should I brush my Cat’s tail?
Yes, you can brush your cat’s tail, just make sure you do it in the right way, that’s gently firmly but not roughly so as not to hurt the little creature. However, don’t start brushing a cat from its tail, it’s better to start from less sensitive areas like the head or ear side.
Do cats feel better after being brushed?
Yes, cats feel much better after being brush especially if they have much loose hair and mat on their coats. They’ll feel better and better after being brushed.
Do Cats like being kissed?
Most cats like being kissed by people they trust and love. However, few cats don’t like a kiss.
Is it Okay to brush a car every day?
No, it is not advisable to brush a cat every day especially short-haired cats. This might scratch or bald their skin. Brushing thrice in a week is okay.
How often should you wash your indoor cat?
Washing an indoor cat Once in two weeks is okay. This is because the cat is not going out, so it will not accumulate much dirt on its body, and as you’re brushing it, the little dirt will be shed off.
Conclusion
Taking care of your cat is very important, when you are brushing your cat frequently, it will help it to groom easily. It will also make it coat look fine and clean. Just make sure you get the right brush and brush at the right time.
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