Dog Community

Brush / Comb Suggestions for Long Haired Cat

Posted : 11/7/2012 12:32:44 PM

I had to shave Moki down because I'm awful about keeping her brushed out and she got badly matted (so much so it was easier on her to just shave her down rather than try to dematt her fur). She has long, fairly thick fur. She doesn't mind being brushed (with the exception of her belly and tail), but I think the small brush I have just isn't cutting it. It resembles a small slicker brush, but it's plastic with rounded edges - it's pretty flimsy. Any thoughts? I was thinking maybe a plain old comb would be best.

What do you all like when it comes to brushing out a long haired cat?

rwbeagles

Posted : 11/7/2012 1:04:30 PM

I use a greyhound comb on our two but they're both short haired. You will want to start with something with widely spaced teeth, or double sided with fine AND wide spaced teeth in one...to kind of feel around and see what if any mats are there. I treat Cleo's hair like I do Lily's...I start brushing out AT THE ENDS, holding ita short ways up with my fingers so IF there's pull it doesn't travel all the way to the skin...and move my way up. Using a rake for Cleo first one with longer teeth..then one with shorter teeth. and bellies are the WORST place for mats on cats...tails too...so you might do better keeping those clippered down in general if she is just not going to let you comb them really well.

Freedom

Posted : 11/8/2012 7:33:46 AM

Although I've had 3 long haired cats over the years, all 3 were good about self grooming so I seldom had to cope with the issue. Surely not enough to need a specific product for them. Here are some suggestions:

This is a greyhound comb:

https://www.petedge.com/product/Geib-Stainless-Steel-Greyhound-Combs/56023.uts

They come with the teeth 2 different spacing. I would suggest medium / coarse. For my bichons, I would never be able to get the fine through their coats.

This is a poodle comb, having the handle may be easier:

https://www.petedge.com/product/Master-Grooming-Tools-Ultimate-Coarse-Comb/44176.uts

This shedding comb will help reach down through the coat to get out the shedded fur which has not dropped out, before it mats up:

https://www.petedge.com/product/Master-Grooming-Tools-Ergonomic-Shedding-Combs/44179.uts

You can also try working to desensitize kitty to brushing. Use something REALLY yummy - canned salmon and the oil from same works well. Start while she is shaved down and clean, give her 2 strokes and a bit of salmon in a dish and done! (If she doesn't approve of 2 strokes, start with one; if you can, if she allows it, start with 3 strokes). She will start to notice the salmon smell and know it is coming, so she will start to tolerate a few comb strokes for the pending reward.

the_gopher

Posted : 11/9/2012 9:20:47 AM

Moki is a pretty tolerant cat so she will allow brushing even in areas she's not fond of (she just looks up at me a meows pathetically). She does love to have her neck and chest area brushed, but the brush I have just doesn't seem to get down far enough through her thick fur. I might have the greyhound comb; I know I did before, but I may have given it away. I'll dig through my old grooming stash (Ari is a spit and dry dog, minus an occasionally run through with a brush behind her ears - and even then I can just detangle that soft fur with my fingers).

Moki is NOT good about self cleaning. She rarely spends much time grooming herself. I call her my dirty girl for a reason Confused

rwbeagles

Posted : 11/9/2012 9:44:35 AM

did you shave her yourself? If not then consider buying a Wahl Tid Bit trimmer or similar small clipper for home use. I shave MamaCat along the spine every now and again because when she sheds, her hair is SO fine that it clumps and compacts...felts really..within days, only along her spine. I just have hubs hold her and I shave them out. Take a couple of seconds and all done. Handy little device!

Robinfarr

Posted : 12/31/2012 12:17:59 PM

I have German Shepard and i have been using Flea comb ! It not only helps in keeping away the fleas as well as maintain your dog's hair perfect.