Did you know that a cat will spend nearly 30 percent of its life grooming itself? No one really knows why, but the guess is that somewhere far back in their evolution, felines developed their own rules about cleanliness and “catliness.” It is truly fascinating to watch a cat meticulously and patiently clean itself (better fun than most Grade B movies, in fact). It is said that both wild and domestic cats spend up to one-third of their lives preening and cleaning (hunting and sleeping being the other two). Oddly, there is no vanity attached to this ritual as there might be if considered in human terms. It is merely part of the animal’s mystique, which makes it all the more fascinating a phenomenon to behold.
Preening is natural, reflexive and vital to a cat’s hygiene, health and comfort. Cats clean for more than one reason. After being handled, a cat will often lick itself to smooth its fur and get rid of the “human” smell. It is also thought that the licking process for a cat is soothing. Of course, like all other behavior, there are repercussions, and in this case it is the ubiquitous and annoying hairball that forms in the cat’s stomach and must come out, come out, wherever it is! Despite the fact that grooming is an instinctual process, very often our feline babies need our help to maintain their coats.
Grooming our cats is not just a matter of making them “look pretty” for us; it stimulates blood circulation and prevents matting and the formation of hairballs. If you have a kitten, start the process early so that the animal will get used it and associate the ritual with playtime and love. Even cats with short hair need to be groomed once or twice a week. Longhaired ones ideally should be groomed a little but every day. I say ideally because I know cats. I had a white Persian that would run ad hide under the bed for hours after just the sight of the brush advancing in her proximity. Still, it can work if you devise a schedule to suit both your convenience and the mood of the cat (the reluctant groomee). Use a soft bristled brush and give the cat a treat afterwards. Always brush in the direction of the cat’s coat and never against it.
Lastly, good luck, and if all else fails, use the brush on yourself. I have heard that it is a new and different experience!