Cat owners often face the problem of their pet shedding when hair remains on the floor, furniture and clothing. To eliminate this problem, it is recommended to periodically comb the animal. In addition to keeping your home clean, there are benefits to your pet as well. Brushing is a great massage for your pet, a way to improve the quality of the coat and to protect the cat from heatstroke during the hot season. However, sometimes pets strongly resist this procedure.
Why does the cat resist the brushing procedure?
If your cat resists the fact that you are combing it, this means one of two things - either it was improperly socialized, or it feels uncomfortable.
In the early socialization of a pet, it is important that it gets used to the touch of its hands. Then he will feel comfortable and allow you to comb his coat. Therefore, kittens should be handled more often from an early age, they should be combed so that they get used to this procedure, and also have ears, eyes and teeth checked. Dedicating enough time to this will lessen the stress that an older cat may experience in the future.
It is necessary to start teaching a kitten to regular combing from 8-9 weeks. Yes, at this age he does not shed yet, he has soft fur and not a single hair may remain on the comb. However, this phenomenon will last up to a year. And then you will have to deal with a naughty cat who is extremely negative about attempts to kill his fur.
How to brush a naughty cat
To begin with, you should take your time, since combing should bring only positive emotions to your pet. Start with short brushing sessions to increase your cat's tolerance. To calm the animal, pat it or give it a gentle massage before the procedure. Talking to your pet lovingly while brushing can also help reduce stress.
Try to brush your cat on a schedule. If possible, carry out this procedure in a specific place and at the same time. For example, every day at 8 pm in the hallway. If you can't keep up with the schedule, try training the animal to follow a specific sequence of activities. For example: they fed the cat, dined themselves, washed the dishes, and began to comb it (but not immediately after dinner, when the cats are drawn to sleep). Observe your pet, and you yourself will determine the right moment for this procedure.
Learn to brush your cat properly. If your pet's coat is matted, it will be easier to get started with the services of a cat hairdresser, who will neatly trim it.
Better to start with soft, rubber brushes. It is necessary to comb the cat from head to tail. Do not forget about the basic rules: do not scratch the tail and do not brush against the grain.
Observe your pet to understand what kind of scratching and where he likes the most (neck, forehead, sides, cheeks …). If somewhere the cat begins to resist, try to avoid such places.
When accustoming an animal to the combing procedure, you should not force it and force it to endure unpleasant actions. After all, then the cat will be afraid of one type of comb, to break free, scratch and run away. It is better to show maximum patience and care in relation to your pet. And then, over time, your cat will get pleasure from such a procedure.
