First, it is an excellent idea to try or identify why cats don’t enjoy being brushed or groomed. Sometimes if your cat is covered with a matted coat, it might result in pain.
In these cases, it might be the best option to find out the root of the cause. And to remove the mats or coats which hurt them. You can start by scheduling a daily brushing routine every day.
Many cats do not feel comfortable being held or enjoy being cuddled. But your goal can be achieved by maintaining a routine, time, love, patience. You will achieve what you want.
How To Brush A Cat That Hates It? A Step By Step Guide
There are different types of cats. Some like deep brushing right away, and others like only soft brushes. We have various kinds of brushes for various types of cats.
If you want to start with brushing, then the first thing you can do is touch the areas where it likes to get a pet (usually their favorite spot is on their back or between their ears or sometimes under the chin). You can keep experimenting with different types of meetings for the ultimate result.
Your first step is to stroke and pets them and allow them to move more freely (like moving around or even leaving if they don’t like it). Begin brushing and try to concentrate on one area.
Your kitty will slowly adapt itself to the brushing (and start enjoying it), and gradually you must make it more sensitive, like moving into more sensitive parts (like the rear-end or stomach).
Your cat will show many signs of not liking it, like by lashing their tail, flattened ears, fir ripping, low hisses or growls, etc.
If your cat shows this kind of sign, that means that they are uncomfortable, and you have to stop brushing before they become angry or agitated.
If you notice it very deeply, you will see that your kitty will tolerate brushing for 30 seconds(initial stage) and then slowly increase.
You have to keep them rewarded for their patience and prevent using rude or harsh tones. The perfect timing to brush them is after they have their food, as they tend to be more receptive after that time.
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What do I do if my cat does not like being brushed?
Cats can sometimes be afraid of specific brushes or become overstimulated (in their grooming sessions). If your cat is terrified of specific brushes, then you have to try making it a positive experience, like spreading treats everywhere in the house or mainly near the brush.
If your cat comes near the brush and tries to play with it, then give her pleasure, repeat it for a few days, and once your cat is comfortable around the brush, you can start your brushing sessions and schedule a regular session with your kitty.
If you want to experience lashing their tail, flattened ears, fir ripping, low hisses, or growls, you have to stop and keep working on step one immediately, and you will indeed find positive results.
But first, you have to try with one stroke only, and then day by day, after some time, you can add some additional steps too.
Still, you have to keep in mind their agitated reactions. Your cat can also become overwhelmed with the grooming session and might bite the brush then you have to keep the sessions short.
Try to figure out how long your cat can allow you to brush before they try to react or become agitated. Try to figure out what makes your cat stay with you during your brushing.
Many owners give them a toy to play with when they are brushed.
Maybe your cat will also like some distractions and might allow you a long time to let them. As already mentioned, a regular small session will not be stressful for your kitty.
You might also want to try different brushes on your cat because of their sensitive skin.
One of the best options is a rubber brush. Your kitty might have some bad past with the brushes it is scared of; hence rubber brushes will allow you to massage them a lot, and the cats also like it.
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How do I get my cat to like being brushed?
You can try different types of brush combos. Like many are for dogs but also can be used on both cats and dogs. Maximum brushes are small in size and are healthy for cat fur.
The best choices which are preferred by the cat owners are bristle brushes, combs, paintbrushes, and flea combs. A bristle brush has a soft bristle and is mainly made of synthetic materials, but earlier boar’s hairs were used.
This brush is excellent for cats who have small hair / short-haired cats. A pin brush is a better option for cats who have long hair.
This brush has metal pins and has small wax or round balls, which will prevent your cat’s skin from getting scratched. A regular brush widely used for cats has wider teeth and narrow teeth on the other side. It is best to solve the tangles on your cat’s fur.
Similarly, the flea comb has narrower teeth. Less spacing between the bristles, and its sole purpose is to remove fleas from the cat’s fur. (Make sure first to comb your cat’s hair to remove any tangles because it may hurt later if you try to untangle it by the flea comb, and it can turn out to be a horrible experience with your cat as they might feel more agitated).
Please make sure that you have a thorough knowledge of what brushes your cats like the most; if you cannot understand which one might be the right option for your cat, then you can always ask any local pet groomer who will help you out and will be happy to advise you.
We all know how many treats cats love, hence do not hesitate to use treats as the medium to make them brush. Many owners do that and get satisfying results.
There are many types of treats like small fish bites, tuna strips, and many more sustainable options for you and your cats. The treats make the grooming sessions acceptable to them, and hence they remain patient to gain a treat.
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Conclusion
Any owner will love to make the grooming sessions more fun, calm, and peaceful hence to achieve that, you have to know your cat, its likes and dislikes about brushes and soft spots.
Start paying attention when you begin to brush your cat; usually, it is not that easily accepted but with the right schedule, proper behavior, and treats, it will be easier for your cats to accept the grooming session.
Hi There, AJ Oren here. I am the founder of this amazing pet blog & a passionate writer who loves helping pet owners to learn more about their pets through my articles. I am also the content manager of this blog. I have experience in pet training and behavior, sheltering, and currently working for a veterinary clinic.