It's no secret that some cats hate getting brushed. In fact, some feline friend owners will tell you that it's a battle just to get the brush near their cat, much less actually brush them. But while it may seem like a losing battle, there are ways to make it a little easier - and maybe even make your cat enjoy getting groomed a bit more.
We're going to share some tips on how to brush a cat who hates it, so that you can hopefully make the process a little less of a struggle. First however, let's talk about why a cate might hate getting brushed.
Why Some Cats Hate Getting Brushed According to Science
There could be a few reasons why your cat hates getting brushed. One theory is that it could be because of how sensitive their skin is. A study done by the University of Zurich found that cats have more densely packed nerve endings in their skin than dogs or humans. This means that they are more sensitive to touch and pressure, which could explain why your cat hates the feeling of a brush.
Another theory is that some cats simply don't like change. Grooming is a change in their routine, and some cats don't do well with change. This is especially true if they associate the change (in this case, getting brushed) with something negative, like being restrained or having someone they don't like touch them.
Whatever the reason, if your cat hates getting brushed, it can make grooming time a real challenge. But there are some things you can do to make it a little easier - and maybe even enjoyable - for both of you.
The Importance of Cat Grooming
Before we get into how to brush a cat who hates it, let's talk about why grooming is important. Many people think that cats groom themselves so they don't need help from us, but that's not entirely true. While it's true that cats do spend a lot of time licking and cleaning themselves, there are some areas they can't reach - like their back - and some things they simply can't do - like trim their nails. That's where we come in.
Regular brushing helps remove knots, tangles, and mats from your cat's fur. It also helps distribute their natural oils, which keeps their coat healthy and looking shiny. And while you may not think of it this way, grooming is also a bonding experience for you and your cat. It's a chance for you to spend some quality time together, and for your cat to trust you and feel comfortable with you.
Tips for Brushing a Cat Who Hates it: The Basics
If your cat hates getting brushed, the best way to start is by doing it slowly and patiently. Don't try to brush them all over at once - start with one small area and then move on. This will help your cat get used to the sensation of being brushed.
It's really important that you focus on making the experience as positive as possible for your cat - use treats, petting, and verbal praise to make it a pleasant experience for them.
If you can, try to brush your cat when they're in a good mood - after they've had a meal or been played with. This will help them be more relaxed and less likely to associate the brushing with something negative.
And finally, be sure to use a good quality pet brush that's designed specifically for cats and their coat type. If the brush is too harsh or doesn't work well, it will make the experience even more unpleasant for your cat. These brushes have softer bristles, sometimes covered in silicone or rubber that are more gentle on your cat's skin.
How to Brush a Cat Who Hates it: The Advanced Techniques
If your cat hates getting brushed, it may take a bit more effort to get them used to it. But with some patience and advanced techniques, you can hopefully make the process a little easier - and even enjoyable - for both of you.
One advanced technique is to try brushing your cat when they're not completely awake. This will help them be more relaxed and less resistant to the brushing. Another trick is to start by brushing their back instead of their fur. This will help them get used to the sensation of being touched without having all of their fur getting in the way.
If your cat still isn't too fond of getting brushed, you may want to try using a grooming glove instead of a brush. These gloves have soft bristles on the palm side that help remove loose hair without irritating your cat's skin.
Finally, if all else fails, you may want to consider taking your cat to a professional groomer. Groomers have experience dealing with cats who hate getting brushed, and they will know how to safely and effectively groom your cat without causing them any discomfort.
Choosing The Right Brush For Cats that Hate To Be Brushed
While there's many reasons a cat might hate getting brushed, some cats actually just don't like the type of brush you're using. In fact, many cats absolutely love being brushed - as long as you're using the right type of brush.
There are many different types of brushes available, so it's important to choose one that's specifically designed for cats and their coat type. If the brush is too harsh or doesn't work well, it will make the experience even more unpleasant for your cat. The most important thing is to find a brush with soft bristles that won't scratch or irritate your cat's skin.
Types of Cat Brushes
The Slicker Brush
This type of brush has very fine, wire bristles that are arranged in a slanted pattern. It's great for removing knots, tangles, and mats from your cat's fur. Not all slicker brushes are made equal so be sure to find one with soft bristles that won't scratch your cat's skin.
The Pin Brush
This brush has shorter, stiffer bristles that are arranged in a circular pattern. It's a good choice for cats with long hair, as it can help prevent tangles and mats. Just be careful not to use it too aggressively, as the bristles can scratch your cat's skin. It also is really difficult to manage fur with a pin brush if your cat has an undercoat.
The Furminator
This is a specially designed brush that has very short, sharp bristles that are able to reach deep down into your cat's fur. It's great for removing loose hair, but it can be harsh on your cat's skin if not used properly.
The Grooming Glove
This is a glove with soft bristles on the palm side that help remove loose hair without irritating your cat's skin. It's a good choice for cats who don't like traditional brushes, as it's much gentler.
The Shedding Blade
This is a metal comb with very sharp teeth that can quickly remove loose hair from your cat's coat. It's not recommended for everyday use, as it can be quite harsh on your cat's skin. But it can be helpful for removing large amounts of loose hair during shedding season.
Conclusion
If your cat hates getting brushed, it may take some time and effort to get them used to it. But with the right tools and techniques, you can make the experience much more enjoyable for both of you. Just be patient, go slowly, and use a soft brush that won't scratch or irritate your cat's skin.
If you're looking for a brush that your cat will love, and that will help manage shedding, The Fluff Buddy is a great choice for most cats. It's a slicker brush that has very fine, wire bristles that are arranged in a slanted pattern coated with rubber tips, and it's specifically designed to be gentle on your cat's skin. In fact, many customers state that their cats that previously hated being brushed, actually love being brushed with The Fluff Buddy! It even has a self-cleaning feature that makes it very easy to remove hair from the brush after each use.
These tips and tricks should help make brushing time a lot more enjoyable for both you and your cat. Just be patient, find the right brush, and go slowly at first until your cat gets used to it. With a little time and effort, you'll be able to brush your cat's fur without any drama!