Should I shave my matted long-haired cat?
Heavy, tight mats often do need to be clipped out rather than brushed, but it’s usually not a home job
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What is stud tail in cats, and should I worry?
Stud tail is a waxy, greasy, sometimes crusty buildup near the base of the tail, where a cluster of oil glands sits
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Why does my cat have a greasy, oily coat?
A greasy coat usually means the grooming system has broken down somewhere
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How can I tell if the black specks in my cat’s fur are flea dirt?
Comb a few specks onto a damp white paper towel
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Why does my cat have flakes only on her lower back?
Usually she can’t reach it. Senior or overweight cats can’t groom their back half, and the skin dries out where the oils don’t get distributed.
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Can I use human shampoo on my cat?
No. Human shampoo strips natural oils and the wrong pH dries cat skin. Use a cat-formulated shampoo or skip the bath entirely.
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Can I cut a mat off my cat with scissors?
Strongly not recommended. Cat skin is thin and lifts with the mat. Use a comb, a groomer or vet clippers instead.
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How do I get a mat out of my cat’s fur?
Small mats: a wide-tooth comb and patience. Big mats: a professional groomer, not scissors. Why DIY scissors are the wrong move.
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How do I get my cat to tolerate brushing?
Short sessions, calm timing, light pressure and food rewards. The setup that turns brushing from a fight into a routine.
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Do I need to bathe my cat?
Most cats never need a bath. The exceptions: long-haired cats with mats, seniors who can’t groom, hairless breeds, medical conditions.