Elevate Your Cat Grooming Through Breed-Centric Approaches

Better Cat Grooming

by Lynn Paolillo

hen it comes to the world of pet grooming, much attention is often directed towards dogs. Grooming techniques, products, and discussions largely revolve around the diverse breeds and patterns that canines possess. But what about our feline friends? Cats come in just as many varieties, each with their own unique needs and characteristics that warrant special attention.

While haircuts like the Lion Cut and other services like nail trims and nail caps may be similar across most cats, the foundation of each groom should focus on enhancing the natural beauty and features of each cat. Here we’ll cover some common cat breeds and the different grooming techniques that apply to each, as well as how they can be applied to the domestic shorthairs and longhairs likely filling your schedule.

Common Cat Breeds

Persians: While their signature smushy face stands out among other cat breeds, the Persian coat is both luxurious and full. Prone to matting, the best approach for this coat is deep cleansing with a degreaser and/or clarifying shampoo so that any excess dead hair or clumps comb out more easily. A clean coat and blow-drying against the growth of the hair create the ideal voluminous look of the Persian and Himalayan. A small amount of trimming immediately above their eyes and the hairs growing off the tips of their ears assist in the overall look of roundness this breed requires. Plucking dead hair just below the cheeks creates a round cheek separate from their jaw line. Otherwise, the Persian is left full and natural, including their toe tufts, or hairs growing in between the paw pads and toes.

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Siamese: In stark contrast to the Persian, these sleek and short-coated cats require much less intensive grooming care, as the likelihood of mats and tangles are much lower. However, they still benefit from bathing with simple cleansing shampoos, drying with the growth of the hair and brushing with a soft, natural bristle brush. This helps to smooth their coat so that it is flat against the body and more evenly distributes the oils from their skin, thus providing a natural shine without needing additional products.

In the show ring, it is common to see exhibitors carrying their Siamese cats in chamois cloths to keep the oils from their own hands off their cats’ coats so as to keep a clean, sleek look.

Maine Coons: As one of the largest domestic cat breeds, Maine Coons have dense fur that can benefit from regular brushing to prevent matting. However, the ideal look is natural without any sculpting or volumizing. Coats should be groomed regularly to maintain a good balance of a full undercoat without excess dead hair which can lead to matting. The ear tips and tufts should be left alone, as they are a recognizable feature of this breed.

Note: While ideally this breed is kept in full coat, I have many Maine Coon cats in my grooming salon that are kept in more low-maintenance haircuts. When doing a Lion Cut or Comb Cut, I prefer to leave their tail full, as well as a fuller ruff and mane. This maintains the overall look their owners love while keeping their body shorter to prevent any problems.

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Sphynx: Even though this breed is hairless, their lack of fur doesn’t mean they are maintenance-free. These cats require regular bathing to keep their skin clean and healthy, as many have a buildup of oils, especially around their nail beds, ears and some skin folds. A warm bath with gentle, fragrance-free cat shampoo is all this breed needs to keep them in tip-top shape.

Frequency can depend on how quickly their excess oils are visible, with many needing weekly baths to remove the buildup. A soft baby toothbrush or washcloth can provide a bit of gentle exfoliating around the nail beds and chin area for any blackheads, etc.

Scottish Folds: Known for their unique folded ears, these cats should have their ears cleaned regularly to prevent buildup. Their coats can also be very dense and hairy in both the shorthaired and longhaired varieties. Regular bath, blow-dry and comb-outs will be necessary to keep them from getting clumpy and matted, and to keep their shedding and hairballs to a minimum as well. A comb with staggered teeth for deshedding can be very beneficial for these cats. Just make sure to avoid over brushing, as it can be irritating to the cat’s skin. Breeds with a similarly thick, dense coat are the British Shorthair and Exotic Shorthair.

Applying Techniques to Domestic Shorthairs and Longhairs

While cat breeds offer distinct grooming challenges and opportunities, the majority of feline clients in a grooming salon will be domestic shorthairs and longhairs. These cats may not have breed-specific traits, but they can still benefit from having their coats and overall grooming needs assessed and techniques tweaked to be the best fit for each.

When assessing a cat as it arrives at the salon, take care to notice the feel of their coat. Is it soft and plush, silky and flat-lying, or more coarse and thick? Products, tools and techniques should then be chosen based on:

Solving any coat problems the cat is currently experiencing (clumps, tangles, matting, etc.)
If there are any similarities to specific breeds
Improving on what the cat already has

An example of this might be selecting a color-enhancing shampoo that makes the striking markings of a shorthaired red tabby really stand out. Or taking care to blow-dry and comb with the growth of a flat-lying coat for a cat that resembles a Turkish Angora. Or perhaps leaving a fuller mane on a rescued cat the owner believes may be a Siberian or Maine Coon.

In the world of pet grooming, cats often play second fiddle to dogs. However, recognizing the importance of adapting grooming techniques can revolutionize the way we care for the cats in the grooming salon.

Be sure to remember that this would not override the need to solve any problems like matting, hairballs, etc., as correcting those would be the first priority. After those are relieved, then a long-term grooming care plan can incorporate more enhancing products and techniques.

In the world of pet grooming, cats often play second fiddle to dogs. However, recognizing the importance of adapting grooming techniques can revolutionize the way we care for the cats in the grooming salon.

Each cat breed comes with its own set of grooming challenges and artistic opportunities. So whether it’s the Himalayan with a luxurious coat, the striking patterns of a Bengal or the domestic longhair that resembles a Ragdoll, tailoring your grooming techniques to suit these breeds will not only make your job easier, but will also contribute to the health and happiness of the cats you care for.

Just as dog groomers consider breed groups and coat types, feline groomers can elevate their craft by embracing the diversity of cat breeds and providing them with the grooming care they deserve.

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