Long-haired cats are beautiful, but that coat comes with maintenance. Persians, Himalayans, Maine Coons, Ragdolls, Norwegian Forest Cats and plenty of fluffy mixed breeds can't always keep up with their fur on their own. Without help, loose undercoat gets trapped, tangles form, and tangles tighten into mats that pull on the skin.
The good news: a short, consistent routine at home prevents most problems. Here's how to set one up.
How often should you brush a long-haired cat?
It depends on the coat. As a general guide:
- Persians and Himalayans: daily brushing is usually recommended. Their fine, dense coats mat quickly.
- Maine Coons, Ragdolls, Norwegian Forest Cats: several times a week is often enough, with more during heavy shedding in spring and fall.
- Senior or overweight cats: may need more help, since they can have trouble reaching their back and hindquarters.
Five minutes a day is easier on you and your cat than a long, stressful session once a week.
The tools that actually help
- Wide-tooth metal comb: the most important tool. It finds tangles that a brush skims over.
- Slicker brush: good for lifting loose undercoat. Use light pressure — the pins can scratch skin. A self-cleaning slicker brush saves time: press a button and the collected fur slides off in one piece.
- Fine-tooth comb: for the face, around the ears and finishing.
- Undercoat rake or deshedding tool: useful during shedding season, used gently and not every day.
A step-by-step routine
- Pick a calm moment. After a meal or during a sleepy afternoon works well. Keep treats nearby.
- Start with easy areas. Most cats tolerate the back, shoulders and cheeks best. Begin there to build trust.
- Comb in sections, down to the skin. Part the fur and comb from the skin outward, following the direction of growth. If the comb glides from root to tip, that section is done.
- Check the mat hot spots. Behind the ears, the armpits, the belly, the inner thighs and the "britches" (the fluffy fur on the back of the hind legs). These areas rub as the cat moves and tangle first.
- Stop before your cat does. End on a good note with a treat, even if you only finished half. You can do the other side tomorrow.
What to do about mats
Small, loose tangles can often be worked apart with your fingers and the end teeth of a comb, holding the fur near the skin so you don't pull. A little cornstarch can help loosen them.
Don't cut mats out with scissors. Cat skin is thin and gets pulled up into the mat, so it's very easy to cut the skin by accident. Large, tight or numerous mats are a job for a professional groomer or your veterinarian, who can shave them out safely. Heavily matted cats sometimes need a full "lion cut" to start over — that's fine, and the coat grows back.
Other parts of the routine
- Sanitary area: long fur around the rear can trap litter and waste. A groomer can do a tidy "sanitary trim."
- Eyes: flat-faced breeds like Persians often have tear staining. Wipe gently with a soft, damp cloth.
- Nails: trim every few weeks.
- Baths: most cats rarely need them. If you do bathe a long-haired cat, comb out all tangles first, since water tightens mats.
- Hairballs: regular brushing reduces the amount of fur your cat swallows. Frequent vomiting, constipation or appetite changes are reasons to call the vet.
Helping your cat groom itself between sessions
Cats like to rub their cheeks and backs against firm surfaces, and long-haired cats are no exception. Giving them a bristled spot to do that can catch some loose fur between your brushing sessions. Our Avisia Cat Spa Arch is a freestanding self-grooming arch that cats can walk under and rub against.
To be realistic about it: an arch can't reach the armpits, belly or britches where mats usually form, and it won't remove tangles. For a long-haired cat, think of it as a nice extra your cat can enjoy on its own — not a replacement for combing or for a professional groomer.
When to see a groomer or vet
- Mats that are tight against the skin or cover large areas
- Your cat suddenly stops grooming itself (this can signal pain, dental problems or illness)
- Greasy, flaky or smelly coat, bald patches or scabs
- Your cat becomes very stressed or aggressive during brushing
The bottom line
Long-haired cats do best with short, frequent grooming: a wide-tooth comb, attention to the hot spots, patience and treats. Leave big mats to the professionals, keep an eye on changes in your cat's coat, and add simple extras that let your cat groom itself between sessions. Your cat — and your furniture — will thank you.