How to Care for Your Long-Haired Pet

Ragdolls, Maine Coons and Persian cats all have one thing in common: a luxurious long-haired fur coat. When well cared for, these are beautiful animals that often steal the show at competitions. The job of keeping the long hair in good condition is, however, not to be underestimated. The following are some tips on how to care for your long-haired pet.

Grooming your cat

While some cats enjoy a bath and even join their owner in the shower, most cats detest being washed. They groom themselves and do a good job of keeping themselves clean.

If you are planning on washing your cat regularly, it's best to introduce this ritual from an early age and use a specially formulated cat shampoo and conditioner. You may be very pleased with the products you use on your hair, but that doesn't make them suitable for your cat's hair.

When washing a cat in the tub, place a bath mat or a towel on the surface of the tub. This will prevent the cat's paws from slipping and sliding. Never spray the cat with the showerhead, but rather use a pitcher of water and make sure that the water is not too cold or too hot. For perfect temperature testing, use your elbow.

Regular brushing is another important aspect of caring for your pet. For optimal results, use a brush or comb especially designed for long-haired pets. The FURminator doesn't just brush the outside layer of your cat's hair; it reaches deep into the undercoat. After brushing, it's a good idea to get out your hair dryer, put it on the lowest setting, and gently blow out your cat's fur. Alternatively, you can wet your hands and ruffle your cat's fur to get rid of any loose hair.

Some cats have been known to enjoy a treatment from the vacuum cleaner, but this is the exception rather than the norm.

General cat care

How to care for your long-haired pet does not stop with merely grooming him well. Because your cat licks his long-haired coat, he ingests some of it. If left untreated, fur balls can form in his stomach, which can be very dangerous. To help the digestion, feed him the type of food especially formulated for long-haired pets. The bag will state "for-long haired cats," "indoor formula" or "fur ball control."

You can also provide your cat with some cat grass. Whether your cat is an indoor or outdoor cat, providing your cat with organically grown cat grass is a much healthier option than having your cat nibble on the lawn. Outdoor grass may be treated with chemicals, which could make your cat very sick. Cat grass will add vitamins and fiber to his diet and prevent hair balls.

You can also provide your cat with cat gel. Cat gel is a petroleum-based lubricant that works with the cat's gastrointestinal system. It prevents and treats fur balls and can also be used in case of constipation. Most cats love this type of gel, but should your cat not willingly eat it, your best trick will be to put the gel on his paw and he will lick it off.

Not to worry, caring for your long-haired pet is not nearly as daunting as it seems. Cats are pretty good at taking care of themselves. You just have to keep an eye on them.