How Long Should I Brush My Cat?
How would you answer the questions, “How Long Should I Brush My Cat?” Can you brush your cat too much?
The other day, a reader on our Facebook page, mentioned that they had purchased an EZ-Groomer pet comb and didn’t know when to stop brushing their cat. In other words, they just kept getting hair and more hair, so they just kept brushing.
I do not have cats that love being brushed – so I just brush mine as long as they will tolerate it and as long as I can get away with it -which is usually outside, as seen in this video:
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml1QH5jHE4o[/embedyt]
I would say you can you brush your cat too much – but there are always exceptions to the rule and it can be subjective. That’s why I am hoping that readers will weigh in.
Here are things to consider:
Ok, so your turn Floppycats readers – What is your brushing routine? How many minutes do you usually brush your cat for? What kind of brush works best for you and your kitty?
- Does your cat enjoy being brushed? If so, then I would brush for a good 5-10 minutes. The frequency would depend on your schedule as well as the quantity of fur your cat has. Cat fur quantity differs from cat to cat and can differ because of 1. where they live, 2. what they eat, 3. what season it is, 4. genetic make-up of cat and more
- If you’re brushing a cat that hates being brushed, then you want to brush until s/he won’t tolerate it anymore – much like my cats. They start their annoyed meows almost as soon as I pull out the brush or comb – and when they start to turn around to bite me or the brush, then I know they have had it. There is no reason to put them through it more at that time. However, since I can’t brush them for very long – I try to brush them more consistently, especially if the season is changing as they shed or gain a lot of coat at those times.
Check out other cat brushes that readers have liked here.
Ok, so your turn Floppycats readers – What is your brushing routine? How many minutes do you usually brush your cat for? What kind of brush works best for you and your kitty?
Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,
Late but was looking up brushing tips and found this. As long as I give him head rubs our cat (medium hair) will just chill and let me go to town on back, sides, and tail. Trying to brusg 3-4 days a week since he is a fluffy one.
Hi Jenny. Thanks for the grooming advice. I usually groom my boys when they are relaxed and sleepy. Jasper is better about it then Prince. I praise both of them a lot and tell them what good boys they are and give treats as well. Treats work on Jasper and praise works on Prince. They usually tolerate grooming for at least 3-5 minutes which I can do in the am and pm time permitting. I am patient and talk quietly and give lots of positive feedback and gradually I am increasing the time a bit with both guys. Thanks for all you do for the cat world. We appreciate you!!! hugs, Bonnie, Prince and Jasper
thank you for sharing!
I spend 45 mins brushing a 20lb very furry half Maine coon ” Master Odin” very thick , but very soft fur , pull out the brush he comes running and lays on the floor let’s me brush him , he don’t get up til I tell him, sits, stay , he acts like a kid .. any way my cat loves it lays there til I’m done .
Excellent question and post, Jenny!! Lurve the video, too!! Also, LURVE the EZ-Groomer brush!! It’s our fave grooming tool. I also have a Shed Monster but Miss PSB doesn’t tolerate it very well so it’s rare I use it. And I have a smaller flea type of comb but she’s not crazy about it for anything other than her ruff. I can usually groom Miss PSB for about 2-3 minutes before she starts to squirm and try to bit the brush. Sometimes, I just let her bite the brush for a bit and praise her and then go back to grooming her again for another minutes or so successfully. Just depends on her mood. She really enjoys getting her back and ruff groomed. Her tail not so much but she allows me to do it once or twice per session. I usually groom her about 3 times a week when she comes to nap between my legs in my recliner with me. 🙂 <3
Great advice for things to take into consideration when grooming your kitty!!! 🙂 <3
Big hugs & lots of love!!!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3
thank you for the detailed response, ms. patti! glad psb lets you groom her and tells you when it’s enough!
🙂 <3
i will brush my cats for as long as the will let me. the max is usually about 10 – 15 minutes and that is just one of them that will let me brush him that long. and it has to be the brush that he likes. when they bite me or scratch at the brush or comb then i know it’s time to stop. i want one of those brushes.. off to amazon i go.
thank you for sharing – i think charlie and trigg would need to be sedated for them to allow me to brush them for 10-15 minutes. please let me know how you like the ez-groomer if you get it.