We know that cats are independent creatures and do quite a good job of keeping themselves clean, but some felines need more help than others. Take your Persians and Himalayans, for example. These gorgeous long-haired cats are the epitome of exotic felines because of their plush coats, but these cats suffer from tangling and matting.
Before you decide to bring a luxurious long-haired cat home, meet the three cat breeds that need daily grooming. This will help you make an informed decision when choosing your next furry friend.
1. Persian Cats Need Daily Combing
The Persian is an ancient breed originating in (you guessed it) Persia, now called Iran. These felines made their way to Europe in 1626 and were later beloved among the wealthy elite, including Queen Victoria. The Persian cat is certainly the most popular exotic cat breed, distinguished by its flat face and beautiful, plush fur. While their good looks have certainly contributed to their popularity, this is a high-maintenance cat breed.
The Persian has a long and plush coat requiring daily brushing. Their thick hair becomes matted very quickly, and these knots are painful for cats to deal with. Brushing with a wide-tooth comb is preferred to smooth the fur and remove knots before they cause irritation.
Because Persians are such heavy shedders, regular brushing can remove loose hair and distribute natural oils on their skin, keeping their coats glossy and smooth. Another important grooming factor is cleaning your Persian cat’s face. Their brachycephalic (flat) skull shape increases eye and nasal discharge, which should be wiped with a soft cloth to prevent infection.
2. Birman Cats Shed Heavily
The Birman is another long-haired cat breed, identified by its dark face mask and lighter hair color. Coming from Burma, these cats were the companions of priests residing at the local temple, earning them the name “Sacred Cat of Burma.” Birman cats have soft single-layered coats, which means their coats don’t tangle as easily as Persians as they lack an undercoat. Yet, just because their coats are less prone to knots doesn’t mean that they don’t require maintenance.
Birmans should be brushed twice a week, but during the shedding season, brushings should increase to once a day. Like most fluffy cats, Birmans shed during the spring and fall. At this stage, they’ll need more frequent grooming to get rid of the loose hair. Regular brushing will not only keep your Birman cat comfortable, but it will also manage the amount of hair that you’ll be cleaning off your clothing and furniture!
You can groom your Birman cat with a rotating brush. These paddle brushes have broad heads, minimizing skin irritation, and get through knots easier than fine-toothed combs.
3. Himalayan Cats Love Being Pampered
If ever there was a cat that needed the royal treatment, it’s the Himalayan. These densely haired kitties have coats (like the Persian) and often suffer from knotted fur if they aren’t groomed. It is best to use a wire brush or metal comb to keep their coats smooth and tangle-free. You’ll need to brush your Himalayan cat every day. Fondly known as Himmies, they are your typical lap cats and indulge in gentle grooming.
A wire brush is preferred because it combs through the fine but dense hair. Don’t apply too much pressure because you don’t want the wire ends to scratch their skin. If you do come across knots, delicately work your way through the matting with repeated brushing. For stubborn knots, don’t pull the hair. Place your hand above the knot and use quick and short strokes with the brush over the knot to smooth the hair. In addition to routine brushing, Himalayans need a gentle face wipe to prevent their tears from staining their fur.
Honorable Mention: The Sphynx Cat
Why would the Sphynx cat, which has no hair, be mentioned among cats that need daily grooming? It might be hard to believe, but these bald felines require weekly baths to clean their delicate skin.
Contrary to popular belief, Sphynx cats do not come from Egypt but from Canada. They have a very unique appearance, but their hairless condition increases the likelihood of skin infections. Sphynx cats naturally produce oils on their skin, and when exposed to dirt and dander, their pores can become clogged. This can lead to acne, skin irritation, and excessive dryness.
Apply mild hypoallergenic shampoo that is kind to sensitive skin when bathing your hairless cat. Also, use a gentle cloth to wipe their ears and face to remove bacteria, dirt, and oil. While owning a Sphynx cat means that you won’t have to purchase a cat brush, they do come with a fair amount of maintenance––though most Sphynx cat owners will tell you their beloved feline companions are well worth it!
What About Cats with Special Grooming Needs?
Some cats need help with grooming regardless of their breed. For example, some senior cats affected by arthritis lose flexibility and can’t groom themselves as often as they should. You can help your older cat by brushing their rump, back, and legs to prevent matting and skin irritation.
Overweight cats may also require an extra hand (or paw!) when it comes to keeping clean. Again, the hard-to-reach places on an obese cat may become knotted and painful. Brush them at least twice a week to maintain their fur, whether they have short or long coats. Whether young or old, fluffy or not, spending time grooming your feline friend gives them a better quality of life.
