The time spent brushing a cat is also a good opportunity to check for lumps and bumps, areas of hair loss, lesions, and fleas and ticks. Plus, since most cats enjoy being brushed, it can be a great bonding activity.
The good news is that most cats like being brushed and groomed. Even so, here's how to acclimate them to the brushing routine: Get comfy: To start, make sure your cat is comfortable and receptive to being touched.
Cats Love To Be Brushed – Here's Why
For one, it feels really good! The vibration of the brush against their skin can help to soothe them and relieve stress (as long as you are gentle). It also helps to keep their fur clean and free of tangles and knots, because knotted hair can pull painfully on their skin.
Animal Talk
According to the people of TikTok, cats love being gently brushed by the damp bristles of a toothbrush because it reminds them of getting groomed by their mother's tongue and instantly makes them feel soothed and relaxed.
Daily brushing
If you're wondering how to make a cat's fur softer, brushing could be the answer. Brushing your cat's hair not only detangles it but also helps the health of its skin and coat by stimulating oil production. Removing excess cat hair reduces the stress that the living hair strands are under.
"Daily brushing will reduce the amount of hair a cat swallows during self-grooming with her tongue, therefore helping to reduce the number of hairballs your cat may develop." In addition to benefiting your cat, daily brushing will dramatically reduce the amount of loose hair and cat dander floating around the home.
It is generally recommended to groom long-haired and medium-haired cats daily, while short-haired cats can usually be groomed about once a week. Some cats may need grooming more often; for example, older cats, or cats who might have trouble grooming because they have mobility or flexibility problems such as arthritis.
Pain/discomfort: A painful cat may be uncomfortable when brushing certain areas of their body and respond aggressively. Overstimulation: Aggression can occur as a normal response to being groomed in areas or ways your cat finds uncomfortable. It could also happen when the grooming has gone on for too long.
Some cats do not enjoy being handled in general, and most of the time the dislike of grooming comes from a place of fear. This is actually a good thing, because with some time, patience, and a little bit of extra attention, you can help your scaredy cat to form a positive association with grooming!
So, in which places do cats like to be petted? The head, chin and neck are often their favorites. While some cats enjoy having their tails touched, others will recoil and even experience pain from a tail stroke.
Yes, you read that right: A recent study revealed that getting your pet's attention is as simple as speaking with a high-pitched tone and extended vowels, just like how you'd communicate with a human baby. Additionally, the study suggested that your cat can actually tell you apart from strangers.
Every cat is different. While some cats enjoy being kissed, others will not. Some will feel love, while others will not see kissing as a sign of affection. There are better ways than kissing to show a cat affection that they will understand.
So, just as you suspected, one of the main reasons that cats like to rub their head against you is to show affection and there is even a name for this behaviour – 'bunting'. Cats 'bunt' primarily as a way of bonding, and they do this not only to you and other humans but also with other cats and even dogs.
Keep your first few sessions short, just five or ten minutes. Once your cat is used to the routine, you can gradually lengthen the amount of time you spend keeping them clean.
“Cats don't like to be touched in particular places for two main reasons: sensitivity and an instinctual need to protect themselves,” Geller explains. When it comes to the belly, the hair follicles are hypersensitive to touch. Petting a cat's stomach “can be overstimulating to the point of being painful.”
The most common theory is that, when being stroked, the motion reminds cats of their mother grooming and licking them as a kitten. This helps your cat to relax and feel safe, reminding them of a special bonding time with their mother.
Brushing Your Cat
One or two brushings per week will help kitty to keep her healthy glow—and you'll find that regular sessions are especially beneficial when your cat ages and is no longer able to groom so meticulously on her own.
They're relaxed
As you pet or brush your cat, their kneading and purring can sometimes be accompanied by drooling. These are all signs of a happy kitty and are nothing to worry about. Your cat is simply being transported back to kittenhood and the soothing presence of their mom.
Not only is rubbing against you a sign of a happy “hello” or “welcome home,” but cats also want to make sure that they have marked you with their scent. Cats are territorial creatures and will claim their pet parents as part of their territory.
"Your cat is most likely staring at you while crying because they're trying to make sense of what they see and hear," McGowan says. Your cat might not understand human crying, but she'll gather as many clues as she can and use them to adjust her behavior.
Your Cat Is Feeling Relaxed
Sometimes when a cat is on its way to sleep or was falling asleep while grooming itself, it may become so relaxed that it looses consciousness as its tongue is still out. Not only is this normal, but sometimes very adorable.
Eventually—especially if you and your cat have a friendly rapport—the chances are good that she'll feel comfortable enough to let you comb and brush her tummy, and she may even grow to like it.
Several times a week is fine for grooming, but a daily brushing won't hurt. Just don't overdo it. Brushing your cat too much can result in skin irritation or bald patches, though you're more likely to see these symptoms from your cat over-grooming than from brushing.
Alternatives to water bathing
Getting a professional groomer to bathe your kitty is one option if your cat absolutely hates baths, but another alternative is to use bath wipes specifically designed for cats. These wipes are designed to clean your cat like a bath, but without the water.