Answer: A natural (pig) bristle brush, although more expensive, is undoubtedly better for the coat then one with nylon or other synthetic bristles; these can cause heavy charges of static electricity to build up and lead to breakage of the hairs. A narrow brush with long bristles is often easier to use them one with the broad head. Wire brushes tend to pull out the hairs by their roots, though rubber brush is value able for removing dead hairs which, is swallowed, with cause hairball.
Brushing is valuable in giving sheen to the coat, but coming is more effective in ensuring that all dead hair is removed. A steel comb is usually better then one of plastic or bone, provided that the ends of the teeth are rounded so as not scratch the skin. In general, two different spacing of teeth are required; a wide spacing for preliminary combing (especially in log-haired breeds); and a medium spacing for thorough combing. These different teeth spacing may be arranged as either end of the long comb. However, a comb with a handle is often easier to use so either two combs needed are one which is double sided. In addition, a fine comb can be used around the face and even all over on the short-haired breeders.
The teeth of the comb should be inserted down to the skin for the combing to be effective. A carder or slicker brush may be helpful in removing matter hair from long-haired animals but is by no means essential.
With grooming, as with many other tasks, there is a happy medium; it need to be done thoroughly all over, but forcing the comb out through mats will tug out living as well as dead hair. Excessive brushing will cause many hairs to break.
Provided grooming beings at an early age and is continued regularly, most cats will tolerate and often enjoy it. It is important no to stand nonsense or the cat may believe that if it struggles enough you will stop. Grasp it gently but firmly by the scruff and carry on until the job is finished. Usually it is best performed with the cat standing on a bench or table to catch the loss hairs.
