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If Fluffy’s brush is starting to look a little, well, fluffy, then it might be time to clean the brush. Grooming your cat with a dirty brush spreads the trapped dust and dander back through your cat’s coat, leading to mats over time. Here’s how to effectively clean any type of brush so that you’ll be ready for the next brushing session with your favorite feline.
Before You Begin
Prep your cleaning station by filling a clean jar or deep bowl that’s at least the width of your brush with equal parts warm water and vinegar, or warm water with a few drops of your cat’s shampoo. Stir. Lay a towel out on a flat surface for your brush to dry.
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The 5 Steps to a Squeaky-Clean Brush
1. Remove the trapped fur
Using a fine-toothed comb, rake the old fur out of your cat’s brush and pluck out the loose tufts with your fingers. Throw away the loose fur.
2. Soak your brush
Plunge the bristled part of your brush into the vinegar-water or soap-water mixture and let sit for 5-30 minutes. Watch as the water gets cloudy as the particles start to break up and float.
3. Rinse
Run your brush under hot water to rinse out the vinegar or soap, making sure all of the dander and fur is out.
4. Dry your brush
Lay your brush bristle-side down on the towel to dry. Let dry completely before using it on your pet.
5. Optional: Disinfect your brush
Some cat parents prefer to disinfect their brush before using it again, especially if they use the same tool to groom multiple cats. You can use a pet-safe disinfectant, or 1 part bleach to 32 parts water spray, rinse thoroughly, and let it dry completely before you use it on your cat.
How Often Should I Clean My Brush?
Treat your cat’s brush as your own. Clean it every couple of weeks or as needed if you use it for a single cat. You might prefer to clean it after every brushing session if you use it on multiple cats.
How Often Should I Brush My Cat?
Long-haired cats typically need to be brushed daily, as opposed to short-haired cats who require weekly brushings. This is because the lengthy fur that’s shed from a long-haired cat can get tangled up in their coat if it’s not brushed away. Although all cats with fur shed year-round, spring and fall tend to be the heaviest shedding seasons as cats prepare for the major changes in temperature.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your cat’s brush clean is a vital part of your cat’s overall hygiene. You should clean the brush as it gets dirty, or every time if your cat is sick. You also might want to clean your brush after every grooming session if it’s shared with other cats.
Featured Image Credit: Impact Photography, Shutterstock
