What Can I Use on a Long-Haired Cat to Stop Hairballs in His Coat?

Keeping a long-haired cat's coat free of tangles and mats is challenging. A daily grooming regimen is necessary to keep fur in good order. When tangles are not remedied by brushes or combs alone, further measures like bathing, shaving or cutting out a mat become necessary.

  1. Brushing and Combing

    • Daily brushing and combing is the best way to combat tangles and mats in a cat's fur. Brushes with wire bristles are best for long-haired cats, as they catch the most hair. First, gently brush the belly and legs, then brush the entire coat outwards. Part the fur down the length of the tail and brush to the side. When brushing the cat, check behind his ears, around his anus and groin, and where his legs meet his body, as those areas are most prone to tangling. If the cat doesn't like being brushed, try working up to a full brushing session in five-minute increments.

    Scissors and Clippers

    • If brushing and combing aren't able to remove matted fur, cut out the mat. Be careful, however, to avoid nicking the cat's skin. Before cutting, slide a comb between the matted fur and the skin to prevent against nicks. Using one blade of the scissors, slowly cut away at the bottom of the mat, layer by layer. If nervous about using scissors, a professional groomer is a good choice. If the cat frequently gets mats in her fur, invest in grooming clippers.

    Shampoos and Bathing

    • If the cat's fur is matted with something sticky or smelly, a bath is in order. It's best to use a specially formulated cat shampoo, as regular shampoo is harsh on a cat's skin. Dilute the shampoo with water before use, as this makes it easier to rinse out of long fur. Be sure to brush or comb the cat before bathing, as tangles that are difficult to remove when dry become impossible when wet. To bathe the cat at home, fill a sink, bathtub or plastic tub with a few inches of warm water. Get the cat as wet as possible, then work the shampoo into the cat's fur. It is ideal to wet and rinse the cat by using a shower head or pitcher, but many cats are only able to tolerate a dip in the tub. Alternatively, shampoo the cat on dry ground and then dip it into the water to rinse.

    Shaving

    • If the cat is prone to tangled, matted fur, consider shaving his coat. Don't try this at home with an electric razor. Take the cat to a professional groomer or a veterinarian for the procedure, as it usually requires sedation. Shaving is especially useful during the hot summer months, so the cat is able to cool down a bit. This procedure is often done during late spring or early summer before the sun becomes too strong, as cats suffer from sunburn like humans.