Benefits of Brushing Your Cat's Fur Daily

How often do I need to groom my cat?

The amount of grooming your feline companion requires depends on a number of factors. For example, indoor cats require more frequent nail trimmings, since outdoor kitties tend to file and sharpen their claws on rough surfaces outside the house. And long-haired cats need to be combed and brushed more often than the short-haired breeds. 

However, there are several benefits to brushing your cat's fur daily...

1. Brushing your cat's fur daily will prevent matting

 

Prevention is more effective than the cure, and it will keep you more sane when it comes to removing tangles. If your kitty is prone to matted fur, it may be a good idea to comb, and then brush, it daily. Doing so will help avoid matting of the fur, thus saving you the trouble of trying to remove the mats and tangles once they have become a problem. 

2. Brushing your cat's fur daily will give her a soft, smooth coat

 

I brush my Siamese kitten Loki's fur every morning, and she is the softest kitty I've ever petted. Without all the loose hairs on her body, her coat looks sleek and shiny. As it does with people, shiny hair makes our feline friends appear healthy and vibrant. 

3. Brushing your cat's fur daily means less shedding

 

No one likes to sit on a hair-covered sofa, so try to keep the hair loss to a minimum. Daily brushing may not help her avoid shedding altogether, but it sure does help. I like to use a slicker brush on my cat. If your cat has long hair, you may want to try combing it first. For short-haired kitties, run the brush against the direction of hair growth to remove even more more loose fur. 

4. Brushing your cat's fur daily reduces hairballs, and sometimes helps avoid them altogether

 

My Loki has never coughed up a hairball, which I believe is due in part to her daily brushing sessions. Brushing removes a good amount of loose fur, keeping the amount of hair she is able to swallow while cleaning herself to a minimum. 

5. Brushing your cat's fur daily means more bonding time for the two of you

 

It's strange how my kitty loved to be brushed when she was just a fuzzy little thing and suddenly started running away every time the brush came out. After she was spayed, Loki calmed down, and suddenly loved having her fur brushed again. You should hear her purr now! She rolls onto her back sometimes so I can brush her tummy, and even rubs her face against the handle. 

Not only does brushing your cat's fur daily provide great health benefits, but it brings you two closer together. Brushing every few days or even once a week will suffice. But even if your kitty doesn't require daily grooming, she will likely grow to love your special time together, as long as you make it a pleasant experience. I know my Loki enjoys the special attention she receives every morning. 

Note: This article was previously published at Yahoo! Voices and the rights reverted back to the author when the site closed.

How to Care for Your Siamese Cat

Siamese cat care tips

by Tonya Mickelson 

Is a Siamese cat the right pet for you? It is a cat that is favored by many, with its blue eyes and elegant coat. The Siamese cat, however, is quirky and particular. If you have decided that this is, indeed, the right pet for you, there are a few things you will need to know about caring for a Siamese cat. 

Play with him often

If he doesn't receive adequate attention, he will demand it using typical Siamese quirks. He may constantly interrupt what you are doing until he gets what he wants and he may even become destructive if he doesn't receive the attention he deserves. Play with your Siamese cat to avoid your belongings becoming destroyed and give him enough room to run around.

Click to learn more about Siamese cats and anxiety

Socialize him with other pets

A lonely cat is an unhappy cat. If he doesn't have any other pets as playmates, your Siamese cat may become very unhappy and may even become destructive. If you aren't able to get any other pets, schedule play dates with other cats so he can have some friends to run around with. 

Provide a constant supply of food

It is recommended that your Siamese cat always have access to dry food and fresh water. Change the water several times a day, since hair and other things can collect in the bowl. If you need to go away for a while, consider using self-feeding and watering products or having a friend come over to check on your cat's food and water supply. 

Groom him regularly

Grooming is usually not a problem with Siamese cats, as they have smooth, fine hair. You may brush his fur occasionally to help with shedding and to prevent hairballs. You probably won't need to bathe him often, though, unless his fur is especially dirty from being outside. 

Keep the litter box clean

This is one of the most tedious and important chores in caring for your Siamese cat. Place your cat's litter box in a private area of the house and clean it out once a week. Litter should be scooped at least once a day, though, to keep it fresh and to encourage your cat to keep using it. 

Finally, remember to visit the veterinarian regularly to get the required shots. To keep your cat's teeth healthy, brush them and feed him plaque fighting treats. And, to prevent hairballs, brush your Siamese often.