Why Won’t My Cat Let Me Brush Its Hair?

by Zac
Why Won’t My Cat Let Me Brush Its Hair

Why won’t my cat let me brush its hair? It’s natural for cats to groom themselves, so you must regularly brush them. Doing so helps keep their skin and coat looking their best.

Getting your cat groomed regularly can help keep its hair looking its best and prevent it from shedding. It can also help boost circulation and remove dead skin.

One or two brushing sessions a week is all your cat needs. Brushing sessions will become more valuable as their fur gets shorter and they become less flexible.

My Cat Let Me Brush Its Hair

Why Won’t My Cat Let Me Brush Its Hair?

Some cats prefer to groom themselves instead of being groomed by their professional or guardian. It is not feasible for long-haired cats, as brushing their hair is essential to keep them looking their best. It can also help remove dead hair and prevent parasites.

However, if your cat’s teeth are too long, it can scratch its skin. Choosing the right brush for your pet’s fur length is essential.

Short-haired cats can also use flea combs to keep their coats looking their best. On the other hand, long-haired cats usually require a couple of tools to keep their coats looking their best. One is a wire slicker brush, which you can use to remove loose hair. If you are not mindful, you can scratch the cat’s skin.


How to Brush Your Cat’s Fur Correctly?

Sometimes, cats become overstimulated or scared of particular objects during a grooming session. If your pet is afraid of the brush, try giving it treats to let it smell and interact with it. Place the meeting in a prominent position around the house and allow the animal to interact with it.

After your cat has been comfortable with the brush, please pick it up and give it a treat before the session ends. After your cats have viewed the object, gently touch it with the brush to encourage them to continue viewing it.

Gradually, work your way through your cat’s fur, and as they become more comfortable with the brush, you can add more strokes. If your cat becomes scared of the meeting, keep moving the step before stopping. It will allow them to associate the object with positive associations.


Ensuring Your Cat Is Comfortable When Brushing

Although many cats will happily get groomed, some are not so fond of being groomed. It’s essential to identify why your pet doesn’t like grooming.

One of the most common reasons a cat doesn’t like brushing is its matted coat. Getting the animal to a veterinarian or a professional pet grooming facility is best if this is the case.

Have the Best Tools

You should buy the right tools for your cat. Some cats love deep brushing, while others don’t. There are various brushes, so experiment with them and see what works best.

Nail Trimming

Before you groom your cat, ensure that the tip of its sharp claws is not present. Doing so will prevent it from getting scratched and promote healthy clawing behaviors. Various nail trimmers are available, and most cat owners prefer the scissors style.

Read also: The Best Way to Trim Cat Nails Safely

Slow Brushing

As a professional pet hairdresser, I had the opportunity to work with many different animals. Some were always afraid of the various steps involved in the grooming process.

One of the first things you should do to keep your pet groomed is to place the tools in the open. It will allow them to get a good look at them and feel them out. Once they have become familiar with the item, you can start moving on to the next step.

To encourage your pet to get involved in the process, hold the brush and encourage them to rub or sniff against it. It will allow cats to feel like they are the ones doing the grooming. Reward them if they continue to show positive behavior, and don’t push them. After a couple of successful sessions, you can start moving on to the next step.

Then Brush Regularly Once Comfortable

You must first stroke and pet your cat to ensure they are comfortable. You can do this on the back, under your cat’s chin, and between their ears. They should also be allowed to move about freely. After that, you can begin brushing their hair using the grain of their hair.

If your cat is exhibiting any warning signs of overstimulation, such as tail swinging, low growls, dilated pupils, and a tense and flat appearance, then stop brushing them before they get too agitated. If they only tolerate being touched for a certain amount of time, then start slowly and reward them with a treat or catnip.

It’s important to remember that cats love routines, and the best time to start brushing them would be when they’re in their natural pattern. It will allow them to get used to it and help them feel more comfortable. It’s also best to brush at least once per week and more often if possible. With the right tools and time, it can become a challenging activity for them.


Pro Tips in Grooming Your Cat

Aside from taking care of its coat, regular maintenance for your cat can also include keeping its teeth clean and claws trimmed. You can do it at a comfortable pace for both you and your cat.

You can groom cats without breaking the bank, and many pet parents can successfully use products found on the human baby aisle, such as toothbrushes, brushes, and combs. These tools are safe and can be very low-cost.

It’s best to start grooming your cat when she’s a kitten. However, it’s never too late to begin with; older cats as they’ll be more used to the tools and will eventually get used to the routine. Just a few minutes at a time will do it all, and with patience and time, your cat will be well-groomed.

Choosing the Best Brush/Comb for Your Cat

Getting the right tool for your dog’s coat type is the first step in grooming them. It’s also wise to be mindful that the hair grows in the direction it should.

For short-haired cats, you can use a fine-tooth comb once a week to remove debris from the top of your furry friend’s head to its tail. A good metal comb is fine, but gentle strokes are best to avoid discomfort. After you’ve finished combing, use a soft-bristle brush to remove any loose hair left behind.

A long-haired cat requires more maintenance than a short-haired one, but maintaining its well-being is worth it. Start with the legs and abdomen, and work toward the head using a wide-toothed comb.

Read also: Best Brush for Matted Cat Hair (Top 5 Picks)


Mistakes You Make in Brushing Your Cat

Although cats are known to be lazy when it comes to baths, there are things that cat parents can do to make sure that their cats are not getting too lazy. One of these is to brush their fur before going to the bath. Doing so will help prevent tangles and mats from getting worse. If your cat gets too wet, it can be not easy to untangle, and it’s best to take them to a professional groomer.

It’s easy to overlook your cat’s ears when bathing, brushing, or trimming their fur. However, you must ensure you do it regularly to avoid infections. Over-cleaning can cause inflammation and lead to the skin becoming too dry and agitated.


Conclusion

Why won’t my cat let me brush its hair? Since cats are natural creatures who love to groom themselves, you must regularly brush their hair. Doing so helps keep them looking their best.

Getting your cat groomed can help keep its hair looking great and prevent it from shedding. In addition to supporting its body looking its best, it can also help boost circulation. One or two weekly brushing sessions are perfect for your cat’s needs. As their fur gets shorter, they’ll become less flexible.

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