“Poor cat!”
“Why are you doing that?”
“Cats groom themselves!”
“They don’t need baths!”
“You think you’re an expert? Try that on my cat – she’s crazy!”
“I’ve had cats since 1960 and never had to brush one!”
“It’s not that easy for everyone to just brush a cat!”
“My cat was a rescue and can’t handle being touched.”
“We have to sedate our cat to get the mats cut out – it’s not that simple!
Yes, we get all kinds of comments – some frustrated, some irritated.
And you know what? We’re aware of all the challenges.
But that’s exactly why we talk about grooming.
Maybe it inspires someone to make a little extra effort – preferably before the mats appear – or at least to think about it before getting a longhaired cat.
Trust us – we’re not doing this to show off “perfect” cats or to prepare for cat shows.
Honestly, even our chickens get a little trim and nail clip when needed.
Grooming isn’t glam or glitter – it’s welfare.
We’ve spent a lot of time (and treats!) training our cats to accept brushing, nail clipping, and all kinds of handling.
At our house, there’s a comb everywhere – one by the computer, one in the bathroom, one in the kitchen, and one by the armchair.
Every opportunity is a grooming opportunity – especially when you have three cats to get through!
It’s not just about brushing; it’s about handling and environmental training too.
All of this builds trust, experience, and understanding between us and the cats.
And in the long run, it makes grooming so much easier.
Maybe people didn’t brush cats in 1960 – but a lot has changed since then.
Today, many domestic cats have mixed coats from longhaired or pedigree breeds, either planned or accidental.
The result?
Sometimes the mix looks adorable in photos or as kittens, but in reality, it mats up fast – like our dear Kasper.
His coat gets so long and thick that he literally can’t go to the litter box without bringing half of it back with him.
We have to shave him behind regularly, and that’s just how it is.
A lot has changed genetically since the 1960s – and that includes the coats.
Mats aren’t just a cosmetic issue.
They pull on the skin, cause pain, and can lead to sores and infections.
So if your cat has mats – they must be removed.
Whether that means going to the vet or getting someone to help you hold the cat safely, it has to be done.
It’s not cruel to shave a cat – it’s cruel to let one live with painful mats.
If that means five vet visits a year, then so be it. The cat is worth it.
Removes dead hair and prevents hairballs
Loose hair is brushed away before the cat swallows it.
→ Less hair in the stomach = fewer hairballs (and less chance of constipation).
Stimulates blood circulation
Brushing massages the skin and stimulates hair follicles.
→ Healthier coat growth and a nice natural shine.
Distributes natural oils
Cats produce natural oils that keep their coat supple.
→ Less dandruff, fewer dry patches, and a glossy look.
Prevents mats and skin irritation
Mats block airflow and trap dirt.
→ Regular brushing prevents sores and irritation – especially in longhaired cats.
Health check
You also get the chance to check for parasites, ticks, wounds, or lumps.
→ You’ll notice quickly if your cat needs medication or treatment.
We don’t nag about grooming for fun.
We do it because we so often get messages and photos from people who need help with badly matted cats.
These are usually cats that need regular grooming but were never trained for it.
Owners might have tried, but the cat protested – so they put it off.
The mat grows, the cat gets crankier, and suddenly it’s stuck tight to the skin.
At that point, it can’t be removed without pain or risk of cutting the skin.
Sometimes people ignore a “small tangle” until one day they feel through the fur and realize the entire undercoat has turned into one big mat.
It happens quickly.
We know many find it embarrassing to call the vet for help.
Some worry about the cost, others feel they’ve failed.
But trust us – asking for help is the best thing you can do for your cat.
Outdoor cats that wander for weeks often return covered in mats and debris.
And some owners refuse to shave them because they “can’t go outside afterward.”
But here’s the truth: a matted coat doesn’t protect against cold or weather anyway.
The mats have to go – for the cat’s health and comfort.
Many people know what needs to be done, but then come all the “buts”:
“But it’s hard…”
“But she hates the brush…”
“But I don’t have time…”
“But it’s expensive…”
And yes – we get it. Life is busy.
But in the end, it’s not about what’s easiest for us – it’s about what’s necessary for the cat.
They need to be handled, trained, and taken care of – even if it means the cat has to stay indoors until the coat grows back.
Make it part of your weekly or daily routine.
Yes, it’s work – but it’s the right kind of work.
It’s part of owning a longhaired cat.
We recently clipped a cat that was full of mats around the neck, back, and sides.
The very next day, the owner called to say the cat was running around the garden – something he hadn’t done for months.
Of course he hadn’t; he probably couldn’t move without pain.
Now we’re heading into the season of mats and tangles again.
And our best advice and only “miracle cure” is prevention.
There’s no magic brush or spray – the closest thing to a miracle is a pair of scissors. ✂️
