Training Your Cat to Cherish Cleaning

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Training Your Cat to Cherish Cleaning
By: Ed Brancheau

Being stroked is pleasurable for your cat, so it isn't difficult to teach them to like being brushed. By <a href="http://www.trainthatcat.com">brushing your cat</a> to remove excess hair, you will prevent your cat from <a href="http://www.trainthatcat.com">getting fur balls</a> in their throat. <a href="http://www.trainthatcat.com">Brushing your cat</a> also helps get rid of knots or prickles they will have got from exploring outside, as well as letting you regularly check on them health-wise.

Choose a time when kitty is feeling a bit sleepy and wants to curl up on your warm lap. Have the brush handy so you don't have to disturb him to get it. If he hasn't seen the brush before, hold it near his face so he can sniff it all over if he wants. In this way he will understand that it won't hurt him and so he won't be frightened of it. In fact, it's a good idea to rub your own hands along the handle of the brush so he can detect your scent on it. If he's used to you, he will be reassured that this strange tool is to be trusted.

Once he has inspected and accepted the brush, begin to brush your cat with slow and gently movements. Always brush with the lay of the hair, not against it. If kitty tries to grab the brush with his paws to play with it, put it away immediately. You don't want him to start playing every time he sees the brush, you want him to learn to keep still and let you brush him.

When your cat has settled, begin to brush him again. Using long strokes, begin brushing at his ear and draw the fur backward. Never brush near his eyes or whiskers since they are delicate and can be injured easily. Also take care not to pull hard on the knotted parts of the fur since this hurts them. If every time he sees the brush he panics because he remembers it being painful, your next session won't go as smoothly.

When brushing your cat, there are different brushes to use. Depending on the area of the body, a large stiff brush will work well for the larger parts of your cat, but a smaller gentler brush is best for the tail and stomach regions. Longer fur on tails may necessitate a stiffer-bristled brush. Keeping a comb nearby may also be of assistance.

Ed Brancheau developed a <a href="http://www.trainthatcat.com">cat training</a> audio course and ebook to make life with the frisky feline enjoyable. Get unique version of this article or more <a href="http://www.contentspooling.net/public.php?id=179&c=pets">pet articles</a>.

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