n the world of professional cat grooming, there are myriad of techniques and products that groomers rely on to keep their feline clients looking their best. One such product is conditioner, which is commonly used in human and dog grooming to enhance the softness and manageability of hair. However, when it comes to cats, the necessity and benefits of using conditioner are highly debated. This article delves into the reasons why conditioning may not be as beneficial for cats as it is for other animals and explores alternative approaches to maintaining a cat’s coat health.

When to Use Conditioner

Whether diluted, crème conditioner or leave-in spray, the function of any conditioner is to coat the hair with a thin layer of product. This acts as a barrier to help prevent damage to the hair caused by repeated brushing, chemicals like hair dye, and heat during blow-drying and styling. Knowing this, the use of conditioner makes sense in pet grooming when brushing out matted or compacted hair, in creative grooming, and when a heated dryer or styling tool, like a stand dryer, would be used for fluff-drying. A spray conditioner can also be beneficial for brushing in-between full grooming appointments, as recommended for many dogs. However, the majority of cat grooming services and techniques do not include the types of damage that conditioner is designed to prevent.

Cat mats are clumps of dead hair stuck together by excess skin oils, which means that small and mid-sized mats release more easily with just a comb once the hair is thoroughly cleaned and blown dry. Mats that are larger than what can be comfortably combed out should be shaved out. This is not only to prevent the cat from becoming upset by extensive mat removal, but also because the matted hair is dead and damaged, meaning it can’t be brushed out and left long.

The Natural Oils Debate

One of the key arguments against the use of conditioners on cats revolves around their natural oils. Cats produce sebaceous oils that coat their fur. These oils are essential for maintaining the health and functionality of a cat’s coat. When groomers use conditioner, there’s a risk of disrupting the natural-oil balance by leaving product behind in the fur and on the skin, preventing the natural oils from performing their protective functions.

In human hair care, over-conditioning is an issue that can lead to limp, greasy hair that lacks volume. The same principle applies to cats. Having conditioner in the cat’s fur can also attract more dirt and debris, which negates the purpose of grooming in the first place and can cause mats to form more quickly.

Professional groomers need to be especially cautious of this when working with longhaired breeds, such as Persians or Maine Coons, whose fur can become easily weighed down by excess product. The goal should always be to enhance the natural beauty and health of the coat without overwhelming it with unnecessary products.

The Risk of Reactions

Cats have sensitive skin that can react adversely to certain grooming products, including conditioners. Ingredients commonly found in conditioners, such as fragrances, preservatives and silicones, have the potential to cause skin irritations or even allergic reactions. Shampoos are rinsed off within a few minutes of application, but as discussed above, the function of conditioner is to create an artificial barrier of product that stays behind even after rinsing.

In addition to not wanting conditioner residue to stay on the cat’s skin and coat, remember that cats lick themselves frequently; therefore, they can ingest any products left in the coat after grooming. Groomers should be considerate of the types and amounts of products that will remain once the cat leaves the grooming salon.

Cat Breed Standards

While not all cats are show cats, referencing and incorporating breed standards should be something all professional groomers consider. The CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) emphasizes the natural beauty, texture and appearance of each cat’s coat. For instance, the CFA breed standard for Persian cats calls for a long, flowing coat that “stands off the body,” meaning it should be light, airy and voluminous. The use of conditioners can weigh down the coat, causing it to lose its natural fluffiness, resulting in a less desirable appearance.

Similarly, for breeds like the Maine Coon, which are known for their rugged, water-repellent coats, conditioners can alter the coat’s natural texture. This can lead to a soft, silky finish that is contrary to the breed’s standard of a more coarse and resilient coat.

Even shorthaired cats can have different hair colors and textures, which should be enhanced, not covered in product. For example, the Chartreux specifies a coat that is “slightly woolly in texture.” Whether a cat is pedigreed or not, a thorough assessment should be done before each groom so that products and techniques can be chosen to work with that particular cat’s natural features.

Best Practices and Alternatives

Investing in high-quality, cat-specific shampoos is critical. These shampoos are formulated to thoroughly cleanse both hair and skin of excess oils, dirt and debris. Products should be adjusted based on the cat’s coat length, texture, current condition and how frequently they are getting groomed.

Show cats bathed weekly have many more options, including conditioning products as needed, because they are then bathed again within a few days to a week. Whereas a cat that only visits the grooming salon every few months should have a groom that focuses on deep cleansing and degreasing in order to remove the buildup of dead hair and skin oils.

Rinsing thoroughly is a crucial step in cat grooming. Ensuring that all the product is washed out will help in keeping the coat healthy and clean. Since conditioners can be more challenging to rinse out completely, avoiding them simplifies this process.

Once the coat is squeaky clean, it is important to dry them completely down to the skin. Start by using a towel to blot (not rub) excess water and then preferably use a non-heated HV dryer. A flat nozzle is great for blasting water and dead hair out while being incredibly gentle with the cat’s skin and healthy, live hair.

By focusing on pre-bath preparation, using high-quality cat shampoos, ensuring thorough rinsing and adopting proper drying techniques, groomers can achieve the desired results for each cat. Encouraging clients to bring their cat in frequently for bath and blow-dry appointments will also help improve the cat’s coat condition and keep them free from tangles and matting. As with any grooming practice, understanding the unique needs of each cat and tailoring the approach accordingly is essential for success.