Cats are clean by nature and spend time throughout their day grooming themselves. However, they cannot maintain their coat all by themselves.
It is important to take care of your cat's coat, not only for the hygiene, but also to keep a strong bond. While cats can groom themselves, they cannot get rid of knots on their own, nor get rid of parasites.
Moreover, despite their agility, cats are not able to reach all parts of their fur. For example, it is difficult for cats to reach behind their tail, the top part of their thighs, behind their ears, and the area between their shoulder blades.
Brushes
The brush is a necessary accessory for coat maintenance. With that being said, some cats enjoy being brushed, while others do not appreciate it at all.
Therefore, the amount of time you spend brushing varies based on your cat's behavior. Brushing needs to be associated with good moments.
It is recommended to try get your kitten used to being brushed from a young age (as soon as 2 months). You can also brush the mother in front of them, which is a teaching way for them to learn to appreciate this moment.
You might find this article interesting: Why do cats groom themselves after being brushed?
A beautiful coat is a sign of a good diet
If you feel your cat quivering, it is best to stop the brushing session. In addition, if your cat is showing signs of annoyance and looks like they want to stop, do not force them. This is because they may have bad memories associated with getting brushed and refuse the next brushing session. For cats in heat, this area is sensitive and can lead to scratching.
For your cat to have a soft and silky coat, you need to pay attention to their diet. A silky coat is a sign of good health and that your pet is properly fed.
Zinc, copper and iron are essential trace elements for hair growth and renewal. Borage oil and fish oils are also rich in omega 3 and 6, which can help your feline achieve a perfect coat.
Does your cat enjoy having their hair brushed?
Kathy L