Molting Cats

Your cat is probably going to be leaving a lot of hair lying around this summer as they begin to shed their winter coat – why not give your kitty a helping hand and get them a fun soft brush to help with the grooming process? Your cat will love all of the extra attention!

When choosing a brush it is important to get one that is soft and comfortable, and will get all of the extra molting hair out of your cat's fur without hurting them. You can get a brush that is on the inside of a glove, so that it feels like you are just stroking your cat, or you can get one that is more traditional and features a bristle head mounted on a handle. Either way, both types of brush are available from your local pet store. A few months ago you will remember a blog entry on a clever corner-brush that your cat can use himself – go back and have a look for a really great idea that is inexpensive and easy to make!

Your cat might put up a bit of resistance when you are brushing him or her, so be gentle and don’t force anything. Your cat will appreciate a soft, rhythmic brush with gentle talking and reassurance. Gradually ease your cat into a brushing pattern over a few days, and be sure to reward them at the end of a brushing session to ensure positive associations with this grooming technique!

Cat Brushing Solution! The Cat Comb

Yesterday we spoke about how you can ease your kitty into a brushing routine, but what happens when he absolutely hates to sit still? This great Cat Comb device is just the solution!

This device is a wall mounted corner plastic comb that features plastic brush bristles. It is soft enough to give kitty a safe brushing yet tough enough to remove all of the stray hairs that usually end up around your couch or bed. Watch as your cat rubs himself along the bristled edges all day and has a great grooming time!

The particular device featured above is called a 'Cat-a-Comb' and also includes two plastic holders for Catnip to attract kitty and make grooming a fun occasion. The Cat Comb is a great way to make grooming more enjoyable for your cat, and is light on your pocket too. There are a number of different manufacturers who produce this wall mounted comb so pop down to your local pet shop or vet to get one that fits your budget. You could also choose to make your own cat comb in your home for your kitty's favourite corner. Here's a quick check list if you intend to make one:
- buy two inexpensive, soft pet brushes. You will want to remove the handle and plastic backing.
- stick the bristle part to a flat piece of plastic or hard cardboard. You can get plastic chopping boards quite inexpensively from a store which can then be cut down to size with a pair of safety scissors.
- punch holes into the lid of a very small plastic container. Put catnip in the container, and attach the back of the container underneath the bristles with double sided tape. (the lid should be facing up so that you can add more catnip in whenever you want to)
- Make sure that everything is securely in place and that the bristles will not come off the backing should your cat push hard on them.
- affix the plastic or cardboard backing to the wall neatly and securely. It is a great idea to make a double corner device like the one in the picture because your kitty will love rubbing up and down his favourite wall end!

Kitty tips: brushing your cat's hair

If you have a long haired cat then it is essential that you spend some quality time with your kitty brushing his or her hair. This is for a number of reasons, but perhaps the two most important ones are (1) that you will help to prevent uncomfortable and potentially painful matted knots and (2) this will give you special bonding time with your pet that will help form a unique and life long bond!

Here are five easy steps to successful cat-hair brushing:
(1) Get a special cat brush. It is advisable to get a special brush from a vet or pet shop rather than any old brush because you want one that will be soft enough for comfort yet fine enough to brush out dirt and potential knots. Speak to your local vet nurse or pet shop owner about your specific cat to find out which brush is best.

(2) Start slow. Introducing brushing can result in scratches, bites and bad tempers so wait until kitty is sitting with you and purring (petting and scratching works wonders!) and then brush lightly in long slow strokes down his back. If he doesn't like it, let him get up. Repeat this process whenever you get the chance.

(3) Clean your cat brush after every use. Cat hair and dirt will clog the brush bristles up and will make brushing uncomfortable or redundant. Simply pull out the hair after each brush and, if recommended for your type of brush, clean with warm soapy water. Be sure to rinse properly every time!

(4) When brushing, watch your cat's reactions. Cats are very private animals and do not like to be touched too much. They will let you know if you are upsetting them or going into a private zone. Tail flicks, halted purring and the obvious biting, scratching and kicking are good indicators.

(5) Finally, you should let your kitty get up when he wants to. Don't hold him against his will because he will resent being brushed. Eventually you'll find that he won't mind it so much and might even look forward to a little tickle and brush every now and then!