If you want to keep your long-haired cat healthy and looking great, then you must make extra time for grooming. While cats are clean animals and self-groom, long hair is a challenge for them. Your cat's ancestors had short hair, so they aren't naturally equipped to handle the long hair humans bred into them. Here is more information about the health benefits of grooming your long-haired cat and tips on how to do it.

Grooming Reduces Hairballs

The biggest reason to groom your long-haired cat is to reduce the amount of fur ingested. Your cat can't help swallowing some fur when self-grooming. Too much hair in the digestive tract could lead to serious health problems like bowel blockages.

Grooming Reduces Tangles and Mats

Long hair that is not looked after can become tangled or matted. Your cat may chew and tear at these clumps of fur. This is painful and could lead to sores and infection. If you find a small mat, you may be able to gently pull it apart or cut it off. However, if your cat's hair has large mats and tangles, call a professional.

Grooming Helps You Detect Parasites

Grooming makes it easier for you to spot parasites like fleas and ticks. These pests often remain well hidden in long fur. You can also check for any unusual lumps and skin problems.

Grooming Keeps the Backside Clean

Keeping your cat's fur clean and trim around the anus and genitals reduces litter box-related problems. Your cat is less likely to catch litter or feces around that area when it is well-groomed. Brushing the back of the tail and legs usually keeps everything clear, but trimming may be necessary.

Groom your cat with a soft brush daily. While you can use a soft human brush, try to find one specifically for long-haired cats. You can use a comb in areas with shorter fur. Bathing your cat is up to you, but it's a good idea if your cat is severely matted. You can even buy shampoos to help break up mats and tangles. Most cats don't like bathing, but you don't have to do it often.

Grooming your cat can keep them both healthy and happy. However, your cat may still groom themselves even if you groom them daily. If ignored, this could lead to health problems down the road. If your cat has signs of severe hairball ingestion, then you may need a veterinarian's help. Your veterinarian can also assist you if your cat has a severe parasite infestation.

To learn more about pet care, you can talk to your veterinarian.

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