by Carrie Schutrick

Created on: February 13, 2009

Anyone who owns a long-haired cat knows that their pet's fur needs to be groomed to keep it healthy. But what you may not know is that short-haired cats love to be groomed too, for reasons that have to do with the way cats think.

If you've ever watched a pair of cats snuggling together, you've probably noticed that they groom each other as a way of expressing affection, purring all the while. Even a cat whose fur is perfectly in place will be happy to let a beloved friend groom her; it's one of the ways cats bond with each other.

Similarly, when your cat licks your hand or face she's indulging in the same behavior. She likes you (Don't ever let anyone tell you your cat doesn't like you!) and wants to demonstrate it, so she's attempting to groom you. You don't have fur to arrange, of course, but the sentiment is there nonetheless.

So even if your cat has short fur that she can keep neat on her own, a little brushing can help your relationship deepen. Simply petting her with your bare hand is fine and she'll enjoy it, but the action of the brush feels more like the tongue of another cat.

Getting started in a grooming routine with your cat is easy, especially if she likes to sit in your lap or next to you at regular times. You can buy cat brushes at any pet supply source; just keep it near your usual spot until the next time she comes over to join you. If you've never brushed her before, you might want to start by petting for a few minutes before picking up the brush, so she'll know the new sensation is meant to be friendly. Don't brush too hard, and stop if she doesn't seem to be enjoying it-but odds are good she'll love being brushed. Keep things short, maybe five minutes at a time, unless she makes it obvious she wants you to keep brushing. Try to maintain a regular grooming schedule, say at about the same time every evening, and soon enough your cat will be looking forward to it. If she's not in the mood on a given evening, don't brush her; everyone has days when they just want to be left alone, and cats are no exception.

Aside from the bonding you and your cat can do with a grooming ritual, there are a few practical benefits to consider-for one thing, she'll get fewer hairballs. And while every cat owner knows you can never get rid of ALL the cat hair, at least there will be less of it floating around! Plus, a regular close view of her fur will let you detect and flea problems and nip them in the bud before they can get out of control.

But practicalities aside, the real reason to groom your cat is because she (or he; there's no gender limit) will like it. It'll bring you closer to your pet, and probably be just as good for your mood as it is for hers.

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