The Complete Guide to Brushing Your Cat: Tips & Techniques for a Stress‑Free Routine

Most people think there is only one way to brush a cat. Just pick up a brush, any brush and brush away. Hmm, and now you know why your cat runs away from you when you pick up the brush. The right way to brush a cat is not hard to master. It is really quite easy, but one must be careful of several things to make brushing your cat a good experience for both you and your cat. So, what is the right way to brush a cat? Read on to find out.

Choose the right brush – The appropriate brush for your cat depends on his/her fur and preference. For example, some felines like slicker brushes while others may enjoy rubber brushes. Therefore, Pet MD recommends that you try several options to find the right tool for brushing your cat.

Familiarize your cat with the Brush – Bring the brush closer to your kitty and let him/her sniff it. Sometimes, your feline friend may also rub their face on the brush to leave his/her scent on it. When your cat seems to be showing interest in the brush, you can start the brushing.

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How to hold a cat to brush it?

Restraining your cat is crucial to ensure proper brushing. There are several different ways to hold your cat for grooming and My Pet Needs That explains some of the most effective ones.

Sit on your lap – This is the most common (and possibly the easiest) technique for brushing your cat. Wrap an arm around your cat and use your hand to restrain his/her chest and front legs. Gently stroke through the fur of your kitty with the other hand to calm him/her.

Position your cat between your legs – This method is particularly useful for brushing the back of your cat. Make him/her sit between your legs (facing away from you) and place a hand under his/her chin. Make sure that you are not squeezing your feline’s neck at any time to avoid an aggressive reaction.

Cradle your cat on the back – This technique might not work with all cats, but some kitties can be cradled on their backs. If you own such a cat, you can use this method to brush his/her abdomen area. Simply hold your feline companion in one of your arms and use the other hand to groom him/her.

Wrap in a towel – If you own a cat who doesn’t like to be held, you can use a towel. This will allow you to hold him/her safely, but it does make it harder to brush your furry friend.