Long-Haired Cat Care: 5 Hidden Fur Problems to Watch For

Your cat has soft, fluffy fur. You love running your fingers through it.

Have you ever wondered what is lurking beneath that fur? Small knots can tug at your cat's skin. Loose hair can cause hairballs. Skin issues can go unnoticed. Long fur alone is not a health problem. But, it needs to be taken care of.

Here are five issues that all cat parents should be aware of.

Just think about a tangle in your hair that you can't get out. It is painful to pull.Cats can face a similar problem.Sandwiched between these hairs are more loose hair fibres, called tangles. Those tangles can get matted together into thick clumps, known as mats.

Mats can grow behind the ears, under the legs, and near the tail. – Mats can tug the skin and be painful.

Brush your cat regularly. Check for tight mats in the undercoat. NEVER pull on a tight mat. Seek advice from your vet or a professional groomer for assistance.

Because they groom themselves they eat loose hair.

The majority of this hair just goes down the digestive track. A hairball may develop in the stomach in some cases.

Your cat may vomit to bring up a hairball.

Long-haired cats may swallow more loose fur during grooming. You can help your cat by brushing regularly to remove loose hair.

However, don't neglect recurring vomiting. Consult a vet if your cat vomits frequently or appears to be sick.

A thick coat can conceal skin issues.You might not notice redness or scratches, nor small cuts, scabs and bald spots. Mats can cause trapping of dirt and moisture against the skin.

Watch your cat closely.It it scratching more? Is it continuously licking a certain area? Does it have redness of the skin?Signs may be signs of a skin condition.

Apart the fur carefully and examine the skin. If there are wounds, redness, or itchy areas all the time, then go to the vet.

Pet parents frequently miss out on this.A long fluffy tail can pick up all sorts of dust, litter or faeces. This may cause your cat some discomfort.

Inspect this part while grooming. Clean dirty fur gently and safely. If needed, ask your vet or a professional groomer for help.If it keeps getting dirty, ask your vet for a sanitary trim.

All cats shed hair, which is perfectly normal. However, sudden or abnormal hair loss is concerning.Check for bald spots, shedding, and scratching. These signs can have several causes.

But don't assume it is the long fur.Bring your cat to your vet for assessment if the problem persists.

Try This 30-Second Fur Check

Next time you stroke your cat, check these five places.

Feel gently for knots. Inspect the skin.If your cat appears distressed, stop. Do not push it.Use this handy check for identifying issues early on.

1. Brushing only the top layer

Fur can conceal a knot. Simply work your hands through the hair without pulling on it.

2. Pulling tight knots

This can hurt your cat. Seek professional help for problematic mats.

3. Cutting mats with scissors

You could cut the cat's skin by accident.

4. Ignoring unusual signs

Repeated vomiting, wounds, or persistent itching should not be ignored. Contact your vet if you notice these signs.

Should You Shave Your Cat?

Not usually.

Longer fur is no reason for your cat to need a trim. Your cat's coat, like ours, acts as a natural bodycovering that serves a purpose.

Brushing through to remove loose hair and avoid tangles is usually adequate.

Severe mats may require professional clipping. Consult a veterinarian or professional groomer before shaving your cat.

Follow these simple steps:

Some cats will require daily brushing. Some less so. It really depends on the cat's coat and condition.

Your fluffy cat's coat may seem just right. But appearances can be deceiving.Small knots may be painful. Skin conditions may be hidden under a thick coat. Or, swallowed hair may be an issue.

Brushes and simple checks can help keep your cat comfortable.A beautiful coat is nice. A healthy coat is best.

At Zaanvar we know that care matters and that it's the small gestures that can make a huge difference in a pet's life.