How to Train Your Cat to Fancy Cleaning
Indulge your cat by brushing them; they love to be touched. You can protect your cat's health by brushing away excess loose fur. Regularly grooming your cat removes irritants from your cat's fur. By sitting down with your cat to brush him, you can give him a little checkup to make sure it's healthy.
The best time is when your cat is feeling sleepy, and maybe even curled up on your lap. If you have the brush near you, you can get it without disturbing him. If you haven't used one on him before, hold it near his face so that he can inspect it by smelling it, so that he will get used to it and realise that it won't hurt him. A good idea is to get your scent on the brush so that they can smell it. You can do this by rubbing your hands on the handle. Provided that he is used to you, it'll show him that the brush can be trusted.
When he's used to the brush, and is relaxed around it you can start brushing him. Slow Brush slowly and gently with the way the fur lays, not against it. You should discourage him from trying to play with the brush by stopping immediately whenever they do so. The aim is to get them to understand that they should just keep still and let you brush them.
You can start to brush them again when they've stopped playing. Smooth long stroking motions are best, making sure that you keep away from their face and especially their eyes. Begin around the ear level and work backwards, being careful to go slowly and gently if they have particularly matted or tangled fur. If you hurt them while brushing they'll soon associate the brush with unhappy experiences.
It sometimes useful to have a few different brushes for your kitty. Bigger, stiffer brushes are good for their back and sides, while for their more delicate areas, such as the stomach and tail, a softer and smaller brush can make things easier. It often helps to have a brush with slightly stiffer bristles for cats with long hare, and a comb can also be a useful in your grooming kit.
Ed Brancheau has a cat training audio course and ebook available to help your relationship with your cat. You can get a unique version of the above article and more articles about cat training.
Published September 21st, 2007
Filed in Family, Recreation

