Tips to effectively groom your long-haired cat

If you've decided to adopt a cat from your New York animal shelter, you've probably heard that felines are stringent groomers who can take care of themselves. While this is true in most cases, if you choose to adopt a long-haired cat, you'll have to alter your pet care regimen slightly to prevent future problems. Long-haired felines are more susceptible to hairballs and will leave far more stray hair around your home than other breeds, so you'll have to take matters into your own hands to ensure your cat's good health. Here are a few grooming tips to keep in mind that could help improve your companion's quality of life.

1. Visit your local groomer. As important as at-home grooming is for your feline, taking a regular trip to a standard groomer is a good step in the right direction. According to CatChannel.com, long-haired breeds can have hair that can reach lengths of 2 to 6 inches, which can result in mats or tangles over time. Now that it's the dog days of summer, consider taking a trip to the vet to get a trim or a full-fledged shave. This will keep your cat more comfortable in the hot temperatures, cut down on hairballs and his or her coat will grow back by the time winter rolls around.

2. Daily care. Along with regular trips to your groomer, you should set aside five to 10 minutes each day to brush your feline's coat. Not only is this a wonderful bonding experience between you and your companion, but it can keep your home clean and your cat's coat looking wonderful. Petside.com recommends daily brushing, as the tangles and mats that develop over time can be very difficult to remove if left unchecked.

3. Use treats to keep your cat calm. Combing all of that hair can be an involved process, so give your feline a few breaks during each grooming session and let him or her leave if necessary. One way to keep your cat around and get him or her more involved in the activity is to keep a few treats nearby. Use calming language to provide encouragement, and give your feline a few treats while grooming to provide a healthy reward.

Grooming is a vital cat wellness step that can dramatically improve your long-haired cat's overall well-being, so take these tips to heart to keep his or her coat in tip-top shape.