How to Groom a Cat

9 Steps To a Beautiful Fur Coat

by Carrie Profenno: Author, lifelong Mainer & veteran Maine Coon owner

For owners of long haired breeds like the Maine Coon, grooming is a BIG part of their care!

Learning how to groom a cat with long hair will have benefits for both of you. There are important reasons to keep your feline friend well groomed, such as:

1. Find The Right Cat Food

What’s the connection between food and how to groom a cat with long hair?

Surprisingly, a diet plays a significant role in coat health and in turn, grooming.

High-quality foods are essential for maintaining a smooth, glossy coat, and some are even formulated to reduce hairballs - a common issue for cats with long hair.

Look for foods that include beneficial ingredients such as:

• Healthy fats like olive oil, flaxseed, or even avocado oil, which provide essential fatty acids to nourish the skin and coat.

• Added fiber, which helps hair move through the digestive system, reducing the likelihood of hairballs. Ingredients like beet pulp, psyllium, or cellulose can often be found in hairball control formulas.

For example, Wellness brand is a popular option that includes olive oil and flaxseed to support coat health.

Other reputable brands may include similar beneficial oils or added nutrients designed to enhance fur and coat health.

When selecting a new food, make sure to:

1. Check the ingredient list for harmful additives or fillers like artificial colors, flavors, or excessive by-products, which can negatively impact your health.
2. Choose a reputable brand known for quality and transparency in its sourcing.
3. Consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure about which food is best for your kitty’s specific needs.

Remember: A high-quality, hairball-control cat food is an essential first step toward a silky, tangle-free coat and fewer hairballs.

Combine the right diet with regular grooming, and your long-haired kitty will look and feel their best!

2. Hairball Treatments For a Silky Coat

Reducing hairballs isn’t just about comfort - it also helps keep the coat looking its glorious best. Some simple home remedies include canned pumpkin, fish oil, or even a small amount of petroleum jelly to help hair pass through the digestive tract.

You can also find hairball lubricants at your local pet store. These are easy to use, with clear instructions and dosage recommendations right on the package.

For more detailed solutions, check out our full page on Hairball Remedies.

3. How to Groom a Cat With Matted Fur:

Now it's time for some serious grooming! Before you can start brushing, you’ll need to tackle any mats that have developed.

Removing mats takes care and patience - you don’t want to pull the skin, as that will only make grooming a dreaded ordeal.

Here's how to handle it:

• Find a helper. Your helper’s sole job is to keep your kitty calm and happy. Whether it’s petting, scratching, or even offering treats, their focus should be on creating a positive experience for your feline friend.

• Use a fine-toothed comb. Slide the comb between the skin and the mat to act as a barrier. Then, carefully snip the mat off with scissors. Be cautious and work quickly but gently.

• Try combing smaller mats. If a mat isn’t too tight, you might be able to comb it out instead of cutting it. Start at the ends of the mat and work your way toward the skin, using a comb rather than a brush. Hold the skin firmly to avoid tugging.

Important: If your kitty becomes agitated (hissing, growling, or trying to escape), take a break.

Grooming doesn’t have to be done all at once - return when everyone is relaxed and happy again.

For severe matting, consider a lion cut. A professional groomer can shave your cat, leaving the head, feet, and tail fluffy.

While it’s not for every feline, many seem to love their new look and strut around with confidence afterward!

4. How to Bathe Your Cat!

Bathing is an important part of grooming, especially for long haired cats.

With so much fur to manage, they can get dirty and even a bit smelly over time - sometimes they just need a little extra help.

If your kitty isn’t a fan of baths, don’t worry! We’ve put together a full guide on How to Bathe a Cat, complete with step-by-step instructions and a secret tool that makes the process easier for everyone involved.

5. Don’t Forget to Trim Their Nails

6. Find the Perfect Brush

Brushing is one of the most important steps in keeping your cat’s coat healthy and tangle-free!

Finding the right brush for their unique fur texture can make all the difference. If you’ve tried a few brushes already, you know they’re not all created equal.

Here are a couple of tools we’ve tested:

7. How to Groom a Cat With Long Hair: Brushing Time!

You’ve got your brush and you’re ready to roll!

Before you start, make sure your cat’s fur is completely dry and check for any hidden sores on their skin - long fur can easily hide them.

If your cat is relaxed - snoozing by the fire, on their favorite chair, or curled up on your lap - it’s the perfect time to begin.

Position yourself comfortably and start with soft, long strokes down their back.

Avoid brushing the same area repeatedly, as this can irritate their skin, and don’t press too hard - the brush should do the work for you.

Continue brushing until you’ve removed a good amount of loose fur or your kitty decides they’ve had enough for now.

It’s best to wait until they’re fully comfortable with brushing before attempting trickier areas like the belly, "armpits," or the fur around their behind.

Gradually introduce these spots into your routine to make grooming a stress-free experience.

8. Have Some Treats Handy

Bribery is 100% acceptable when it comes to grooming!

Once your cat decides they've had enough, bring out their very favorite treats as a reward for their cooperation - even if you feel like you've barely made progress.

While they're happily munching away, you might be able to sneak in a little more brushing.

Over time, your kitty will start to associate grooming sessions with tasty snacks, making them more cooperative and relaxed each time.

With patience, they may even begin to look forward to a good brush-down!

9. Make it a Ritual

One of the most important parts of grooming a cat with long hair is staying consistent.

Choose a regular time, like during your favorite weekly TV show or a quiet moment in your day, and make it a part of your routine.

With time and patience, your cat will hopefully come to enjoy these sessions - many cats do!

Grooming can become a special bonding time for both of you, strengthening your connection while keeping their coat looking its "regal" best!

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